Whats the law/guidelines on carrying petrol in the boot?

Soldato
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Hi Guys, just a quickie,im wondering how much fuel you are allowed to carry in the boot of your car?

Just thinking about carrying some spare as my guage is buggered as is the car cos its drinking fuel like a fish, and i want to carry some spare as i live in the sticks, so pumps arent a plenty.

Really must get a new car :p
 
I don't there is a limit in this country although it is illegal in Greece, so as long as you're not planning on taking your car there you should be fine. ;)
 
Why would you need to carry more than one?

Carrying petrol in a larger quantity than that for the reasons given, is stupid and dangerous.
 
Oblivious said:
Why would you need to carry more than one?

Carrying petrol in a larger quantity than that for the reasons given, is stupid and dangerous.


More then one what? :confused:

All he needs is a jerry can and then secure it in the back and hes ready to role and then run out then role again :)
 
I'm pretty sure it's 5 litres in a proper certified petrol can.

There certainly are laws in the uk, but I'm not 100% sure on them.

domestic storage is 20 litres in 2 10litre certified containers or 10 litres in 2 5litre containers, I assume it will be less for a car.

here you go slightly ambegiuse though

Petrol is a highly flammable, explosive and toxic substance. There are laws you must obey and rules you need to follow if you are storing it.

It's against the law to store more than 20 litres of petrol in two 10 litre metal containers, or 10 litres in two 5 litre plastic containers. All containers must be designed for the purpose and they must be marked PETROLEUM and HIGHLY FLAMMABLE.

Apart from what's in the fuel tank, you can only transport petrol in securely closed containers designed for the purpose and marked PETROLEUM and HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. Make sure they are secured in the boot when being transported.

Filling your tank from a container should only be carried out in the open air.

Store any containers in a garage or shed away from any other buildings. Don't keep it in the house. Make sure the area is well ventilated and away from any naked flame or live electrical equipment.

Check containers regularly for leaks. If you smell petrol fumes, ventilate the area and make sure nobody smokes or turns electrical switches on or off. The slightest spark could cause an explosion.

Does look like there is an actual limit, although I do know if you carry over a certain amount you have to display the safety labels on the outside of the vehical.
 
Last edited:
Zip said:
More then one what? :confused:

All he needs is a jerry can and then secure it in the back and hes ready to role and then run out then role again :)

Sorry I didnt write jerry can I would have thought that would be obvious.
 
Oblivious said:
Sorry I didnt write jerry can I would have thought that would be obvious.

Ive seen people carry 60l to track days before. I've got a 20l for that purpose + a 5l for general use as my fuel gauge isnt what it used to be.
 
JTrickle said:
Ive seen people carry 60l to track days before. I've got a 20l for that purpose + a 5l for general use as my fuel gauge isnt what it used to be.


and is also illegal, it has to be a certified petrol carrier and 60 litres you would probably need the saftey stickers stuck on the outside of the vehicle(not sure), chances of getting caught are pretty much zilch unless you crash.
 
AcidHell2 said:
and is also illegal, it has to be a certified petrol carrier and 60 litres you would probably need the saftey stickers stuck on the outside of the vehicle(not sure), chances of getting caught are pretty much zilch unless you crash.

Doesnt look to be from what you've quoted. Just seems to say the jerry can should be designed for that purpose /w markings on it, not the car. It would be strange that Halfords sell the 20l containers as they do if it was.

I got inspected without trouble by the uk ferry boarder crossing/customs with the 20l in plain view, though I suppose thats not their bag.
 
JTrickle said:
Doesnt look to be from what you've quoted. Just seems to say the jerry can should be designed for that purpose /w markings on it, not the car. It would be strange that Halfords sell the 20l containers as they do if it was.


is the 60 litre ones proper fuel cans though ;)
 
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