Get the car somewhere safe, switch on your hazard lights and don't keep turning the engine over. Then get fuel brought to you by a friend or a fuel delivery service. Don't walk along a motorway to find a filling station. Diesel cars may need their fuel system primed before they'll restart.
Is it illegal to run out of fuel?
Running out of fuel isn't an offence in itself. Regulation 7 of the Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982 specifically allows a vehicle to stop on the hard shoulder because of "lack of fuel, oil or water". The vehicle has to be moved off the carriageway as soon as is reasonably practicable.
However:
- The Highway Code's Rule 97 says you should make sure you have enough fuel or charge for your journey, especially if it includes motorway driving.
- The AA warns that drivers can be fined a minimum of £100 and get three penalty points if their car obstructs the road because of an avoidable breakdown, or if running out of fuel is judged to be careless or dangerous driving.
In short, the fuel light isn't a target. Fill up before it comes on.
What should I do as soon as the engine cuts out?
Use the car's momentum to coast somewhere safe if you can. Then follow the Highway Code's breakdown rules:
- Stop in a place of relative safety, such as a car park, lay-by or, on a motorway, a service area, emergency area or the hard shoulder (Rule 275).
- Put your hazard lights on, and your sidelights if it's dark or visibility is poor (Rules 276 and 277).
- On an ordinary road, place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind the car on the same side of the road, but never on a motorway (Rule 276).
- On a motorway, get out on the side away from traffic and wait behind the barrier. If you can't get out safely, stay in with your seat belt on and call 999 (Rule 277).
Can I walk to a petrol station with a fuel can?
Not on a motorway. You must not walk on a motorway except in an emergency (Rule 272). The RAC advises against walking to a service or petrol station. It suggests asking a friend or family member to bring a can of fuel instead, or calling for recovery.
On a quiet local road where there's a safe footway, walking to a nearby station may be reasonable. Use a proper container. The HSE says suitable petrol containers are:
- plastic containers of up to 10 litres
- metal containers of up to 20 litres
It also says you can store up to 30 litres of petrol in a maximum of two suitable containers in a vehicle. UN-approved containers are one example of a suitable type. A water bottle or an old drinks container is not.
Is running out of diesel different from petrol?
Often, yes. Many diesel engines need their fuel system primed (air bled out) before they'll restart. Some can't be restarted just by pouring fuel in and turning the key. The method varies by car, so check your handbook. One example from a manufacturer:
- Renault's handbook says to add at least 8 litres of diesel, then press the priming bulb several times on cars that have one. On cars without a bulb, it says to switch on without pressing the pedals and wait a few minutes. If the engine still won't start after several attempts, it tells you to contact a dealer.
If you're not confident, or the car still won't start, stop cranking and call for help rather than draining the battery as well.
How far can I drive once the fuel light comes on?
There's no reliable figure. It depends on the car, how you drive and the road. The RAC says that, according to independent estimates, fuel lights typically come on when there's about 10% to 15% of a tank left. Its advice is not to chance it and to head for a filling station straight away. It also suggests filling up once you're down to a quarter of a tank.
What if I've put the wrong fuel in, not run out?
That's a different problem, and adding more fuel won't fix it. Don't start the engine if you realise at the pump. If you're already driving, pull over safely and switch off. See our guide to putting the wrong fuel in your car.
FAQ
Can you bring fuel to me?
Yes. We carry both petrol and diesel, and emergency fuel delivery starts from £70. Call 020 8088 4032 for an exact price.
Do you come out at night and at weekends?
Yes. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How long will I wait?
We aim to reach you within 45 minutes in London, and we cover the rest of the UK too.
What if the car still won't start after refuelling?
It may need priming (on a diesel) or have another fault. We can recover it to a garage; breakdown recovery starts from £120.
Will I get a fine for running out of fuel?
Not automatically. The AA says fines are possible if your car causes an obstruction through an avoidable breakdown, or if it's treated as careless driving. Getting off the main carriageway quickly reduces the risk.
Roadside Assistance Group provides 24/7 breakdown recovery, towing, jump starts, fuel delivery and mobile tyre fitting across London and the UK. Call 020 8088 4032.