Alberta Farm Vehicles Challenged in Montana

Alberta Agriculture and Food is advising farmers to only use clear, taxed fuel when driving in Montana and possibly other states.

From the Jan 21, 2008 Issue of Agri-News:

Montana does not allow the use of marked (dyed) fuel in licensed vehicles. Alberta farmers, with farm plated vehicles, using marked gasoline or diesel fuel, are subject to fines when operating south of the border.

“All U.S. states and Canadian provinces legislate traffic regulations, including those for fuel tax,” says Dale Dowswell, program policy specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Food, Edmonton. “The four Western Canadian provinces allow tax exempt fuel in vehicles registered for farm use. These vehicles normally operate within or across those jurisdictions without problem. Since no other province, nor any U.S. state, allows marked fuel in licensed vehicles, farmers may be fined for using marked fuel in those areas.”

The situation in the U.S. is further complicated because dyed diesel may not meet the current low or ultra low sulphur standards. This could result in licensed vehicles being subject to federal regulations and additional fines if they are fueled with marked diesel.

Alberta farmers may think that their dyed Alberta gasoline or diesel is different, and therefore exempt from the state legislation. Enforcement officers may not agree!

The Farm Fuel office in Edmonton has been contacted by Montana authorities asking that farmers be advised to use only clear, taxed fuel when driving in that state. It is very possible that other states have the same view.

Contact: Dale Dowswell 780-427-3144

This material, including copyright and marks under the Trade Marks Act (Canada), is owned by the Government of Alberta and protected by intellectual property law.

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