Fuel Quality Program
Dispenser Labeling
Product labeling on the dispenser is intended to inform the consumer of what type of fuel and grade they are purchasing. Improper labeling or lack of labeling could confuse or mislead the consumer. For this reason federal and state regulations require specific dispenser labeling of the different products sold to the consumer.
Octane
Octane posting must be in accordance with the
Federal Trade Commission’s Automotive Fuel Ratings, Certification
and Posting Rule. Labels stating the minimum (R+M)/2 octane rating
of the grade being dispensed shall be placed on the face of each
dispenser as close to the calculating mechanism as practical and
in a position clear and conspicuous from the drivers position. (Code
of Federal Regulations 16 CFR Part 306)
Alcohol and Other Oxygenates
The requirement for alcohol
and oxygenate labeling was discontinued effective September 10,
2002.
Lead
Since regular leaded gasoline is no longer in the marketplace, unleaded
fuel containing a lead substitute additive, and having an octane
rating (R+M)/2 of 88 may be sold. The dispenser shall be labeled
as regular gasoline and a label stating the product contains a lead
substitute additive shall be placed on the dispensers’ front
panel in a position clear and conspicuous from the drivers’
position. No where on the pump shall it be stated that an unleaded
product is being dispensed.
Warning
Most lead substitute additives contain compounds that are detrimental
to the vehicles emission control systems. Extreme care must be taken
to avoid trace contamination with gasoline being sold as unleaded
gasoline. Also, the dispenser’s nozzle shall not be the unleaded
type.
Diesel
Diesel fuel shall be identified by the grade of product being sold:
No. 1-D or No. 2-D. The grade of product shall be posted in the
upper fifty percent (50%) of the front panel in a position clear
and conspicuous from the drivers’ position.
Kerosene
Kerosene offered for sale at retail shall be posted by grades of
No. 1-K or No. 2-K. Grade No. 2-K offered for sale at retail shall
also be posted conspicuously on the front of the dispensing device,
the words “Warning - Not Suitable for use in Unvented Heaters
Requiring No. 1-K”.
Aviation Gasoline
Aviation gasoline shall be identified by grade of product: Grade 80, Grade 100, or Grade
100LL. Labeling should be in accordance with the most recent edition of
National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 407,
Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing.
Aviation Fuel
Aviation Turbine Fuel shall be identified by Jet A, Jet A-1, or Jet B, in a position
clear and conspicuous to the consumer. Labeling should be in accordance with the most
recent edition of National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 407, Standard for Aircraft
Fuel Servicing.
Racing Gasoline
Often racing gasoline will not meet automotive gasoline requirements due to its low volatility.
The low volatility is to satisfy the very high under-hood temperatures encountered in this
class of service. If the fuel is properly identified as Racing Fuel and the proper octane
rating (R+M)/2 is posted, special consideration will be allowed at the retail filling station.
The Fuel Quality Program may request a specification product bulletin produced by the fuel
manufacturer. If the fuel contains lead, the fuel cannot be sold for use in on-highway
vehicles.
For further information contact the Fuel Quality Program.