Can You Get A Fine For Using Red Diesel?

Red Diesel, also known as off-road diesel or agricultural diesel, is a type of fuel that is different from normal diesel that you would find at a petrol pump.

The diesel fuel is known to be marked with red dye and intended for use in off-road vehicles and machinery such as tractors, forklifts, and construction equipment.

At times, individuals and businesses have misused red diesel in on-road vehicles which can lead to legal consequences. In this blog, we will discuss the legal factors of using red diesel and the potential fines that may come your way if found misusing red diesel.

What Is Red Diesel?

Before identifying the legal factors and fines of red diesel, it is important that you are aware of what red diesel is and why it exists. Red diesel is another type of diesel fuel chemically identical to regular white diesel but is marked with a red dye to outline its different purposes.

The primary reason the diesel is marked with red dye is taxation. The purpose of dyeing the fuel is to allow the government to identify if individuals or businesses are paying the correct amount for their usage of red diesel.

Legal Uses Of Red Diesel

Red diesel can be bought however, it can only be legally used in specific off-road applications, encompassing various sectors, including agriculture, construction, forestry, marine, and more. These legal applications include:

Agricultural Equipment

Red diesel is commonly used in the farming industry to fuel vehicles and machinery that are used off-road. Farmers can legally apply red diesel in their tractors, combine harvesters, and other farming equipment that they require to go around their daily work.

Construction Equipment

Construction companies heavily rely on diesel fuel to allow their machinery equipment such as bulldozers, generators, and cranes to operate on a regular basis at their sites.

Operating off-road makes red diesel a more suitable product for construction companies to utilise and keep their sites running efficiently by following the legal factors that come with using red diesel.

Forestry Machinery

In the forestry sector, red diesel is a common choice for equipment like chainsaws, skidders, and log splitters, all of which are employed in logging and forestry operations.

Forestry machinery typically operates off-road in remote environments, such as forests and woodlands. Red diesel aligns with this setting, as it is specifically designated for off-road use, eliminating the need for vehicles or equipment to travel on public roads.

Legal Consequences

The use of red diesel in on-road vehicles designed for public road use is illegal in the UK. When individuals or businesses misuse red diesel in this manner, it can lead to various legal consequences, including fines and penalties. The specific penalties and enforcement mechanisms can vary, but the following outcomes are typical:

Fines

If found misusing red diesel on public roads you or your business could face a considerable fine. The amount of the fine can differ depending on the circumstances of the misuse of the product. To avoid your business receiving a substantial fine ensure that you are aware of the legal factors before purchasing red diesel for your business.

Vehicle Seizure

In more severe cases of misusing red diesel, businesses may see their vehicles or equipment being seized by law enforcement agencies. This may have a substantial impact on the way your business can function on a day-to-day basis.

Misunderstanding the laws of using red diesel can lead to a loss in the number of vehicles and machinery equipment your business currently obtains.

Legal Action

Individuals or businesses caught using red diesel illegally may face legal action, which could result in criminal charges.

Keeping accurate records of fuel usage, educating employees, and regular inspections can help demonstrate compliance and minimise the risk of misusing red diesel.

Legal Alternatives For Your Business

To avoid fines when using red diesel, it is important that as an individual or business, you have a good understanding of the laws, regulations, and alternatives to red diesel.

Know The Legal Uses

Familiarise yourself with the legal uses of red diesel in your region. In the United Kingdom, red diesel is primarily intended for off-road applications, such as agriculture, construction, forestry, and marine use. Ensure that you are using it for its intended purpose.

Educate Employees

If you run a business that uses red diesel, ensure that your employees are aware of the legal restrictions and consequences of misuse. Providing training and guidance to your employees will ensure everyone understands the importance of compliance to prevent legal action on the business.

Use The Right Fuel

Only use red diesel in vehicles and equipment that are explicitly permitted to use it for off-road purposes. Never use red diesel in on-road vehicles or machinery unless you have the appropriate authorisation as you could face a fine or legal action.

Red Diesel At Pleavin Petroleum

If you are looking to purchase Red Diesel, Pleavin Petroleum guarantees same-day delivery once you place an order.

Our team here at Pleavin Petroleum is dedicated to providing you with reliable and high-quality red diesel when in need of our services.

It is vital you ensure you are aware of the legal factors when looking to use red diesel for your business to prevent jeopardising the reputation of the business.

It is also important to be aware of the prices of red diesel. Check out our guide here.