Some of these could have catastrophic consequences if they’re ignored
Andrew Nuttall U35 Lifestyle Writer
05:00, 20 Sep 2025
Most rules are signposted and pretty self-explanatory(Image: Getty)
Filling up your vehicle at the petrol station is an important part of car ownership. Without fuel, cars simply wouldn’t function, which means millions depend on filling stations throughout the UK daily.
For the majority, it’s a quick task that hardly ever causes any issues. However, every motorist across the UK must understand that certain rules do need to be followed on the forecourt – and some could lead to disaster if they are ignored.
There are quite a few unspoken rules that drivers could break if they aren’t careful. According to Driving News, people could find themselves fined if they overstay their welcome “as ANPR cameras at many UK stations enforce time limits as short as 15 minutes.”
Ex-car salesman Pete (who goes by @capturing_cars on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok) suggested that, whilst some of these requirements might seem like common sense, others could surprise a few people. These regulations apply throughout the UK, with some clearly displayed around the areas where you intend to refuel your vehicle.
All these rules are implemented to ensure motorists remain safe whilst refuelling, reports the Express. He started: “This is not one I’ve heard of before, but when I did my research today, apparently this is something you can’t do.”
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Exiting the vehicle
Of course, people can get out of their car to reach the petrol pumps, but Pete warned that people are not allowed to leave the vehicle once refuelling begins. This rule applies to passengers as well as drivers, so it’s best to hold off on any petrol station shop visits or toilet breaks until you’ve finished at the pumps.
The ex-car dealer said: “You are not allowed to get in or out of your car in the middle of refuelling because of static build-up, 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.”
Some actions could have serious consequences(Image: Getty)
Leaving the engine on
Motorists should not leave their engine running while fuelling their car. Instead, they should turn off the engine, exit the vehicle, and then proceed to fill up.
This isn’t simply something petrol stations have invented – it’s actually Rule 123 of the Highway Code. The document that all motorists must learn states that drivers should switch off their engines whilst stationary to reduce emissions, and local councils can issue penalties for breaching this regulation.
Pete believes that this rule exists, like many others, to lower the risk of potential sparks that “could cause an explosion.”
Using an appropriate fuel container
For most drivers, petrol or diesel goes directly into the car. However, you can collect fuel in separate containers for other purposes, such as powering petrol-powered equipment like lawnmowers, chainsaws, and other machinery you can’t practically bring with you to the forecourt.
Nevertheless, containers must meet certain standards, 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.”
