S.C. Code Ann. § 12-28-1555 — Use of dyed fuel prohibited; exceptions; penalties

(A) No person may operate or maintain a motor vehicle on a public highway in this State with motor fuel subject to the user fee contained in the fuel supply tank for the motor vehicle that contains dye as provided under Section 12-28-770.
(B) This section does not apply to:
(1) persons operating motor vehicles who have received fuel into their fuel tanks outside of this State in a jurisdiction that permits introduction of dyed motor fuel subject to the user fee of that color and type into the motor fuel tank of highway vehicles; or
(2) users of dyed fuel on the highway which are lawful under the Internal Revenue Code and regulations including state and local government vehicles and buses unless otherwise prohibited by this chapter.
(C) A person who negligently violates this section is subject to a five hundred dollar civil penalty.
(D) A person who knowingly violates or knowingly aids and abets another to violate this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
(E) All fines and penalties imposed pursuant to this section must be placed in the Department of Transportation State Non-Federal Aid Highway Fund.