Running out of fuel can land you with three points and a £100 fine, AA warns

Drivers should not allow their car’s fuel gauge to drop into the red, as running out of fuel can not only cause damage to their vehicle, but also incur a hefty fine and points on their driver’s license.

The warning was issued by the AA after one of its members, who caused a roadblock after running out of fuel, was recently fined £100 by police.

The same rules apply to people with electric cars which, if their battery dies and they block a road, could be stabbed by the authorities.

The AA says it attended more than 10,500 breakdowns last year where members ran out of fuel or electric charge – and it says this could be caused by motorists delaying filling up due to high fuel prices and cost-of-living pressures.

While it is not illegal in itself to run out of fuel, under current law drivers can be fined a minimum of £100 and three penalty points if their car blocks the road due to an avoidable breakdown, or runs out of fuel. deemed to lead to careless or dangerous driving.

If a vehicle causing an obstacle is found to be guilty of a collision, the fine may be heavier.

Rule 97 of the highway code reads: ‘Before departure. YOU MUST make sure – that you have enough fuel for your journey, especially if you are driving on the highway.”

With Britain gripped by its biggest cost-of-living crisis in a generation and pump prices rising to record levels last year, the motoring group believes some drivers are becoming ‘fuel gamblers’ who put off filling up for as long as possible so they can no more fuel. you don’t have to visit a forecourt.

In July petrol prices peaked at 191.5 p.-litre, while that same month diesel teetered near £2 a liter when it reached 199.1 p.-litre. reached.

The same can be said about electric vehicle owners, many of whom are facing much higher costs to charge at home and use the network of public appliances since energy prices skyrocketed in 2022, somewhat triggered by the war in Ukraine.

The AA advises drivers of all vehicles to refuel as soon as the level drops below a quarter tank.

Nick Powell, AA Patrol of the Year, said: ‘There are situations where it’s completely understandable to run out of fuel, such as a fuel gauge malfunctioning mid-journey, or the fuel tank hitting something on the road.

“But most of the cases we see on the roadside are drivers who ran out of fuel thinking they could get home or to a cheaper gas station. Running out can put you in a potentially dangerous position.

‘Many people struggle with the cost of living and fuel costs weigh heavily on the family budget.

“We know anecdotally from our patrols that many of the people they rescue blame high fuel prices and the temptation to fill as little as possible.”

Edmund King, AA president added: ‘There could be some real reasons why the fuel is running out, such as a faulty gauge or an undetected fuel leak.

“Sometimes cars can be stuck in traffic jams for hours due to bad winter weather or miles of disruption leading to Channel ports, which can lead to fuel shortages.

‘That is why we always recommend having at least a quarter tank of fuel.

“Similarly, some EV drivers may run out of battery or run out of power if several chargers fail.

“You would hope that police officers would be reasonable in those circumstances.

“But where drivers drive negligently on fumes and endanger themselves and others on the road, the weight of the law can be brought to bear on them. Don’t be a fuel gambler by running on fumes.

“Most of the fuel shortages the AA sees are due to driver misjudgment, and the police have the power to issue a warning or a fine if it is considered careless driving or causing an obstruction. ‘

Running out of fuel can also damage your car

Running out of fuel will not only get you in trouble with the police, it can also cause damage to your car, especially if you have a diesel model.

Running the fuel level low increases the chances of the fuel pump sucking in air, dirt, and sediment that builds up at the bottom of the tank over time.

This can block the system and prevent the engine from starting, and can damage the pump and block the filters, which can be expensive to replace.

It is especially risky if you have a diesel car.

This is because their powerful fuel injector pumps can suck large amounts of air into the system, preventing it from starting.

Modern diesel fuel systems also rely on the lubricants in the fuel to lubricate the surfaces of components such as the fuel pump and injectors.

If these have been drained by drivers who have drained their fuel tanks completely, they can scratch the surface and cause engine problems weeks or months later.

Mr Powell says if you are in a worst case scenario and run out of petrol or diesel, these are the actions drivers should take.

“If you find yourself out of fuel or cargo, do your best to get the car to the side of the road as safely as possible.

“If it is away from the main traffic flow, it will be less of a hindrance and less likely to result in a fine.

‘Our advice is just don’t risk it – getting stuck on the roadside is potentially very dangerous and inconvenient – ​​so fill up before the fuel warning light comes on.

“Adding the cost of a fine to the family budget will only increase the financial strain and can be avoided.”