West Virginia § 16-43-2 - 16-43-2. Engine coolant and antifreeze; bittering agent required; penalty; exceptions.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 16-43-2 — 16-43-2. Engine coolant and antifreeze; bittering agent required; penalty; exceptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-43-2. 16-43-2. Engine coolant and antifreeze; bittering agent required; penalty; exceptions.
(a) Any engine coolant or antifreeze manufactured in this state after January 1, 2012, or sold after that date within West Virginia that contains more than ten percent ethylene glycol shall include not less than thirty parts per million and not more than fifty parts per million denatonium benzoate as a bittering agent in order to render the coolant or antifreeze unpalatable.
(b) A manufacturer, processor, distributor, recycler or seller of an engine coolant or antifreeze that is required to contain the bittering agent set forth in subsection (a) of this section is not liable to any person for any personal injury, death, property damage, damage to the environment or economic loss that results from the inclusion of denatonium benzoate in any engine coolant or antifreeze, if the inclusion of denatonium benzoate is present in concentrations as mandated by subsection (a) of this section. The limitation on liability does not apply to a particular liability to the extent that the cause of the liability is unrelated to the inclusion of denatonium benzoate in any engine coolant or antifreeze.
(c) The provisions of this section do not apply to:
(1) The sale of a motor vehicle that contains engine coolant or antifreeze;
(2) A wholesale container of engine coolant or antifreeze designed to contain fifty-five gallons or more of engine coolant or antifreeze; and
(3) Engine coolant or antifreeze reformulated through on site recycling.
(d) Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $100. Each day of violation is a separate offense.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 16-43-2
What does West Virginia Code § 16-43-2 cover?
Section 16-43-2 ("16-43-2. Engine coolant and antifreeze; bittering agent required; penalty; exceptions.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. 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 West Virginia § 16-43-2?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 16-43-2" (West Virginia). 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 West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 16-43-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.