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The red diesel lies

Several states and the Federal government have temporarily legalized the use of red dyed, off-road and agricultural diesel fuel in highway vehicles but here is what they’re not talking about.

4 min readOct 6, 2026

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Photo by Marius Matuschzik on Unsplash

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Before I begin, allow me to present a little background information about myself. I spent over 30 years and over 3 million miles driving heavy class-8 trucks and tractor-trailers for a living. I also spent several years working in the construction industry and operating diesel powered construction equipment. I’ve know the difference between red dyed, off-road and agricultural diesel, and on-road highway diesel since my teens as I first learned to drive in my Daddy’s tractor-trailer.

Just to be clear, everything I’m about to tell you is easily verified by anyone who takes the time to use his or her favorite search engine.

Red dyed diesel is chemically the same as clear diesel, works just as well in engines as regular diesel, and is dyed so that law enforcement can spot tax-free fuel.

Red dyed diesel is used in farm equipment, construction equipment, generators, boats, ships, and industrial equipment. It is also used extensively by…

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Billy Jones
Billy Jones

Written by Billy Jones⁠

I'm just a retired long-haul trucker who exchanged his rig for pen, paper, and keyboard.