Is it illegal to carry a portable generator with fuel in it?

[SoulRaven]

Someone recently told me that in some states it is illegal to carry a portable generator with fuel in its tank and also a gas can with fuel in it would be illegal too. They said that the state of Indiana is for sure one of those states. That if you are pulled over and it is discovered that your generator or gas can has fuel in it you will receive a citation. I don't know what would happen from there. Would you be detained until some sort of hazmat organization was summoned to come remove your generator and gas can. LOL
Even though this is not the reason that I have decided not to take my generator with me ( which would have been strapped down on the cargo carrier of my little Runaway trailer, and full gas can too), I am wondering if this is true. And, if it is, it is just one more reason for not carrying the thing in the future. It does make sense in a way, because in the event of an accident all that gas would be a potential fire hazard.
I have looked on the net and really can't find much about this subject.

 

[c_hasbeen]

I do not know for sure about the generator and fuel, but I know the road side truck tire repair people can have fuel in their generators for their air pump, but they cannot have the air storage tank full of compressed air while driving.
they are required to dump the air tank.
I would guess it to be unlikely anyone wold bother a non commercial vehicle with a generator with fuel.

 

[SoulRaven]

I do not know for sure about the generator and fuel, but I know the road side truck tire repair people can have fuel in their generators for their air pump, but they cannot have the air storage tank full of compressed air while driving.
they are required to dump the air tank.
I would guess it to be unlikely anyone wold bother a non commercial vehicle with a generator with fuel.

That's something I didn't know. But it makes sense. A potential explosion in a crash. That compressed air would throw pieces of metal all over the place if it was compressed and exploded in an accident crash.

 

[Matlock]

Can't imagine that transporting with fuel is an issue.
Some run on Gas, some Diesel and some Propane. Actually all three can be the same fuel as the truck / car engine.
A search showed noting.. Dunno

 

[Almost There]

I too couldn't find anything specific to Indiana but I managed to find the rules for Canada.

Here it's a federal issue and I suspect it federal regulations in the US as well.

We're allowed up to 150 kg including the weight of the containers for gasoline, propane, other liquid gases for personal use. Anything over that, or if you're carrying commercially, requires all kinds of hazmat labels, training, regulations, reporting ad nauseum.

I can't imagine that it's illegal to carry gas in a gas can. How on earth would anyone take gas home to run the lawn mower. I certainly don't see people lined up in Indiana having walked the lawn mower to the closest gas station to fill it up. Or their boat, ski-doo, chain saw, snowmobile, ATV etc. etc.

That said, you don't want to be transporting the generator full of gas with the vent open inside a passenger compartment. You also want to be careful when opening the vent on either a gas can or the generator if it's been in a hot place for any length of time.

 

[LeeRevell]

Were this true any small boat with an outboard motor and separate gas tank would be illegal to tow on the highway. Ditto fuel for camp stoves and lanterns.

 

[VanGirl]

Someone recently told me that in some states it is illegal to carry a portable generator with fuel in its tank and also a gas can with fuel in it would be illegal too. They said that the state of Indiana is for sure one of those states. That if you are pulled over and it is discovered that your generator or gas can has fuel in it you will receive a citation. I don't know what would happen from there. Would you be detained until some sort of hazmat organization was summoned to come remove your generator and gas can. LOL
Even though this is not the reason that I have decided not to take my generator with me ( which would have been strapped down on the cargo carrier of my little Runaway trailer, and full gas can too), I am wondering if this is true. And, if it is, it is just one more reason for not carrying the thing in the future. It does make sense in a way, because in the event of an accident all that gas would be a potential fire hazard.
I have looked on the net and really can't find much about this subject.

I have carried my Honda 1000 generator full of fuel in Indiana for at least 50 trips. My cousin and uncle were both officers and never have they said a word. I even run my generator while parked in their yard. I'm not sure about this and will need to ask them.

VanGirl

 

[highdesertranger]

I do know that transporting gas must be in a DOT approved container. that said I have never heard of it being enforced. in fact all of those jug type containers that desert motorcycle riders use aren't dot, carb, epa, or osha approved. yet they still sell them and still use them. meanwhile they stick us with those junk carb cans. highdesertranger

 

[Canine]

Probably depends on the volume and/or how it is contained. I bet you a million dollars there needs to be some context in order to be ticketed for carrying fuel. I can't see being ticketed for having a pint or so of fuel in a tank on a generator on the back of your rig. If you had it inside, then I could see a problem.

If you are worried, keep a fire extinguisher next to it. It will give a better appearance to law enforcement if there is a legal issue.