What happens if I run out of petrol?

Not finding a petrol station in time, being overconfident or simply not paying attention. There are various reasons, but it is always better to prevent it than to find yourself wondering what happens if I run out of petrol

We have recently compiled a ranking of the cars that can cover the most kilometres once the fuel reserve warning light has come on. This is a figure that should be taken very seriously since, especially on secondary roads, it is not always easy to find a petrol station that sells the fuel our car uses.

Furthermore, for the sake of the car’s mechanics, it is not advisable to run the tank down to the reserve, but neither is it safe for the occupants of a car to neglect refuelling, as it can put us in a compromising and even dangerous situation.

Can I be fined for running out of petrol?

First of all, one of the doubts that arises for anyone who finds themselves stranded on the road due to a lack of fuel is whether it could be an offence and, therefore, whether they can be fined for this.

The regulations do not provide for penalties for running out of petrol, but since the vehicle may be left stopped in an incorrect position, the car’s position on the road can indeed be grounds for a fine.

In fact, depending on how seriously the car’s position on the carriageway is considered, a fine may be imposed, ranging from 80 euros for improper parking up to 200 euros for putting the safety of other road users at risk or obstructing the road, but which does not entail the loss of points.

Either way, the vehicle’s position must be properly signposted, as established by the Law on Traffic, Motor Vehicle Circulation and Road Safety.

How to act if you run out of petrol

Once the car stops due to having run out of petrol or diesel, the procedure to follow will be similar to the PAS emergency protocol: protect, warn and rescue.

Signalling and warning come first

Once the car has stopped, the vehicle must be signalled in an emergency situation with the car’s own lights and the relevant devices. For now, only warning triangles are required, placed at a minimum distance of 50 metres from the car and visible from 100 metres, although in a few months the use of a luminous indicator will probably also become mandatory.

Failing to signal the vehicle or placing the warning triangles incorrectly may result in a financial penalty of 100 euros.

Depending on the vehicle’s position on the carriageway or its verges, it will be more or less appropriate to remain inside it while alerting the emergency services.

If the car is in a situation that compromises road safety, 112 – Emergency services must be called so that the Guardia Civil Traffic Group can be alerted or, failing that, the relevant security forces or road maintenance services can be contacted to signal the situation as an exceptional measure.

If refuelling is not feasible, a breakdown service must be used to transport the car and take its occupants to a safe place where the situation can be resolved.

Can you ask for petrol from the roadside?

Often, when contacting insurance companies or roadside assistance providers, it is they who suggest supplying fuel, so before putting yourself at risk by walking along the carriageway, it is preferable to wait in a safe place until petrol or diesel can be brought to you.

Another option is to ask a trusted person to go to a petrol station, buy fuel and take it to where the car is stranded without fuel. In this case it should be noted that the sale of fuel is regulated and requires that, if it is not dispensed directly into a vehicle, it must be put into an approved container.

Petrol stations normally have these emergency canisters or jerrycans available, with sufficient volume to allow a car without fuel to reach the petrol station under its own power and fill its tank, or at least refuel safely after running out of petrol.