What you ran into is not about off-road fuel, we got lost down that track somehow.
Over the road trucks, in many states, pay state road taxes based on mileage run in the state, rather than paying by the gallon where they fill. They may run across a couple states before filling again. To meet the needs of this method of taxation, a state has two options:
1. Not charge the tax at the pump, rather collect periodic payments based on filings of logged mileage, apportioned by state.
2. Charge the passenger car fuel taxes at the commercial pumps, then rebate the excess tax when the trucking company or owner/operator files the apportioned tax return.
Most states have found that option #1 collects the most tax with the lowest collection costs. Other states like option #2, and you may not want to go to the commercial pumps there, because the commercial fuel taxes in some states is higher than at the car diesel pumps. The station operator may not even tell you that, you just pay it and lose it.
It gets more complicated in states where the state road taxes and sales taxes are hsndled differently.
Untaxed fuel for off-road use exists, but that's not the reason for the commercial pumps, it is a separate set of pumps entirely. Off-road fuel (gasoline as well as diesel) is sold without collecting the Federal taxes, which are always collected at the commercial pumps.
* This post was
edited 08/01/12 04:05pm by tatest *
We have always, ever since owning and driving a diesel pickup since the mid 90's (DH earlier than me) filled at the "truck" lanes at truck stops if we are pulling any type of trailer. I don't think we (DH) has ever looked at any sign and said "I can't fill here". He just pulls up, uses the phone or goes inside, fills, pays and we go on our way. We've never been told to leave the "truck" lanes.
It's not about holding up the line... An RV or tow vehicle is going to fill faster than a semi - look at the capacity of a semi vs. a tv.
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resmas wrote: We have always filled at the "truck" lanes at truck stops
I do the same, however Indiana is different I'm told (have been there but not fueled) as described by others here. In other states where I've filled in the truck lanes they may ask for a number before turning on the pump and I've always been fine telling them "private truck". Sometimes I've needed to say it twice, but they are always OK with that.
Ever play the game 'telephone' as a kid.......that's what this thread reminds me of.....hehehehe
You could have filled at the 'car' lane..taxes already included OR you could have filled at the 'commercial' lane and had taxes added Course you would not have been able to pay at the pump.
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