“Powered By 100% Vegetable Oil” Bumper Sticker Triggers $1K Fine!

“Powered By 100% Vegetable Oil” Bumper Sticker Triggers $1K Fine!

Today’s world of “choice” for what you can use to power your vehicle may in fact cost you lots of money. As one man found out in Charlotte, NC simply promoting your independence from oil can cost you thousands of dollars. From the article,

“Bob Teixeira decided it was time to take a stand against U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

So last fall the Charlotte musician and guitar instructor spent $1,200 to convert his 1981 diesel Mercedes to run on vegetable oil. He bought soybean oil in 5-gallon jugs at Costco, spending about 30 percent more than diesel would cost. His reward, from a state that heavily promotes alternative fuels: a $1,000 fine last month for not paying motor fuel taxes.

He’s been told to expect another $1,000 fine from the federal government. And to legally use veggie oil, state officials told him, he would have to first post a $2,500 bond.”

Holy shit! We should be exempting these people from oil taxes, not punishing them! Unfortunately, most state laws have strict penalties for those that do not partake from the traditional pump. It’s almost like the Spanish Inquisition has come to the fuel industry. States understandably receive an immense amount of money from taxing fuel to help pay for road repair costs. Still, a $2,500 bond, $1,000 fine, and another $1K from the federal government? It’s enough to make any American think twice about making the switch. Then again, that’s probably the entire point.

Word to the wise: If you use veggie oil, make sure your bumper sticker reads “100% Powered By Big Oil & Loving It!” You’ll probably actually receive a check…..