What Is Red Diesel Fuel, And Can Any Truck Use It?

Red diesel fuel has such a unique color and is so hard to come by that you might think it’s some kind of high-performance fuel. Actually, it’s just regular diesel with a very specific purpose and a strict set of rules around who can use it. Red diesel fuel is not any chemically different from standard diesel, but it is dyed in a deep red hue. That’s because red diesel is meant specifically for off-road vehicles, and regulators need a way to differentiate it from standard diesel.

Also sometimes referred to as off-road diesel, red diesel is the go-to fuel for vehicles that see their most usage in an off-road capacity, including bulldozers, cranes, and tractors. It’s cheaper than normal diesel because it isn’t taxed for road use. But don’t let the discount tempt you, as using red diesel in a regular truck or car on public roads is illegal. The fines are no joke and can cost you upwards of $1,000, depending on which state you’re in and how much you’re found to be in possession of. 

The fuel itself is dyed with substances, like Solvent Red 26 or Red 164, and often has a higher sulfur content than standard diesel. Though it’s just as effective as regular diesel, you likely won’t find it at your neighborhood gas station. Instead, it’s distributed through approved vendors. While no special license is needed to buy it, sellers must be certified to handle and distribute dyed fuels under federal rules.

The whole idea behind red diesel fuel is to cut costs for industries that rely on heavy machinery but don’t use public roads. Typically, fuel taxes go back into maintaining highways and infrastructure, so it makes sense that vehicles that don’t use those roads are exempt. Technically speaking, many powerful diesel trucks can run on red diesel with no performance issues. The dye doesn’t damage engines, and the fuel’s power output is nearly identical to standard diesel. 

However, the moment that dyed fuel is burned on a public road, it becomes a tax violation. Inspectors at weigh stations or roadside checks can test your tank and fine you if they find traces of dye. You may even be subject to back taxes or jail time in extreme cases. There are rare exceptions, such as during natural disasters or an official state of emergency, wherein the government may permit red diesel use. It’s also permitted for certain road shows, carnivals, or county fairs. Outside of those situations, it’s simply not worth the risk. Using it illegally can not only hurt your wallet but also damage your business’ reputation. While your truck may run just fine on it, red diesel is best left to the fields, job sites, and fairgrounds — not the freeway.