Is it illegal to run out of petrol?
It isn't actually illegal to run out of fuel on a motorway. However, the inconvenience, potential cost and likely danger mean we certainly don't recommend it.
Running out of gas can damage your car. Today's vehicles have specific parts and pieces that help push fuel to your engine. When there isn't any fuel left, these components can break down pretty quickly.
Once the fuel light comes on, the average distance you can drive your car is usually around 49 miles. When the indicator hits zero, you won't be guaranteed any more miles, but it's likely you'll squeeze a few more out of the tank…
AA in facts
Running out of petrol's no problem. We'll be there in a jiffy, and we'll give members enough fuel to get them back on their way, for free. If a member has an accident, we help get them back on the road, support them through a claim and even provide a hire car at no extra cost.
Running out of fuel isn't illegal in itself, but any careless or dangerous driving that results from it could see you punished by law. If you end up having to stop and that causes an obstruction to other road users, you could receive a penalty of £100 and three points on your driving licence.
In serious cases, a person found guilty of Making Off Without Payment could face a maximum of two years in prison and an unlimited fine.
Engine misfires: When running on empty, your car's fuel pump can start to take in air, which means the engine isn't consistently getting the gas it needs. This often results in engine misfires. To you, this will likely feel like your engine has a loss of power, hesitation or vibration.
So, how much gas needs to be in your gas tank to start your car? If your car's gas tank is empty, adding 1 gallon of gas should be enough for the fuel pump to pick it up and deliver a fuel stream from the tank to the engine.
To get assistance to a vehicle that ran out of petrol or diesel, simply call us on 0333 444 6 247 or you can click the button above. We will ask for your location, vehicle information and the sort of help you need, such as “car ran out of fuel,” and then send help.
Your car can suffer a lot of damage when you run out of fuel. Once you notice you're low on gas, the best option is to park your vehicle and call a reliable roadside assistance service or walk to the nearest gas station if it's close.
How long can a car run on empty?
According to this infographic by Pick Analysis, some popular car models can travel for 30 to 50 miles after the gas light goes on. The average Chevrolet Silverado will continue for 33 miles beyond “empty.” Volkswagen Jettas average more than 43 miles, and the Toyota Corolla tops the list at 47 miles.
It is predicted that we will run out of fossil fuels in this century. Oil can last up to 50 years, natural gas up to 53 years, and coal up to 114 years. Yet, renewable energy is not popular enough, so emptying our reserves can speed up.
