Be Careful, Red-Dyed Diesel is Still Illegal for Road Use in Montana

A quick glance towards the gas station sign with prices is all it takes to make my heart skip a beat.  Prices for gas aren't the greatest if you like to drive, and if you own a diesel vehicle, it is even worse.

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President Donald Trump is attempting to help those consumers at the pump, signing an executive order this week that will "temporarily allow off-road “dyed” diesel for highway use and defer the applicable Federal excise tax, lowering costs for Americans."

However, you might want to hold off on reaching for the red nozzle at the pump; Montana law for dyed diesel is still in effect.

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Be Careful, Red-Dyed Diesel is Still Illegal for Road Use in Montana

According to the Montana Department of Transportation, dyed red diesel is only allowable in vehicles intended for off-road use only.  For instance, farm tractors and home heating are exempt from the law.  But your 3/4-ton pickup running on it isn't legal on roadways.

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And despite the new ruling this week from President Trump, the Montana Department of Transportation has issued a short statement on whether or not Montana residents will be allowed to use it:

(the) Montana statute banning use of dyed diesel on the state's public roads remains in full effect

The department did state that if more information is attained regarding dyed diesel on roads, it would be released to the public as soon as possible.

Penalties Pretty Steep for Using Dyed Diesel Fuel on Montana Public Roads

If you think you want to risk it, you may want to check the penalties for using dyed diesel on Montana roads first before filling up:

• 1st Offense: Up to $1,000.00 - Civil Penalty
• 2nd Offense: Up to $5,000.00 - Civil Penalty
• 3rd Offense: Criminal Penalty - minimum fine $535.00 - maximum $1,000.00 or by imprisonment for not less than 30 days or more than 6 months, or both.

You can learn more about President Trump's Executive Order here, or more about the Montana law regarding dyed diesel here.