My understanding, though it's limited, is that it is not only the color but also the chemical composition. Sort of like those paper strips that they use in chemistry classes that change color to indicate PH... although red ATF would be suspicious looking, and might even get you a fine anyway out of sheer ignorance... I thought that in theory, at least, they were supposed to see if it was actually "their" dye.

My uncle (yes, my own uncle, not a friend's step-brother's aunt's great-granddaughter's third cousin....) knew someone just up the road who bought a dump truck from one farm, to use on another farm, and was pulled over and dipped while driving it between the two properties. (Less than a few miles distance.) Thing had red stuff in it, and he ended up paying a huge fine.

__________________


~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL