As rations are being placed on pumps across the united kingdom, you should make sure you’re aware of related driving laws that could land you in prison.
Drivers are being reminded (by the media who started the panic buying) that they could be handed £5,000 fines if they run out of fuel as panic-buying at fuel stations sweeps the nation.
Chronical Live reports that motorists are at risk of breaking the law if they run out of gas as garages have started limiting their supplies due to shortages caused by us telling you to panic buy.
Many factors have played a part in the number of tanker drivers available to transport fuel to the stations, which means despite being plenty of petrol and diesel, the service stations are running dry.
Many videos have surfaced on popular social media sites such as TikTok, The Instagrams and MySpace, showing people queuing for hours in an attempt to get to forecourts before they close or run out.
Not only will it be an inconvenience for motorists who do run out, it could be dangerous if it occurs on a motorway – and that could land them in trouble with the law and a heavy fine, the Daily Express reports.
Running out of gas isn’t illegal, but any careless or dangerous driving that comes as a result of it could see you punished.
In a worst case scenario, if an empty fuel tank leads to a road traffic collision, drivers could be given nine points and an unlimited fine.
Careless driving carries an unlimited fine, which could run up to around £5,000 (so not unlimited really) and up to nine penalty points.
Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Research, told the 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.
A breakdown puts you and your passengers at very high risk – many fatal crashes on a motorway involve a stationary vehicle.”
And of course if you then cannot pay that fine and the heavies are knocking on your door, you might be pushed to the limit and try robbing the local post office and get caught and go to prison.
All because you ran out of petrol and it wasn’t your fault.
At least that’s what the mainstream media are saying. Thankfully here in Widdlehole you can still get Red DERV from Barry the gypsy who you can find in the pub most nights.