The car’s gas tank is where the fuel is stored for use. It is a tank specially made for storing fuel as well as any additives that work with fuel. Additives like fuel injector cleaners, catalytic converter cleaners, etc.
Since the gas tank houses the fuel, the fuel pump and the fuel filter, anything that cannot mix with fuel should not be seen inside the tank, things like sugar. Therefore, if anyone puts sugar in your gas tank, what will you do? Is putting sugar in a gas tank a felony?
Putting sugar in a gas tank can be judged as a felony depending on the motive with which the person put the sugar in the tank, the laws of your State, and how the locals classifies the activity.
However, whether putting sugar in one’s gas tank is classified as a felony or not, one thing is sure, it is illegal to put sugar in one’s gas tank.
Is Putting Sugar in a Gas Tank a Felony?
Putting sugar in someone’s gas tank can be judged as a felony or misdemeanor depending on the motive behind the person’s action. The judge will decide if it’s a felony or not.
However, one thing we should note is that it is illegal to put sugar in one’s gas tank irrespective of the motive. You can’t just put sugar into someone’s gas tank and expect that person to say ‘thank you very much’. It’s not possible.
There’s this myth that has been established in everyone’s mind that putting sugar inside a gas tank can ruin your engine. While this has not been proven to be true, you should avoid doing such. It is illegal.
Factors that Determine If Putting Sugar in a Gas Tank is a Felony
Factors that determine if putting sugar in a gas tank is a felony or not are:
- The Motive Behind the Action: The judge will determine whether to rule the case as a felony or not after hearing the motives behind the person’s action.
The Laws of the State: The laws they governs your state of residence will also determine if putting sugar inside a gas tank should be ruled as a felony or misdemeanor.
How the Local Classifies the Activity: Another factor the judge will consider before making his rulings is how the locals classifies the activity. An activity can be severely prohibited in one locality more than it is in another. So if your locals prohibit the activity with serious sanction, then the judge is going to consider that as well.
Therefore, the best thing to do is to meet a lawyer. Contracting a lawyer and explaining the whole scenario will help get your mind at ease. The lawyer will be able to tell you whether the case can be classified as a felony or misdemeanor.
What if You Catch Someone Putting Sugar in your Gas Tank?
If you catch someone putting sugar in your gas tank, you should:
1. Speak to the Person
Talking with the person will help you understand the reason behind his action. Why would anyone want to put sugar in another’s gas tank? As long as the person is not hostile and violent, have a word with the person.
2. Get an Evidence
When you see someone putting sugar in your gas tank, it will be nice to get an evidence. This evidence can come in the form of recorded video or audio.
The visuals are much better. If you have a dash cam that recorded the event, better. If you can be able to get video footage of a neighbor’s security camera, much better.
3. Call the Police
You can call the police immediately you find someone putting sugar in your gas gas tank especially if the person is hostile and violent.
For example, if it’s your ex or you had an issue with a friend and he/she decide to get back to you by contaminating your gas. Call the police immediately.
4. Contact a Lawyer
You should contact a lawyer when it becomes obvious that the person deliberately acted in such a manner. It’s an act of wickedness for one to do such without your consent, so it’s best to contact a lawyer.
However, before contracting a lawyer, it’s best to have your evidence ready. This is where the video recordings and the security camera video footage you have collected from the houses around will become handy.
The lawyer will go through your evidence and give you the legal advice you need. If it’s a battle that is not worth fighting, the lawyer should be able to tell you.
However, if the person has put the sugar already before you find out, do not start or drive the car. Tow the car to an auto shop or dealership where the gas tank will be cleaned.
Driving a car with sugar in the gas tank may not ruin an engine considering the fact that the gas tank houses the fuel pump and filter.
The fuel filter should be able to filter the sugar and prevent it from making its way to the engine. This is feasible if the car is not driven or driven for a long time.
Can Mechanic Tell if Sugar Was Put in a Gas Tank?
Yes, a mechanic can tell if sugar was put in a gas tank if after diagnosing the car, and happens to find remnants of sugar from your gas tank.
Of course, a good mechanic should be able to tell you. However, this will involve the mechanic making thorough research.
Conclusion
Putting sugar in a gas tank can only be classified as a felony if the motive behind the person’s actions proves so. Putting sugar in a gas tank can be ruled as a felony or misdemeanor, it all depends on the motives behind the action, the state of residence laws, and how the locals classify the activity. You’re recommended to contract a lawyer. He should be able to tell you all you need to know.