Bob Teixeira spent $1,200 to convert his 1981 Mercedes from diesel to soybean oil. In response, North Carolina's tax collector issued a $1,000 fine and told him to expect to receive a similar levy from the federal government.
His crime? He didn't put up a $2,500 bond and apply for a state fuel license. (It didn't help that he drove past revenue agents with a bumper sticker that said: "Powered by 100% vegetable oil.")
"With the high cost of fuel right now, the department does recognize that a lot of people are looking for relief," Reggie Little, assistant director of the tax agency's motor fuel taxes division, tells the Charlotte Observer. "We're not here to hurt the small guy, we're just trying to make sure that the playing field is level."
Teixeira says he'll pay the fines and apply for a license. In the meantime, he's pumping diesel again.
Here's some more information on tax laws regarding biofuels.
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