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June 29, 2000 9:45 AM, EDT

Starting July 1, truckers in Georgia will be subject to random roadside tests for the use of untaxed diesel fuel designated for off-road use.

The untaxed diesel fuel is dyed red and its use on the road carries a penalty of $10 a gallon or $1,000, whichever is greater.

Phillip Allen, administrator of the Georgia Department of Transportation’s permits and enforcement office, said the tests would be used to measure compliance with the fuel rules.

State officers will take a small sample from a truck’s tank to look for the red dye.

If the dyed fuel is found, a larger sample will be taken as evidence and used by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the state Department of Revenue to determine what state and federal penalties may be levied.