15-70-441. Dyed special fuel restrictions -- penalties. (1) (a) A person may not use untaxed dyed special fuel in violation of 15-70-403(8) or (9) or to operate a motor vehicle on the public roads and highways of this state unless:
(i) the motor vehicle has a gross vehicle weight of greater than 12,000 pounds, exclusive of any towed units, is equipped with a feed delivery box that is permanently affixed to the vehicle, and is used solely for the feeding of livestock; or
(ii) the use is permitted pursuant to rules adopted under subsection (1)(c).
(b) (i) The purposeful or knowing use of untaxed dyed special fuel in a motor vehicle operating on the public roads and highways of this state in violation of 15-70-403(8) or (9) or this subsection (1) is subject to the civil penalty imposed under subsection (1)(b)(ii). Each use is a separate offense. The civil penalty may be in addition to criminal penalties imposed under 15-70-443.
(ii) The department shall, after giving notice and holding a hearing, if requested, impose a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for the first offense and $5,000 for the second offense for using dyed special fuel in violation of the provisions of this section. A subsequent offense is subject to criminal penalties imposed under 15-70-443.
(c) The department shall adopt and enforce reasonable rules for the movement of off-highway vehicles traveling from one location to another on the public roads and highways of this state when using dyed special fuel or nontaxed fuel.
(2) The operator of the vehicle is liable for the tax imposed in 15-70-403. If the operator refuses or fails to pay the tax, in whole or in part, the seller of the dyed special fuel is jointly and severally liable for the tax imposed under 15-70-403 and for the penalties described in this section if the seller knows or has reason to know that the fuel will be used for a taxable purpose.
History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 162, L. 1955; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 70, L. 1963; amd; Sec. 1, Ch. 52, L. 1969; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 61, L. 1969; amd. Sec. 4, Ch; 277, L. 1971; amd. Sec. 83, Ch. 516, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 258, L. 1977; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 377, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 84-1835(d), (e); amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 591, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 20, Ch. 525, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 10, Sp. L. November 1993; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 43, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 115, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 384, L. 2005; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 188, L. 2013; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 418, L. 2013; amd. Sec. 13, Ch. 220, L. 2015; Sec. 15-70-330, MCA 2013; redes. 15-70-441 by Sec. 41, Ch. 220, L. 2015; amd. Sec. 12, Ch. 3, L. 2019; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 428, L. 2019.
Structure Montana Code Annotated
Chapter 70. Gasoline and Vehicle Fuels Taxes
Part 4. Gasoline and Special Fuel Tax
15-70-402. License and security of distributors -- denial or disciplinary action
15-70-403. Gasoline, special fuel, and aviation fuel tax -- incidence -- rates
15-70-405. Exemption from special fuel tax
15-70-406. through 15-70-409 reserved
15-70-410. Distributor's statement and payment -- confidentiality
15-70-411. Recordkeeping requirements
15-70-412. Invoice of distributors and aviation fuel dealers
15-70-413. and 15-70-414 reserved
15-70-415. Examination of records
15-70-416. Information reports -- penalty -- confidentiality
15-70-417. Penalties for delinquency
15-70-418. Fraudulent returns -- penalty
15-70-419. Improperly imported fuel -- seizure
15-70-420. Warrant for distraint
15-70-421. Statute of limitations
15-70-422. through 15-70-424 reserved
15-70-425. Refund or credit authorized
15-70-427. through 15-70-429 reserved
15-70-431. Determination of highway use
15-70-432. Application for refund or credit -- filing -- correction by department
15-70-434. Approval or rejection of claim
15-70-435. through 15-70-439 reserved
15-70-440. Unlawful use of aviation fuel
15-70-441. Dyed special fuel restrictions -- penalties
15-70-442. Marking of dyed diesel fuel pumps
15-70-444. through 15-70-449 reserved
15-70-450. Cooperative agreement -- motor fuels taxes
15-70-451. Tribal motor fuels administration account
15-70-452. Tribal motor fuels tax account
15-70-453. and 15-70-454 reserved
15-70-456. Fees for temporary permits -- duration of temporary permits
15-70-457. Department to furnish forms
15-70-458. Penalty for operation without temporary permit -- compliance bond -- policy continued