automotive Background

In 1984, the National Conference on Weights and Measures adopted a section (2.20.) in the Uniform Regulation for the Method of Sale of Com¬modities requiring that motor fuels con¬taining alcohol be labeled to disclose to the retail purchaser that the fuel contains alcohol. The delegates deemed this action necessary since motor vehicle manufac-turers were qualify¬ing their warranties with respect to some gasoline-alcohol blends, motor fuel users were complaining to weights and measures officials about fuel quality and vehicle performance, and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) had not yet finalized quality standards for oxy¬genated (which includes alcohol-containing) fuels. While many argued that weights and measures officials should not cross the line from quantity assurance programs to programs regulating quality, the delegates were persuaded that the issue needed im-mediate attention. A Motor Fuels Task Force was appointed in 1984 to develop mechanisms for achieving uniformity in the evalu-ation and regu¬lation of motor fuels.The Task Force developed the Uniform Motor Fuel Inspection Law (see the Uniform Laws section of this Handbook) and the Uniform Motor Fuel Regulation to accompany the Law.The recommended Law required registration and certification of motor fuel as meeting ASTM standards. The regulation defined the ASTM standards to be applied to motor fuel.In 1992 the NCWM established the Petroleum Subcommittee under the Laws and Regulations Committee. The subcommittee recommended major revisions to the Regulation that was adopted at the 80th NCWM in 1995. The scope of the regulation was expanded to include all engine fuels, petroleum products, and automotive lubricants; its title was changed accordingly; and the fuel specifications and method of sale sections were revised to address the additional products. Other changes included expansion of the definitions section and addition of sections on retail storage tanks, condemned product, registration of engine fuels designed for special use, and test methods and reproducibility limits.

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Automotive Gasoline

3.2. Automotive Gasoline and Automotive Gasoline-Oxygenate Blends

3.2.1. Posting of Antiknock Index Required. -- All automotive gasoline and automotive gasoline-oxygenate blends shall post the antiknock index in accordance with applicable regulations, 16 CFR Part 306 issued pursuant to the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act, as amended. 

3.2.2. When the Term "Leaded" may be Used. -- The term "leaded" shall only be used when the fuel meets specification requirements of paragraph 2.1.5.3.2.3. Use of Lead Substitute must be Disclosed. -- Each dispensing device from which gasoline or gasoline-oxygenate blends containing a lead substitute is dispensed shall display the following legend: "Contains Lead Substitute." The lettering of this legend shall not be less than 12 mm (1/2 in) in height and the color of the lettering shall be in definite contrast to the background color to which it is applied.3.2.4. Nozzle Requirements for Leaded Fuel. -- Each dispensing device from which gasoline or gasoline-oxygenate blends that contain lead in amounts sufficient to be considered "leaded" gasoline, or lead substitute engine fuel, is sold shall be equipped with a nozzle spout having a terminal end with an outside diameter of not less than 23.63 mm (0.930 in).3.2.5. Prohibition of Terms. -- It is prohibited to use specific terms to describe a grade of gasoline or gasoline-oxygenate blend unless it meets the minimum antiknock index requirement shown in Table 1.3.2.6. Method of Retail Sale. -- Type of Oxygenate must be Disclosed. -- All automotive gasoline or automotive gasoline-oxygenate blends kept, offered, or exposed for sale, or sold at retail containing at least 1.5 mass percent oxygen shall be identified as “with” or “containing” (or similar wording) the predominant oxygenate in the engine fuel. For example, the label may read “contains ethanol” or “with MTBE.” The oxygenate contributing the largest mass percent oxygen to the blend shall be considered the predominant oxygenate. Where mixtures of only ethers are present, the retailer may post the predominant oxygenate followed by the phrase “or other ethers” or alternatively post the phrase “contains MTBE or other ethers.” In addition, gasoline-methanol blend fuels containing more than 0.15 mass percent oxygen from methanol shall be identified as “with” or “containing” methanol. This information shall be posted on the upper 50 percent of the dispenser front panel in a position clear and conspicuous from the driver’s position in a type at least 12.7 mm (½ in) in height, 1.5 mm (1/16 in) stroke (width of type).(Amended 1996)3.2.7. Documentation for Dispenser Labeling Purposes. -- The retailer shall be provided, at the time of delivery of the fuel, on an invoice, bill of lading, shipping paper, or other documentation, a declaration of the predominant oxygenate or combination of oxygenates present in concentrations sufficient to yield an oxygen content of at least 1.5 mass percent in the fuel. Where mixtures of only ethers are present, the fuel supplier may identify either the predominant oxygenate in the fuel (i.e., the oxygenate contributing the largest mass percent oxygen) or, alternatively, use the phrase “contains MTBE or other ethers.” In addition, any gasoline containing more than 0.15 mass percent oxygen from methanol shall be identified as “with” or “containing” methanol. This documentation is only for dispenser labeling purposes; it is the responsibility of any potential blender to determine the total oxygen content of the engine fuel before blending. (Amended 1996)

Automotive Fuel Rating

Automotive Fuel Rating. 

means the automotive fuel rating required under the amended Octane Certification and Posting Rule (or as amended, the Fuel Rating Rule), 16 CFR Part 306. Under this Rule, sellers of liquid automotive fuels, including altAutomotive Fuel Rating, must determine, certify, and post an appropriate automotive fuel rating. The automotive fuel rating for gasoline is the antiknock index (octane rating). The automotive fuel rating for alternative liquid fuels consists of the common name of the fuel, along with a disclosure of the amount, expressed as a minimum percentage by volume of the principal component of the fuel. For alternative liquid automotive fuels, a disclosure of other components, expressed as a minimum percentage by volume, may be included, if desired.