Every driver in the UK has been issued a warning over a rule they could be breaking when filling their car up this Christmas.
Despite a growing number of covid infections in the country, meeting up with friends and family has not been banned this Christma s.
This means many families will be packing up their cars and hitting the road to celebrate the holidays with their nearest and dearest.
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Roads and motorways are set to be much busier in the run up to Christmas and many drivers will be forced to stop at a petrol station to fill up their car for the journey.
But the United Kingdom Petrol Industry Association (UKPIA) has warned drivers to avoid breaking the rules while their filling up.
While your phone may be constantly buzzing over Christmas with messages from friends and Instagram updates from the newly engaged couples, the UKPIA has warned driers not to check these while filling up.
This is because petrol stations ban drivers from using their phones at the pump and they may even cut off your pump if you try to refuel using a handheld device.
The UKPIA warns that using mobile phones can create a 'serious distraction' for people dispensing fuel or crossing the forecourt 'due to the number of vehicles moving'.
A spokesperson said: "Traffic movements will always present a risk for customers and therefore remaining vigilant and minimising distractions is central to forecourt safety.
"The distraction caused to pedestrians by mobile phones increases the risk of accidents."
There is also a risk of 'incendive sparking' when using phones at the forecourt as they are not designed and certified 'for use in explosive atmospheres.
"Whilst the risk of incendive sparking from mobile phones is low, they are not intrinsically safe devices and should not be used in those hazardous areas that exist on a forecourt," a spokesperson said.
"Generally, there is no need to restrict the use of mobile telephones in other areas of the forecourt, such as in the shop, in parked motor vehicles or in other traffic-free, non-hazardous areas."
