Utah § 59-13-320.5 - Use of dyed diesel on highways prohibited -- Penalty.
Full text of Utah Utah Code § 59-13-320.5 — Use of dyed diesel on highways prohibited -- Penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 59-13-320.5. Use of dyed diesel on highways prohibited -- Penalty.
Effective 5/6/2026 59-13-320.5.
Use of dyed diesel on highways prohibited -- Penalty.
(1)
A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a highway if a fuel supply tank of the motor vehicle contains dyed diesel fuel, unless:
(a)
permitted under federal law;
(b)
(i)
the motor vehicle is used on the highway only to travel from one parcel of land owned or operated by the owner to another parcel of land owned or operated by the owner; and
(ii)
the motor vehicle's travel on the highway is necessary for furtherance of agricultural purposes; or
(c)
the motor vehicle is special mobile equipment, as defined in Section 41-1a-102, including off-road motorized construction or maintenance equipment, that is only incidentally operated or moved on a highway in connection with a construction project.
(2)
A person who violates Subsection (1) shall pay a penalty assessed by the commission as follows:
(a)
the greater of $500 or $5 per gallon of dyed diesel fuel within each fuel supply tank of the motor vehicle, based on the maximum storage capacity of each fuel supply tank; or
(b)
for a second and subsequent offense, the greater of $1,000 or $10 per gallon of dyed diesel fuel within each fuel supply tank of the motor vehicle, based on the maximum storage capacity of each fuel supply tank.
(3)
The penalty imposed under this section:
(a)
is in addition to any other taxes, interest, or penalties imposed under this chapter; and
(b)
shall be deposited in the Transportation Fund.
(4)
Upon making a record of its actions, and upon reasonable cause shown, the commission may waive, reduce, or compromise the penalty imposed under this section.
(5)
(a)
A government official, including a law enforcement officer, may not inspect the fuel from a fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle to determine if the fuel supply tank contains dyed diesel fuel unless the official:
(i)
subject to Subsection (5)(b), has probable cause to believe that the operator or owner of the motor vehicle is in violation of this section;
(ii)
has received consent from the operator or owner of the motor vehicle to inspect the fuel; or
(iii)
is conducting the search at a port-of-entry in accordance with Section 72-9-501 for the purpose of checking the motor vehicle for compliance with state and federal laws.
(b)
The act of driving a motor vehicle that uses diesel fuel on a highway, without additional facts indicating a potential violation of this section, does not constitute sufficient facts to establish probable cause for an official, including a law enforcement officer, to inspect the fuel from a fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle under Subsection (5)(a)(i).
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 59-13-320.5
What does Utah Code § 59-13-320.5 cover?
Section 59-13-320.5 ("Use of dyed diesel on highways prohibited -- Penalty.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 59-13-320.5?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 59-13-320.5" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 59-13-320.5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
