“Rolling red”, a colloquial expression meaning travel with a full tank red diesel In his car, not a standard diesel. But how are they different?
Classic diesel or red diesel?
For description, we are talking about “red diesel”. GNR or “non-road diesel”. It is a fuel that has almost the same properties as diesel fuel, which is available at gas stations, but which is not allowed for all vehicles. Really, GNR is reserved for professionals in agriculture, rivers, construction, forestry or even road transport. This applies to heavy equipment and special vehicles, such as tractors, combine harvesters, semi-trailers, generators, various machines and tools used in these industries. Unofficially, any passenger or light vehicle used by a person can run a red light, but this practice is strictly regulated by the state. For what ? Because its taxation is not the same at all: GNR pays only two taxes : VAT and TICPE, unlike “our” diesel, which is taxed much more. Here’s how for farmers the TICPE for GNR has increased to 3.86 cents per liter in 2023 compared to 61 cents for diesel!
A risky practice that is severely punished
Huge loss of revenue for the government if people start using GNR instead of classic diesel! That’s whyit is “traced” fuel, that is, to which a red dye has been added (hence its name, red diesel) so that law enforcement can quickly see whether a car is using classic diesel or GNR during inspection. The resolution of December 10, 2010 regarding the characteristics of off-road diesel determines that it is allowed for ” any mobile machine, any transportable industrial equipment or any vehicle, whether or not fitted with a body, capable of moving on land, on or off road, and not intended for the carriage of passengers or goods by road.’ If the vehicle does not meet these requirements, its driver faces a fine of 500 euros (for less than 100 liters), which can be increased to €1250 for more GNRs. In case of aggravating circumstances, which lead to a summons to court, this amount can even reach 5,000 euros!
“Running a red light”, a practice which, therefore, is not without consequences…
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Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.