UK drivers warned about five important petrol station rules

Topping up your car at the petrol station is an important part of owning a car. Without it, they wouldn't work, meaning millions rely on fuel stations every day across the UK.

For most, it's a quick job that rarely brings up any issues. But, every driver in the UK must be aware that there are some rules that people need to follow on the forecourt - and some could have catastrophic consequences if they're ignored.

Former car salesman Pete (who goes by @capturing_cars on , Instagram and TikTok) claimed that some of the things might be common sense, but others might catch a few out. These rules apply right across the UK, with some signposted around the area where you plan to fuel up your car.

All of these rules are enforced to keep drivers safe during the filling process. He said: "This is not one I've heard of before, but when I did my research today, apparently this is something you can't do."

Getting out of the car

Obviously, people can get out of the car to get to the petrol pumps, but Pete warns that people are prohibited from getting out of the car once the fuelling process starts. This rule goes for passengers as well as drivers, so it's best to skip the petrol shop snack run or bathroom break until you're done at the pumps.

The former car dealer said, "You are not allowed to get in or out of your car in the middle of refuelling because of static buildup, and the potential, albeit pretty limited, I'd imagine, that you could cause a dangerous spark. Presumably, technically, passengers also cannot get in and out of the car."

Using a mobile phone, smoking and vaping

Most petrol pumps will have signs up about these rules, which seem pretty self-explanatory. Pete confirmed: "We've all seen the stickers in petrol stations. When I looked it up, one of the reasons you're not allowed to use [a mobile phone], apparently, is because it's a distraction.

Most people won't need to be told about the dangers of smoking near a flammable liquid like petrol, but some might think vaping is a grey area. However, like phones, the electronic device comes with a common risk.

Pete said: "The vape is similar to a mobile phone in that it could potentially malfunction, causing a spark and vapour to ignite. Petrol vapour in the air and flames - not a good mix."

Leaving the engine on

Drivers are not supposed to leave their engine running while fuelling their car. Instead, they should switch off the engine, get out of the car, and then proceed to fill up.

This isn't just something petrol stations have made up, it is Rule 123 of the Highway Code. The document that all drivers must study claims that drivers should turn off their engine whilst stationary to cut emissions, and local authorities can issue fines for violating this regulation.

Pete believes that this rule is in place, similar to others, to protect against potential sparks flying that "could cause an explosion."

Using a proper fuel tank

For many drivers, petrol or diesel is put straight into the vehicle. But people are able to collect fuel in separate tanks for other uses, like powering petrol-fuelled equipment like lawnmowers, chainsaws, and other machinery you can't realistically bring to the forecourt.

However, tanks need to be a certain standard, as Pete explained: "You can only use approved fuel cans. I used to work for a car dealership that was attached to a petrol station and the stuff that you would see people trying to put fuel in.

"I once saw [people] trying to put fuel in an empty ice cream tub, watering cans, stuff like that. That is obviously not allowed, it has to be an official fuel can."