Red Diesel Laws Explained

Red diesel has long been in use as an off-road fuel for industrial and agricultural purposes. You may have heard of it or even seen it advertised in rural petrol forecourts, but recent law changes due to come into effect in April 2022 have put it back in the spotlight for those who rely heavily on gas oil.

For those unfamiliar with what red diesel is or what the laws and the changes might mean, we’ve created this short explainer. We’re going to talk you through all things red diesel, so let’s start by clearing up what it actually is.

What is red diesel?

In reality, red diesel is not that much different to regular diesel. It is a normal mineral diesel that gets dyed red in order to distinguish it from clear diesel. This is so that the authorities can conduct spot checks and ensure red diesel is only being used by those authorised to do so.

If they’re the same in terms of their function, what’s the dye for? Well, it’s because red diesel is provided as a rebated fuel, taxed at a lower rate for use in off-road vehicles, machinery and even in some heating systems. 

Technically, any vehicle that can use ordinary diesel can use red diesel, but it’s not to be used in regular road vehicles. Construction vehicles and farming vehicles are prominent users right now, while backup generators in other commercial industries also operate on this fuel.

What are the laws surrounding its use?

You are not legally allowed to use red diesel in road vehicles without signing an RDCO form with an authorised supplier, since it is taxed at a different rate. General road vehicles should be buying and using standard diesel. 

Red diesel itself is not an illegal product, it’s just restricted for use in anything other than an off-road vehicle. Since it is a criminal offence to use red diesel unless in the permitted sectors, your fuel could be seized and a penalty given. For serious offences, unlimited fines and imprisonment for up to 7 years can be handed out.

Recent law changes for red diesel

The law surrounding who can still use red diesel is going to change from April 1st 2022. This is in an effort to force more industries to lower emissions by taking up alternative fuels or electrifying their fleets.

The following are still permitted to use red diesel:

• Vehicles and machinery in the agriculture, horticulture, fish farming and forestry industries
• Passenger, freight and maintenance vehicles that run on rail tracks
• Non-commercial premises for heating and electricity 
• Maintenance and heating for community amateur sports clubs and golf courses
• Marine craft in the UK (not extended to private pleasure crafts in Northern Ireland)
• Machinery and caravans of travelling fairs or circuses

This means that there are plenty of sectors affected, requiring them to use regular diesel with the higher rate of tax or find an alternative. Construction, aviation and mining are just a few of those who will be heavily hit. 

The move was announced in the 2020 budget, but if you’re still unclear on whether you’ll be permitted to use red diesel in your vehicles come April 2022, you should check government guidance for yourself via gov.uk.

Where can I buy red diesel?

The best place to buy red diesel is from a specialist supplier who can legally sell the fuel. This is because it is not on general sale, but there are still a few petrol forecourts that are allowed to sell it, predominantly in rural locations due to the demand from agricultural vehicles.

Other things to consider

It is up to you to understand and conform with the law changes concerning red diesel, but here are some other things to consider:

• These new rules don’t prevent further rules changes or restrictions, so ensure you stay on top of the latest developments.
• If you previously used red diesel then the inside of your engine may be stained, but the government has asked people not to flush their system as it can be extremely damaging to the environment if disposed of improperly. Instead, you should run down your current stock and move to a different fuel to ensure the red dye cannot be detected after April 1st 2022.

If you’re looking for the latest parts for your off-road vehicle, whether it’s for use in agricultural work or out on the road generally, you can trust in Milner Off Road. We’ve been leading suppliers of quality, reliable parts since 1981 and provide same-day dispatch to get you the key components you need as quickly as possible.