As E15 Gas Becomes More Common, Remember That It's Terrible For These Engines

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3. Gemini: Who Enforces the Rules?

Who Enforces the Rules?

EPA & FTC: The EPA, in coordination with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), mandates that every E15 pump must have a specific black and orange warning label.
Retailers: To sell E15, gas station owners must submit a Misfueling Mitigation Plan (MMP) to the EPA, which includes quarterly surveys to verify that pumps are correctly labeled to prevent older cars from using it.
State Weights and Measures: Local state agencies inspect gas pumps for accuracy and proper labeling during their routine maintenance checks.

How to Get Non-E15 Gas
E15 is an optional fuel for retailers, not a replacement for E10. You can still easily avoid it by following these steps:

Look for the Warning Label: Any pump dispensing E15 must have a 3x5 inch label stating "ATTENTION: Use only in 2001 and newer passenger vehicles".
If you see an 88-octane button that is cheaper than the 87-octane "Regular," it is almost certainly E15.

Avoid "Unleaded 88": Many stations market E15 as "Unleaded 88" or "Regular 88".
Stick to E10 or E0: Standard Regular (87), Mid-grade (89), and Premium (91-93) at most stations remain E10, which is authorized for your pre-2000 car. For maximum safety, you can use Pure Gas (E0), which contains zero ethanol.

Check the Nozzle: Some stations use a "blender pump" where one nozzle serves multiple fuel types. Always wait for the screen to confirm your selection before squeezing the handle to ensure you aren't getting residual E15 left in the hose.