Unbelievable - Fined for Running Soybean Oil

[DogDiesel]

AP Article reads different

CITIZEN-TIMES.com: Charlotte man converts car to veggie oil, gets fined by state



Charlotte man converts car to veggie oil, gets fined by state

by The Associated Press

published June 11, 2007 5:43 am

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Charlotte – Thumbing your noise at oil sheiks can cost you in North Carolina.



Bob Teixeira, a Charlotte guitar teacher, took a stand against U. S. dependence on foreign oil last fall and spent $1,200 to convert his 1981 diesel Mercedes to run on vegetable oil. He buys soybean oil in 5-gallon jugs at Costco, which costs him about a third more than diesel.



Despite his good intentions, the state fined Teixeira $1,000 for not paying motor fuel taxes. North Carolina officials also told him that to legally use veggie oil here he'd have to first post a $2,500 bond.



Such penalties have also been levied against other North Carolina drivers whose vehicles were powered by alternative fuels.



"If somebody was going to go to this much trouble to drive around in a car that uses soybean oil, they ought to be exempt" from state taxes, said state Sen. Stan Bingham, R-Davidson, who drives a diesel Volkswagen fueled by used soybean oil that sports a sign reading "Goodbye, OPEC. "



Teixeira and other independent-minded drivers may get a break from the state. The N. C. Department of Revenue, which fined Teixeira, has asked lawmakers to waive the $2,500 bond for small fuel users. Also, Revenue officials told Teixeira the department will compromise on his fine.



But the state's not about to drop its taxes on all fuels used in highway vehicles. North Carolina's 29. 9-cent tax on a gallon of gas generates $1. 2 billion each year to pay for road construction.



"With the high cost of fuel right now, the department does recognize that a lot of people are looking for relief," said Reggie Little, assistant director of the motor fuel taxes division. "We're not here to hurt the small guy, we're just trying to make sure that the playing field is level. "



Few states are prepared to regulate new fuels, according to the National VegOil Board, which promotes vegetable oil fuel.



"State offices do not have the forms to appropriately and fairly deal with VegOil, nor the staff to enforce the non-existent forms," said director Cynthia Shelton. "So either they tell people inquiring about compliance to get lost, or they make them jump through a bunch of arbitrary hoops. "



North Carolina has taken steps toward alternative fuels in official vehicles, with lawmakers in 2005 ordering state agencies to replace 20 percent of their annual petroleum use with alternatives by 2010. Ethanol can be used now in about 6,000 of the state's 8,500 vehicles and the state fleet also includes about 135 gas-electric hybrids.



N. C. Department of Revenue officials noticed Teixeira last month near Lowe's Motor Speedway while they were checking fuel tanks of diesel RVs for illegal fuel. The bumper sticker on his car that reads "Powered by 100% vegetable oil" grabbed their attention.



"It was like some twist of fate that put me there," he said. "It was like I was asking for them to stop me. "



While he believes Revenue officials are simply doing their jobs, Teixeira doesn't think it's fair to lump him in with those who purposely try to avoid fuel taxes.



"Individuals who are trying to do the right thing environmentally cannot and should not continue to take this kind of financial hit," he wrote Gov. Mike Easley.



Teixeira says he'll pay the fine and apply for a state fuel license.



"I'm ready to get myself legal," he said, "and start using vegetable oil again. "

 

[DogDiesel]

I live in NC - my comments

I drive from NC to VA and return each week.



I action my bias to NC.



I fill up in VA each week.

 

[AKaiser]

NO, actually the "key word" is "demand" - demand of WHO, and with what "club" to enforce that demand?



I'm not in favor of many of the things our elected officials force upon me - and I can "demand" all the changes I want - and get laughed out of various politician's offices. Sure, we can vote for guys we THINK and HOPE will better represent our wishes - but isn't that what we did the LAST election?



And look what we got... :{

Actually, the problem isn't with the politicians. It's the "WE" part that's broken down. You see, theres an old saying. It goes something like this: You get the government you deserve. "We" just ain't getting the job done. "WE" aren't banding together and holding the pol's feet to the fire. "WE" are a collective JOKE, because "WE" don't go to the polls as a nation (50% is a pathetic turnout). "WE" have let "Big Money" run the country to their own benefit, and that's both business and special interest groups.



You're RIGHT! One person can't go "demand" anything from the government, but get a whole bunch of us together, that's another story. Your elected officials know that if a whole bunch of people are beating down their door, they might have a problem.



I'm talking about being an ACTIVIST! Why is that such a bad word? Probably because we link it to Anti-war, Greenpeace, PETA, ELF,ALF, and alot of other more extreme left-wing groups like ANSWER, MoveOn.org and groups that many of us would find distasteful on this website. Or maybe it's just because it's "too hard. " I think the Founding Fathers would be disappointed in what this nation is becoming, and probably disappointed in US for not doing something about it.

 

[DogDiesel]

Apathetic People

Whether I'd like to take issue on this topic or not is not relevant. I live for ( 6 Yrs) now in NC, but as an Active Duty Military member, I am prohibited from partitcipating in such political actions by often exercised laws.



However, this is the tip of the iceberg of issues withing NC, having lived in many many states over my career, NC takes new lows on interpretation of what ordinarily would be common sense good laws and rules. The majority of the population is of mindset to be on or take public assistance. Keeping it a barely overall conservative state is that most simply are too unfocused to vote; if they come out an vote, the state is fully liberal.



I have to vote with my feet. This is not where I desire to retire. I do my best to fill up fuel in other states. And this fall, I put NC in my rear view mirror for another state's address. Moving out of NC is a big event for me.

To have my family under the same roof for the first time in four years is my priority.

Wayne

Actually, the problem isn't with the politicians. It's the "WE" part that's broken down. You see, theres an old saying. It goes something like this: You get the government you deserve. "We" just ain't getting the job done. "WE" aren't banding together and holding the pol's feet to the fire. "WE" are a collective JOKE, because "WE" don't go to the polls as a nation (50% is a pathetic turnout). "WE" have let "Big Money" run the country to their own benefit, and that's both business and special interest groups.



You're RIGHT! One person can't go "demand" anything from the government, but get a whole bunch of us together, that's another story. Your elected officials know that if a whole bunch of people are beating down their door, they might have a problem.



I'm talking about being an ACTIVIST! Why is that such a bad word? Probably because we link it to Anti-war, Greenpeace, PETA, ELF,ALF, and alot of other more extreme left-wing groups like ANSWER, MoveOn.org and groups that many of us would find distasteful on this website. Or maybe it's just because it's "too hard. " I think the Founding Fathers would be disappointed in what this nation is becoming, and probably disappointed in US for not doing something about it.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Actually, the problem isn't with the politicians. It's the "WE" part that's broken down. You see, theres an old saying. It goes something like this: You get the government you deserve. "We" just ain't getting the job done. "WE" aren't banding together and holding the pol's feet to the fire. "WE" are a collective JOKE, because "WE" don't go to the polls as a nation (50% is a pathetic turnout). "WE" have let "Big Money" run the country to their own benefit, and that's both business and special interest groups.



You're RIGHT! One person can't go "demand" anything from the government, but get a whole bunch of us together, that's another story. Your elected officials know that if a whole bunch of people are beating down their door, they might have a problem.



I'm talking about being an ACTIVIST! Why is that such a bad word? Probably because we link it to Anti-war, Greenpeace, PETA, ELF,ALF, and alot of other more extreme left-wing groups like ANSWER, MoveOn.org and groups that many of us would find distasteful on this website. Or maybe it's just because it's "too hard. " I think the Founding Fathers would be disappointed in what this nation is becoming, and probably disappointed in US for not doing something about it.

Absolutely correct!



If we let our political responsibilities end at the voting booth, we get what we're getting - and deserve it!



Griping and moaning to others around us might make us feel better for a few minutes - but a message to a Congressman, senator, or a well thought out and worded letter to the local paper for greater exposure will deliver far better results!

 

[Champane Flight]

Bull

If a person wants to run pure bullcrap in their car, it is their buisness. I was told by our local IRS man that red diesel is on the way out, about time! I was also told that the IRS does not levy fines for people who decide to make their own diesel, as long as it is not sold, and as long as it is for personal use. Now the idividual state can, but it would be difficult to enforce. The states as far as I know, do not dip tanks, and must have a warrant to enter your property. Sometimes it is best to keep your mouth shut, your tank full, and your door closed... :-laf

 

[AKaiser]

I live for ( 6 Yrs) now in NC, but as an Active Duty Military member, I am prohibited from partitcipating in such political actions by often exercised laws.

No, you are not. You just can't do it in uniform, on government time, or in any official capacity. You can't say "I'm Private Snuffy, 82d Airborne, US Army, and I think this law is BS. " You can say, I'm Snuffy Smith, and I think this law is BS. " See your JAG office. Your standing, or lack thereof as a citizen/resident of NC may play a part in your ability to affect anything in this case, but your military service doesn't prevent you from making a political statement. It just governs how, when, and under what conditions you can exercise your rights.



From DOD Directive 1344. 10

"Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty"



4. 1. General



4. 1. 1. A member on active duty may:



4. 1. 1. 1. Register, vote, and express his or her personal opinion on political

candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the Armed Forces.



4. 1. 1. 2. Make monetary contributions to a political organization.



4. 1. 1. 3. Attend partisan and nonpartisan political meetings, rallies, or

conventions as a spectator when not in uniform.





4. 1. 2. A member on active duty shall not:



4. 1. 2. 1. Use his or her official authority or influence for interfering with

an election; affecting the course or outcome of an election; soliciting votes for a

particular candidate or issue; or requiring or soliciting political contributions from others.



4. 1. 2. 2. Be a candidate for, hold, or exercise the functions of civil office

except as authorized in paragraphs 4. 2. and 4. 3. , below.



4. 1. 2. 3. Participate in partisan political management, campaigns, or

conventions (unless attending a convention as a spectator when not in uniform).



4. 1. 2. 4. Make campaign contributions to another member of the Armed

Forces or an employee of the Federal Government.



4. 1. 3. Enclosure 3 provides examples of permissible and prohibited political

activities. The examples in enclosure 3 do not supersede other specific requirements and

policies, such as those established by this Directive and DoD Directives 5200. 2 and

1325. 6 (references (c) and (d))



Headquarters, XVIII Airborne Corps & Fort Bragg

Office of the Staff Judge Advocate

ATTN: Legal Assistance Office

Fort Bragg, North Carolina 28307-5000

DSN: 236-6113

Commercial: (910) 396-6113

Location: Fayetteville



Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division

Office of the Staff Judge Advocate

ATTN: Legal Assistance Office

Fort Bragg, North Carolina 28307-5100

DSN: 239-0195

Commercial: (910) 432-0195

Location: Fayetteville



See DOD Directive 1344. 10 http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134410p.pdf

 

[BTowler]

If a person wants to run pure bullcrap in their car, it is their buisness. I was told by our local IRS man that red diesel is on the way out, about time! I was also told that the IRS does not levy fines for people who decide to make their own diesel, as long as it is not sold, and as long as it is for personal use. Now the idividual state can, but it would be difficult to enforce. The states as far as I know, do not dip tanks, and must have a warrant to enter your property. Sometimes it is best to keep your mouth shut, your tank full, and your door closed... :-laf

If you are reffering to on board fuel tanks, the states can and most certainly will dip your tank, I have seen it happen, and they do not need a warrant to do so.

 

[Hendricks]

Absolutely correct!



If we let our political responsibilities end at the voting booth, we get what we're getting - and deserve it!



Griping and moaning to others around us might make us feel better for a few minutes - but a message to a Congressman, senator, or a well thought out and worded letter to the local paper for greater exposure will deliver far better results!

I could not agree more.

 

[Champane Flight]

Sorry

If you are reffering to on board fuel tanks, the states can and most certainly will dip your tank, I have seen it happen, and they do not need a warrant to do so.

This state can only check for dyed fuels in farm vehicles, on highway. I am pretty darn sure they have no means to check the composition, or have a legal right to do so. According to the laws I have read.



MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC REGULATION

 

[BTowler]

Here in Texas I have seen D. P. S. dipping tanks on light trucks with no trailer, and not at check points. They just pull you over and do it, it is usually one of the trucks, but I have seen regular patrol cars doing it as well.

 

[AKaiser]

Here in Texas I have seen D. P. S. dipping tanks on light trucks with no trailer, and not at check points. They just pull you over and do it, it is usually one of the trucks, but I have seen regular patrol cars doing it as well.

They probably do that just often enough and publicly so word gets around.

 

[rbattelle]

Here in Texas I have seen D. P. S. dipping tanks on light trucks with no trailer, and not at check points. They just pull you over and do it, it is usually one of the trucks, but I have seen regular patrol cars doing it as well.

I'm not saying they need to have a warrant to dip your tank, but shouldn't they at least have probable cause? You have the right to refuse a breathalyser, can you also refuse a tank dip?



I suppose it's like a weigh station - they don't need any probable cause to weigh your vehicle. Maybe "inspections" are handled under a different part of the law?



I'm definitely no lawyer.



Ryan

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

In 1966 diesel fuel and gas was 19. 9 per gal. More important was the price of Gold. $35. 00 per ounce until Pres. Nixon took us off the Gold Standard. Worst thing for America that he could have done. The Dollar lost value not only from inflation but because there was NO Gold to back it up. It lost more value also because it lost respect. The rate of exchange with foreign countries suffered dramatically. The value of our Dollar is now based on how well we will stand behind it (in their opinion) and not how much Gold is backing it up. I have been in other countries before Nixon ruined ours and Americans were respected. Foreigners in this country are here because conditions are better giving them much more freedom but now they hate us. They smile in our faces and play the game. They think we are stupid and are here to take advantage of that. They are right we are stupid. If you do not agree that is your privilege but from 20 cents a gallon to $3. 00 a gallon an increase of 15 times of what it was can't be passed of as inflation alone. There are other factors. Simply put our money has become worthless thanks to being taken off the Gold Standard by an IDIOT and we do not have any politicians that care about anything except getting re-elected and collecting their multi-million dollar retirement package. Sorry Ladies and Gentlemen it will get much worse before it gets better, if ever. If you would like to yell at me my E-Mail is -- email address removed --

 

[DogDiesel]

Will not take your advice

Been on active duty 29 years, and the rules you speak of are minimums, for those who enlist (and get out). Was written most specifically for state and reserve soldiers. Good rules. Not for those held to higher standards. The Regular Army Officers are held to closer scrutiny. As an officer, you are in uniform 24-7.

As an officer, there are many things I keep my nose out of, and keep focused on what is important.

While you quote what you believe to be facts, please be civil and permit those in uniform to exercise good common sense and focus on mission.



When military people begin to get passionately involve in politics in most countries I visit, coups follow. Our country is far from needing a change in leadership such as that. One person - one vote - and the delegate process is working fine.



If someone wants to post a copy of the text of their letter to their state congressman or senator on home-made fuel (without permit), That would be a good thing. There are 50 states, with numerous leaders in each; should make for interesting reading.



Wayne

No, you are not. You just can't do it in uniform, on government time, or in any official capacity. You can't say "I'm Private Snuffy, 82d Airborne, US Army, and I think this law is BS. " You can say, I'm Snuffy Smith, and I think this law is BS. " See your JAG office. Your standing, or lack thereof as a citizen/resident of NC may play a part in your ability to affect anything in this case, but your military service doesn't prevent you from making a political statement. It just governs how, when, and under what conditions you can exercise your rights.



From DOD Directive 1344. 10

"Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty"



4. 1. General



4. 1. 1. A member on active duty may:



4. 1. 1. 1. Register, vote, and express his or her personal opinion on political

candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the Armed Forces.



4. 1. 1. 2. Make monetary contributions to a political organization.



4. 1. 1. 3. Attend partisan and nonpartisan political meetings, rallies, or

conventions as a spectator when not in uniform.





4. 1. 2. A member on active duty shall not:



4. 1. 2. 1. Use his or her official authority or influence for interfering with

an election; affecting the course or outcome of an election; soliciting votes for a

particular candidate or issue; or requiring or soliciting political contributions from others.



4. 1. 2. 2. Be a candidate for, hold, or exercise the functions of civil office

except as authorized in paragraphs 4. 2. and 4. 3. , below.



4. 1. 2. 3. Participate in partisan political management, campaigns, or

conventions (unless attending a convention as a spectator when not in uniform).



4. 1. 2. 4. Make campaign contributions to another member of the Armed

Forces or an employee of the Federal Government.



4. 1. 3. Enclosure 3 provides examples of permissible and prohibited political

activities. The examples in enclosure 3 do not supersede other specific requirements and

policies, such as those established by this Directive and DoD Directives 5200. 2 and

1325. 6 (references (c) and (d))



Headquarters, XVIII Airborne Corps & Fort Bragg

Office of the Staff Judge Advocate

ATTN: Legal Assistance Office

Fort Bragg, North Carolina 28307-5000

DSN: 236-6113

Commercial: (910) 396-6113

Location: Fayetteville



Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division

Office of the Staff Judge Advocate

ATTN: Legal Assistance Office

Fort Bragg, North Carolina 28307-5100

DSN: 239-0195

Commercial: (910) 432-0195

Location: Fayetteville



See DOD Directive 1344. 10 http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134410p.pdf

 

[Champane Flight]

Not quite that bad....

In 1966 diesel fuel and gas was 19. 9 per gal. More important was the price of Gold. $35. 00 per ounce until Pres. Nixon took us off the Gold Standard. Worst thing for America that he could have done. The Dollar lost value not only from inflation but because there was NO Gold to back it up. It lost more value also because it lost respect. The rate of exchange with foreign countries suffered dramatically. The value of our Dollar is now based on how well we will stand behind it (in their opinion) and not how much Gold is backing it up. I have been in other countries before Nixon ruined ours and Americans were respected. Foreigners in this country are here because conditions are better giving them much more freedom but now they hate us. They smile in our faces and play the game. They think we are stupid and are here to take advantage of that. They are right we are stupid. If you do not agree that is your privilege but from 20 cents a gallon to $3. 00 a gallon an increase of 15 times of what it was can't be passed of as inflation alone. There are other factors. Simply put our money has become worthless thanks to being taken off the Gold Standard by an IDIOT and we do not have any politicians that care about anything except getting re-elected and collecting their multi-million dollar retirement package. Sorry Ladies and Gentlemen it will get much worse before it gets better, if ever. If you would like to yell at me my E-Mail is -- email address removed --

You might want to take a look at these. .





THE PRICE OF GAS AROUND THE GLOBE



Interesting



Oslo, Norway - $6. 82 a gallon for unleaded regular, in US dollars



London,UK $5. 96

Rome , Italy $5. 80

Brussels, Belgium $6. 16

Hong Kong $6. 25

Tokyo, Japan $5. 25

Sao Paulo , Brazil $4. 42

Buenos Aires , Argentina $2. 09

Mexico City $2. 22

Sidney , Australia $3. 42

Johannesburg , South Africa $3. 39

New Delhi , India $3. 71





Here's the kicker!



Caracas $0. 12!!!

Kuwait $0. 78!!

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia $0. 91!!

 

[steved]

Here in Texas I have seen D. P. S. dipping tanks on light trucks with no trailer, and not at check points. They just pull you over and do it, it is usually one of the trucks, but I have seen regular patrol cars doing it as well.

I've been dipped in several states and in two trucks... never towing, and neither truck is commercial (or look commercial for that matter). It was always by a Highway Patrol or DOT man...



It was explained to me (because I didn't get ticketed) that the police/DOT don't always ticket you for red fuel, but the tax-guy does. But again, that probably varies state-to-state. I know when I asked, the officer said "I don't give the ticket, he does <pointing at another guy>". That "other guy" was a tax-guy (I don't know whether state or federal, sorry).



Any state can pull you over for red-fuel... it is a matter of how often they exercise it, not whether they CAN or CAN'T.



steved

 

[SMorneau]

Here in the land of 10,000 taxes they are so upset about people buying fuel efficient cars and cutting into the tax revenues they are considering all sorts of other taxes. So they encourage us to do something and in the unlikely event the public moves in that direction they panic cause we are doing what they wanted.



The basic truth in our entire country is each and every politician is an idiot when it comes to techical issues. Our state governor is one of them. He wants to force more ethanol and bio down our throats with no apparent consideration of increased maintenance costs the consumers will incurr. I guess if we all worked in goverment we could just buy a new vehicle everytime it wasn't compatible with the politicians idea of a suitable fuels. I'd rather send my money direct to ADM and not have to buy fuel system parts.



Some one commented that the politicians would run to Europe after they wrecked this country. If anyone believes Europe is any better off they need to do some reading, they are several years ahead of us on the path to ruin and the American politicians won't find happiness there where they will be hated and blamed worse than here. Too bad cause them leaving would be a good thing.



I'm just going to kick back and wait for the story about the guy being fined for putting bicycle pedals in his car and not paying taxes on the gatorade. :-laf

 

[JFaughn]

I'll put a long dress on , so they can not see the pedals .
Oh wait that would be a kilt .

 

[BTowler]

Gatorade tax!?!?!?!? Great, the athletes will want more money now!!!!!