Is it legal to sit on the motorcycle when refueling? This is what you should know before pumping gas. It is a common scene at any service station. The rider arrives at the pump, opens the tank and, instead of getting off, remains seated on the motorcycle while refueling. The reason is usually practicality: keep the motorcycle completely vertical to make the most of the tank capacity.
But this custom, although very widespread, raises doubts among many users. Is it allowed? Can a gas station prevent it? Are there really any security risks?
In Spain there is no general prohibition on getting off during refueling.
Spanish regulations do not establish a specific prohibition that requires motorcyclists to get off the motorcycle during refueling. «As long as the vehicle remains with the engine off and the usual safety regulations are respected«The legislation does not impose a specific position on filling the tank. However, that does not mean that all service stations are allowed to act in the same way.
As these are private facilities open to the public, some companies establish internal operating rules that may require the user Dismount from the motorcycle before beginning refueling. In these cases, the client must respect the conditions established by the establishment.
Why do many motorcyclists prefer not to get off?
The explanation is simple and has to do with the design of most tanks. When the motorcycle rests on the side stand, it is tilted to the left, which causes the fuel to reach the edge of the filler neck sooner. Keeping it completely vertical makes better use of the tank capacity and makes it easier to control the fuel level.
That is why it is common to see many users holding the motorcycle with their legs while using the pump hose. But be careful, because current motorcycles have a maximum filling level to contain fuel vapors, which we should not exceed. And that maximum can be reached without problems, even with the motorcycle tilted.
Prevention specialists remember that «refueling always involves handling a highly flammable liquid«. Although incidents are very rare, the goal of safety regulations is to minimize any chance of an accident.
One of the main risks appears if gasoline splashes during filling, something that almost always happens. Fuel can generate flammable vapors which, under certain circumstances, could find an ignition source.
For this reason, other basic measures are also insisted upon during refueling, «such as turning off the engine completely, not using flames, avoiding smoking and following the instructions of the service station staff«.
Furthermore, in an emergency, standing offers more room for reaction. Beyond the risk of fire, safety experts also point out another important aspect: the «reaction capacity«.
If the driver remains seated on the motorcycle while the tank is open and any incident occurs, leaving the area may be more complicated. In a nervous or panic situation, the motorcycle could even become unbalanced or fall, making exit even more difficult. When the motorcyclist is already positioned next to the vehicle, he or she has, in principle, greater freedom of movement to move away quickly if necessary.
You have to use the common sense and respect the rules of each station. The reality is that millions of refuelings are carried out every year without any type of incident. However, security recommendations seek to reduce as much as possible risks that, although unlikely, may have very important consequences. You can imagine them, right?
Therefore, as we mentioned before, in addition to following the particular rules of each service station, it is advisable «Always refuel with the engine off, avoid spilling fuel, close the tank correctly before starting and pay attention to any instructions from the staff.«.
Thus, staying seated on the motorcycle is not generally prohibited in Spain, but it is not a recommended practice from a safety point of view either. If a service station requires dismounting from the vehicle to refuel, the most prudent thing to do is to follow that indication and complete the operation with the utmost caution.
