Can I be fined if I run out of petrol on the road? Yes, but not for the reason you think

One of the things that worries drivers the most, especially newer ones, is having enough fuel to reach their destination without running out. It is important to keep track of the fuel tank and to know that we can get to our destination without problems. Knowing where the service stations are along the chosen route is important if you need to refuel during the journey and avoid scares such as running out of petrol along the way.

And although the DGT does not provide for penalties for this oversight, running out of petrol on the road can indeed land us with a fine because of the consequences that come with emptying the tank on the road. When the car’s tank runs dry, the engine begins to misfire and this also causes faults in the power steering and the brakes. The car coasts on momentum and does not generate the power needed to reach the hard shoulder and stop somewhere that does not inconvenience other road users.

Penalties for putting other drivers at risk

This is where one may commit an act that can be considered punishable, because stopping in a place where road users can be put at risk is fined at 200 euros, although no points are deducted for it. The only reason we would avoid the penalty for this cause is suffering a breakdown or an accident. Another situation that can lead to a financial penalty is carrying out dangerous manoeuvres that create situations of risk for other drivers. A car without fuel is difficult to control and a loss of control can occur that is liable to be penalised.

In this second case the financial penalty is also 200 euros, so it must be taken into account. It is better to monitor the car’s fuel level and prevent all these risks rather than suffer the financial penalties that come with this unpleasant situation. But these are not the only penalties we can suffer. Let us imagine we have managed to control the car and stop it on the hard shoulder, out of the path of other vehicles. We have also done so without putting other vehicles at risk, and we have correctly signalled the car’s position with warning triangles and worn the high-visibility vest.

There may even be a service station nearby, and fuel can be carried to the car, at least to be able to reach it safely and fill the tank. It is enough to carry a bottle with sufficient fuel to cover those few kilometres and move the vehicle. If the container used to carry the fuel is not approved, it can lead to a penalty of between 2,000 and 3,000 euros. Water bottles and engine oil canisters are not acceptable. The only fuel containers permitted are those approved for this purpose. They are inexpensive and easy to find in many places, so it is best not to take the risk.

Ideally, always keep in mind the petrol level and what we need to reach our destination without fuel problems, because running out of petrol or diesel is not a crime, but everything that causes this problem can lead to penalties and even some unpleasant accidents. And remember, a petrol car can start working normally again if its tank is emptied, but a diesel car needs to bleed the fuel system before it can run again.