The task of the refueling It is not the most pleasant thing for the driver, especially considering the high price of petrol, diesel and other fuels. However, it is something that must be done if we want to continue using our combustion car. And it has its drawbacks, because NoRefueling in the “correct” way can result in an officer giving you a fine..
And not only with a financial penalty, since There can be twobut they can also give a receipt to the employee who served us at the gas station. Since it is highly certain that you do not want this to happen, it is important to take into account a series of considerations prior to and at the time of refueling. Because, if you do not fill up with gasoline, diesel or gas correctly, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) You can be fined with a penalty of up to 160 eurosAnd I don’t know about you, but this server is already hurting his pocket enough.
What does the DGT regulation say then? According to article 115 of the Traffic Regulations, in its point 3, it states that “in order to refuel a vehicle’s tank, it must be in the correct position.” engine stopped. Owners of fuel dispensing devices or employees of the latter may not provide fuel for loading if the engine is not stopped and vehicle lights and electrical systems off such as radio and electromagnetic radiation emitting devices such as mobile phones.”
If it is the driver who is going to connect the hose to the tank to refuel, it is he/she who must ensure that these requirements are met. Failure to do so may result in a fine from a law enforcement officer. However, it is also The gas station operator should check that all these elements are turned off. if he is going to be the one refuelling the car. If he does not do so, he will be fined and not the owner of the vehicle, as it is the employee who should be responsible.
To refuel in the safest and most appropriate manner, You must pour the fuel carefully so that it does not spill. nothing on the car or the ground. If this happens, you should notify a service station employee. It is also advisable leave at least 5% of the deposit freewithout filling it all the way; and you know that you also fill it to the brim. This will prevent spills due to fuel expansion, which occurs when the fuel heats up when you start the car. When you finish, make sure to close the tank cap tightly.
But how much is the fine for not refueling as the DGT dictates? Based on the Code of Traffic Sanctions, there are two infractions considered minor which are related to non-compliance with these measures, being identical for both drivers and service station operators. This means that:
- If we refuel with the engine onwe will have a fine of 80 euros (50% off if you pay early).
- If we refuel without having the lights or electrical systems of the car turned off (such as radio, multimedia system or navigator), will be 80 euros of fine.
In the event that we commit both infractions, we can be sanctioned with up to 160 euros with the sum of bothor 80 if we are willing to make the payment “in advance” (that is, pay the fine within 20 days of being notified of the fine). As such, you can receive a fine for one or both of these things, which makes us wonder if it is really worth risking receiving either of them, given that avoiding a fine is as simple as turning off the ignition while filling up the tank.
Why do they ask this? Basically, to avoid possible fires or explosionsElectronic devices such as mobile phones emit electromagnetic radiation, and this can come into contact with fuel vapours, which can cause dangerous effects if we are at a petrol station. That is the reason why we are asked to do so on the signs that are usually found at service stations, where the items that we must have turned off – or at least not use – during the process are crossed out. It is a question of being preventive.
And, although it goes without saying, we cannot forget to mention that You must not smoke or light a lighter or matches when you are at the gas stationIf you follow all these tips, you will avoid being fined and your refuelling costs being much more than they already are. Just be smart.
