Drivers face fines for running out of fuel while driving on motorway

For many of us, it’s probably quite a few and we’ve mostly got away with it. But if the worst does happen, there could be consequences beyond getting stranded…

Fine for running out of fuel on a motorway: £100 fine and points

If you run out of fuel while driving on the motorway and your car ends up causing an obstruction, you could be slapped with a with a fine of £100 and points on your licence, as this is an offence under the careless and inconsiderate driving penalty.

With fuel prices still sky high –  average petrol prices recently reached a new record high of 173.02p a litre – it’s understandable drivers may want to fill up only when needed, but this could be a risky move if left too late.

How much do you get fined for running out of fuel on a motorway?

If your tank runs dry and you end up stopping in the middle of the motorway, you could land a £100 fine and three points on your licence.

What do I do if I run out of petrol on the motorway?

If you’re able to pull over, park up or get out of the way while running out of fuel, you likely won’t face a fine. If, however, you go on to cause an car accident or serious incident as a result of no fuel, you face a much harsher punishment which could include being charged with careless driving, unlimited fines and up to nine penalty points.

Here are some of the steps you can take if you run out of fuel on a motorway:

• Pull over safely – Move to the hard shoulder or an emergency refuge area (if you're on a smart motorway) as soon as possible, and switch on your hazard lights.

• Stay in the vehicle if it’s unsafe – On a busy motorway, it's usually safer to stay inside with your seatbelt on, especially if you're on the hard shoulder.

• Exit on the passenger side – If it's safe, leave the car using the nearside (left-hand) door and stand well away from traffic, ideally behind a safety barrier.

• Call for help – Contact your breakdown provider or use a motorway emergency SOS phone, which connects directly to National Highways. Breakdown cover is essential for times like this!

• Don’t try to walk to a fuel station – It’s illegal and extremely dangerous to walk on the motorway. Always wait for professional assistance.

Let your insurer know if needed – If your breakdown cover is included in your car insurance, give them a call so they can dispatch help quickly.

Little sympathy for drivers

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Research, told the Daily Express: “We have very little sympathy for drivers who run out of fuel on the motorway.

“There is no excuse for entering a motorway with low fuel or if you know something is wrong with your car.”

Whilst it is not illegal to run out of fuel on a motorway in the UK, you can get fined, and drivers in England are not the only ones who risk a fine when driving on low fuel – drivers also face punishment on Germany’s famous Autobahn system.

Not only do drivers risk a fine but they could also damage their car – the fuel pump could suck dirt up from the bottom of the tank and clog it up, which can be costly to replace. Drivers also risk causing accidents for others.

Discover how you can maximise fuel efficiency by hypermiling. 

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