Gasoline dispenser labeling requirements
A gasoline dispenser is required to have a yellow label for each grade of gasoline sold clearly displaying its Anti-Knock Index as required by Federal Trade Commission regulations and Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 603-027-0430 (2)(a)).
- The octane posting requirement for gasoline is found in 16 CFR 306.10(c) "Automotive Fuel Rating Posting".
- The design requirements for gasoline labels are found in 16 CFR 306.12(a)(1), (b)(1), and (c)(1). A sample layout is given in 16 CFR 306.12 (f)(1).
- When gasoline containing 10% ethanol is sold through a motor fuel dispenser, that dispenser is required to clearly display a label stating that the fuel contains 10% Ethanol. The label is not permitted to read "Contains up to 10% Ethanol" or any similar language (OAR 603-027-0430 (1)(C)).
- When gasoline exempt from the ethanol mandate is sold through a motor fuel dispenser then that dispenser is required to display "NON-ETHANOL BLENDED GASOLINE FOR EXEMPTED USE ONLY (ORS 646.913)" and explain the exemptions allowed by law (OAR 603-027-0430 (1)(E)). This requirement does not apply to gasoline having an Anti-Knock Index rating of 91 or greater.
Diesel dispenser labeling requirements
Diesel fuel
- The dispenser must be labeled "Diesel" and accurately describe the grade of fuel offered. For example, "Diesel No. 2-D S15". This applies to both retail and non-retail dispensers.
- These labels shall be located on each face and on the upper 50% of the dispenser front panels in a position clear and conspicuous from the driver's position, with letters 1/2 inch height with 1/16 inch line width.
Winterized diesel fuel
- The dispenser must be labeled "Winterized Diesel" and accurately describe the grade of fuel offered. For example, "Winterized Diesel No. 2-D S15". This applies to both retail and non-retail dispensers.
- These labels shall be located on each face and on the upper 50% of the dispenser front panels in a position clear and conspicuous from the driver's position, with letters 1/2 inch height with 1/16 inch line width. A pump topper may be used to advertise winterized diesel fuel.
Premium diesel fuel
- The dispenser must be labeled "Premium Diesel" and accurately describe the grade of fuel offered. For example, "Premium Diesel No. 2-D S15". This applies to both retail and non-retail dispensers.
- These labels shall be located on each face and on the upper 50% of the dispenser front panels in a position clear and conspicuous from the driver's position, with letters 1/2 inch height with 1/16 inch line width.
E85/ethanol blend requirements
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requirements:
- 16 CFR 306.10
- (a) requires that that motor fuels are sold with an appropriate motor fuel rating certification.
- (b) requires a dispenser label to be clearly displayed on the motor fuel dispenser disclosing the fuel rating.
- (f) provides some example fuel rating disclosures for commonly available fuels. For E85, the rating is "E-85/Minimum 51% Ethanol"
- 16 CFR 306.12
- (b)(2) provides the layout requirements for the E-85 label.
- (c)(2) provides the background color requirement (Orange PMS 1495).
- (f) provides a sample layout. The M-85 layout is very close, however the fuel rating would reflect a minimum of 51% ethanol, not 85% ethanol.
In addition to the FTC required E-85 label, Oregon Administrative Rule requires:
- Additional label to be placed on the dispenser reading "For Use in Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV) Only” visible from the driver's position. The label must be clear and conspicuous and located in the upper 50% of the dispenser face. The type must be at least 1/2 inch tall. (OAR 603-027-0430(8)(B))
- Additional label to be placed on the dispenser reading "Consult Vehicle Manufacturer Fuel Recommendations” visible from the driver's position. The type must be at least 1/4 inch tall. (OAR 603-027-0430(8)(C))
Ethanol gasoline blends other than E85
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requirements:
- 16 CFR 306.10
- (a) requires that that motor fuels are sold with an appropriate motor fuel rating certification.
- (b) requires a dispenser label to be clearly displayed on the motor fuel dispenser disclosing the fuel rating.
- (f) provides some example fuel rating disclosures for commonly available fuels. For an ethanol gasoline blend the fuel identification is a capitol "E" followed by a number indicating the volume percent ethanol contained in the blend. E30, for example, will have 30% ethanol and 70% gasoline. The fuel rating disclosure is "E-30/Minimum 27% Ethanol". The minimum results from the fact that fuel ethanol itself contains up to 0.8% denaturant or at least 92% ethanol. 30% x 0.92 = 27.6%. A label for 100% fuel ethanol will read "E-100/Minimum 92% Ethanol".
- 16 CFR 306.12
- (b)(2) provides the layout requirements for the E-85 label.
- (c)(2) provides the background color requirement (Orange PMS 1495).
- (f) provides a sample layout.
Biodiesel and biodiesel blend dispenser requirements
Each fuel dispenser through which biodiesel, or biodiesel blends in excess of 5%, must be labeled with an FTC approved label. These requirements are found in 16 CFR 306:
- 306.12(a)(2) and (a)(3) define the layout of the label
- 306.12(a)(4) contains the requirements for those biodiesel blends having between 6% and 20% biodiesel
- 306.12(a)(5) for biodiesel blends in excess of 20%
Advertising fuel grades on a boulevard sign
The law requiring all grades of fuel to be displayed on the boulevard sign was relaxed in 2011 to make room for alternative fuels. You are only required to show the lowest grade and the lowest price if you chose to advertise fuel prices on a boulevard sign. See ORS 646.930 for sign requirements.