Red diesel has a dye applied to it to distinguish it from the other two fuels. This permits authorities, such as Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the United Kingdom, to determine if the fuel is being used illegally in vehicles on the road. With such a large savings to be had by using red diesel the risk of getting caught hasn’t deterred many users from breaking the law the UK government predicts that taxpayers will lose more than £80 million per year in missed tax income.
With such a lucrative profession, many alternative ways for avoiding discovery have been developed. The removal of the red coloring from the diesel is one of the most popular. In the United Kingdom, the diesel is colored with a diazo dye called Solvent Red 19, 24, or 26. Fraudsters can remove the color by using an acid or alkali to render the dye colorless, or by employing activated charcoal to extract the dye from the fuel.
Does cat litter clean red diesel?
At Lincoln Crown Court, a man who perpetrated a fraud involving red diesel fuel was granted a suspended sentence.
Marius Legavicius utilized cat litter to remove the red dye from the diesel fuel, which has a reduced excise duty.
Legavicius was detained in September 2016 after customs officers raided his home in Moulton, according to prosecutor Andrew Scott.
When the policemen discovered the gun, they phoned the cops “Laundering” equipment that allowed the red dye to be removed by filtering it through ground-down cat litter granules.
The prosecutor said, ” “He also admitted to selling large quantities to friends for 90p per litre.
“He stated that he had sold approximately 200 litres. He claimed he had no idea it was prohibited to wash red diesel.
“Someone has purchased the diesel, as well as the necessary equipment, and has built up a system to clean the fuel.
Red fuel has a reduced duty rate and is only sold for use in agricultural and construction vehicles.
Legavicius, 34, of Moulton’s Hallgate, admitted to defrauding the court. He was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for a year, with 120 hours of unpaid community service.
In mitigation, Edna Leonard argued that her client should not be sentenced to prison right away.
He works more than 60 hours a week at a car wash, according to her, and was able to complete an unpaid work order.
How do you make red fuel green?
Add a gallon of red fuel to a gallon of 2 stroke motor oil (the one I’ve been using is from Amsoil and is green) and it will turn the red fuel to a dark green. I know this because I’ve done it myself. They can only get a sample through the tank hose, and mine has an anti rollover valve, so they can’t dip my tank.
How do you get green dye out of diesel?
A Farmers and other companies can buy diesel at a lower cost than other road users for economic reasons. The government identifiers have been removed from washed fuel, which is red or green diesel that has been filtered using chemicals or acids. Green diesel is the Republic of Ireland’s equivalent of red diesel in the United Kingdom.
A The dye is relatively easy to remove with a bleaching agent; the most recent way is to utilize silicon dioxide, which may leave the fuel colorless in two hours. The silicon dioxide is placed in a tank of green diesel, and the air is pumped through using a compressor. Previously, the colour was filtered out using coal and even cat litter.
A large number of dissident republican paramilitaries are involved. Counter-terrorism measures, according to PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott, are linked with investigations into organized crime. “They (republican criminals) are dumping the diesel where they used to dump the bodies,” UUP MLA Danny Kennedy, who represents sections of South Armagh, said.
A According to HMRC, the UK government lost almost £70 million in revenue in Northern Ireland in 2012.
A The fuel costs roughly £1.11 per litre, which is significantly less than legitimate fuel. However, it has the potential to damage automobile engines.
In only one year, nearly half a million pounds was spent cleaning up waste from fuel laundering in Northern Ireland. To make no-duty-paid fuel harder to identify, the laundering process produces a hazardous sludge. Prior to his departure, then-Environmental Minister Alex Attwood stated that the agency in charge of combating it was ineffectual.
What happens if you get caught with red diesel?
The HMRC will charge you for the restoration of your vehicle’s system to clean your tank and filters to remove the marker dye if you’re caught using it illegally. For its removal, you will be charged a price. Your vehicle may be impounded, or you may be charged back for the cost difference between red diesel and road diesel for the time you’ve been driving it.
Is it illegal to use red diesel?
Red diesel is regular mineral diesel that has been dyed red to indicate a lower duty rate. The colour and the chemical indicators it contains have no effect on the fuel’s usage or function.
Because red diesel is a rebated fuel, it is taxed at a lower rate than regular white diesel found at gas stations around the country.
The use of red diesel in automobiles on public highways is prohibited (although there are some exceptions such as when gritting roads). Most off-road vehicles, machinery, and commercial heating systems can run on gas oil.
Can red diesel damage my engine?
Red diesel will not harm your car because it is the same gasoline as white diesel with the addition of a red colour. There are a few circumstances in which you can put red diesel in a car, such as if your vehicle has completed a SORN (Statutory Off-Road-Notification) but even if you do this, your fuel tank will be stained, and removing the SORN from the car will cause legal issues if you ever want to get it back on the road.
Can you take the dye out of off-road diesel?
Using the litter box method, you may easily remove red dye from your fuel diesel. This procedure can eliminate the colour and return you to regular diesel in as little as a few minutes.
How can you tell if someone is using red diesel?
HMRC must conduct dip testing to find a marker dye within the fuel or tank in order to test for the usage of gas oil. The red color is introduced to help people recognize it as red diesel. What is blue diesel, exactly?
How do I get red diesel out of my tank?
No, your truck will be alright on this diesel. The main variation is in color, not in the components. It’s strictly for off-road use, as indicated by the red colour. It’s coloured red to make it visible to government officers if you’re using it illegally. Be aware that if you’re discovered driving on US highways, you could face a ticket and a hefty fine.
Off-road diesel will run your automobile if it runs on diesel. However, as previously said, if you use it illegally and are detected, you will be penalized by both the state and federal governments. Because that is sometimes the only fuel available in the event of a natural disaster, you are unlikely to be penalized.
Technically, you can, because the color is the only difference. We’ve heard of cases where someone bought a truck that ran on off-road diesel and then switched to regular diesel. In that situation, the new owner just switched to regular diesel and the vehicle performed admirably.
The distinguishing red dye is the most noticeable variation, and there may also be a difference in sulfur levels. Furthermore, because this agricultural fuel is designed for heavy machinery, it heats up quickly.
Driving until the tank is completely empty is the simplest way to get rid of the red dye. Then pour in a couple gallons of or normal diesel and let it run for a while. Repeat this process numerous times. If you want to be sure it’s gone, have your repair flush the gasoline system.
No, it isn’t possible. Except for the colour, it’s identical as on-road diesel. If you have a diesel engine, you can use farm fuel to power it. Just make sure you’re not breaking any laws when you use it.
Some people believe it is “tax-free,” but depending on the state, it may or may not be. Here’s a list of states with information on gasoline tax exemptions. When you’re permitted to use this type of fuel off-road, you’ll either pay less at the pump or get a refund on your fuel tax.
You could be charged with “Motor Fuel Tax Evasion” if you’re caught and convicted. Is it really worth it to save money on gas? Here’s what the IRS has to say about it:
“What are the Consequences?” In general, no coloured fuel should be used in highway vehicles. The Internal Revenue Code stipulates a penalty of $1,000 or $10 per gallon, whichever is larger, with payment of the tax for each violation. Additional fines may be imposed by states.”
Mixing the two types of diesel fuels is not a problem, however red diesel has a higher sulfur level than green. It’s also known as green fuel because it’s environmentally beneficial. It’s either light green or transparent in appearance.
This is subject to change. If you’re unsure, you can dip a tube in your tank and pull out a sample to see what color it is; there are also manual dipstick kits and black lights available. However, the gas does not remain in your tank; it passes through your fuel system. If you’re worried, take it to your mechanic to have the system flushed.
