What are the different colors of diesel fuel?

The U.S. government now requires diesel gas to be sold within three different varieties: clear, red, and blue. Understanding the difference among these fuels – and among the tax and legal implications of each – is critical if you intend to purchase diesel fuel.

Can you change the colour of red diesel?

One of the most common is to remove the red coloration from the diesel. In the UK, a diazo dye — Solvent Red 19, 24 or 26 — is used to colour the diesel. Fraudsters can remove the colour using an acid or alkali which renders the dye colourless, or by stripping the dye from the diesel using activated carbon.

Why are there different colors of diesel?

Diesel that is designated for use by U.S. government vehicles is dyed blue instead of red. This color variation helps to keep clear fuel used by the general public separate from that used by government on-road vehicles. A common misconception about dyed diesel fuel is that it causes loss of performance when used.

What color is diesel fuel dyed if it is for off-road use only?

red
There is no chemical difference between on-road and off-road diesel fuels. On-road diesel, also known as clear diesel, can be purchased at the local gas station. Off-road diesel is dyed red and is sold through bulk distributors. The only differences are in the color, cost, and intended use.

What color is farm diesel?

Red-Dyed diesel – Most dyed diesel sold in the U.S. is red in color – dyed with the chemical additive Solvent Red 26 or 164. Red-dyed gas may only be used in off-road vehicles and applications, including farm tractors, heavy construction equipment, and generators.

What color is winter diesel fuel?

Yellow tint= winter.

How do police know if you use red diesel?

HMRC and the police check for illegal red diesel use by carrying out random spot checks using a dipstick test. The chemical dye added to the fuel is designed to linger in a tank and is almost impossible to remove, so if you’ve used red diesel in the past, you could be caught years down the line.

Does cat litter take the dye out of red diesel?

A man who carried out a scam involving red diesel fuel has been given a suspended jail sentence at Lincoln Crown Court. Marius Legavicius used cat litter to remove the red dye from the diesel fuel which carries a significantly lower level of excise duty.

Why is dyed diesel illegal?

Why is red diesel illegal? Red diesel is illegal for on-road vehicles because it’s not taxed. Federal and state governments have strict standards in place about its use in on-road engines. Distributors and fuel retailers cannot knowingly supply on-road vehicles with this type of fuel.

What color should diesel be?

Gasoline is naturally clear, white, or slightly amber. Diesel comes out clear or yellow.

What is pink diesel fuel?

Dyed diesel fuel often looks pink or red due to the added dye used to distinguish it from regular diesel fuel. It is illegal to used dyed diesel fuel in licensed trucks or automobiles that drive on public roads.

How long does red diesel dye stay in your tank?

1-year
Red diesel will stay in good condition in a tank for up to a year. It is recommended if you have any doubts about the quality of your fuel you get a trusted fuel expert like Beesley Fuels to check it for you. Red diesel has up to 1-year shelf life, providing good storage and maintenance.