Can I fill a gas can at a gas station when driving there?

[LeilaniMarie]

You can fill a gas can at a gas station when driving there. Refueling requirements: For private cars or company vehicles, you need to obtain a relevant certificate from your workplace or residential neighborhood committee, and bring the certificate to purchase fuel. For agricultural machinery operations such as rice transplanters and motorized plant protection equipment that require gasoline in containers, follow the relevant requirements of the Provincial Agricultural Machinery Bureau and the Safety Supervision Bureau's "Matters Concerning the Filling of Gasoline for Agricultural Machinery Operations." You must use an iron gas can for refueling; iron gas cans are available at auto parts markets and generally also sold at gas stations. According to the requirements of safety supervision, public security, industry and commerce departments, and superior companies, to ensure safety, gas stations primarily provide refueling services for vehicles, and the retail sale of gasoline in containers at gas stations must be strictly controlled. Introduction to gas cans: Gas cans are made of materials such as iron, plastic, stainless steel, and other alloys, but in practical use, iron gas cans are the safest.

[Sean]

A couple of days ago, my colleague wanted to stock up on gasoline for his lawn mower. He drove to the gas station with a metal can but was refused service. Gas stations now have very strict management policies and generally don't fuel portable containers due to safety concerns. Gasoline is highly volatile, and even static sparks can cause accidents. However, some places sell sealed gasoline cans specifically designed as safe containers with a shelf life of about two years. If you really want to stock up, it's advisable to check local regulations in advance, or simply buy pre-packaged canned gasoline for convenience.

[LaElijah]

Off-road veterans might have encountered this awkward situation: the fuel tank is nearly empty, and no gas station is in sight. Nowadays, most gas stations refuse to fill portable fuel containers, mainly due to concerns about gasoline leakage causing fires. Once, a fellow off-roader tried to carry some spare fuel in a plastic container, but the attendant insisted on using a fire-certified metal safety can, which had to be placed in the truck bed rather than the cabin. Some remote gas stations might be more lenient, but it's better not to take the risk. Instead, consider purchasing those red specialized gasoline cans available at gas station convenience stores.

[VanEmmanuel]

I read in the news last year that someone used a beverage bottle to store gasoline in their trunk, and it almost caught fire when the gasoline leaked out due to bumps. Gas stations refusing to fill unapproved containers makes sense, as ordinary containers lack explosion-proof designs. If you really need to carry spare fuel, you can buy a safety fuel can with an anti-static coating from a hardware store—just make sure it’s labeled with ‘UL Certified’ or ‘DOT Certified.’ However, most gas stations in big cities won’t fill them; you might have better luck in remote areas.

[LaPatrick]

The gas station attendant told me that they check the fire extinguishers every day and are most afraid of customers bringing their own containers. Static electricity generated by the friction of plastic buckets can ignite gasoline vapors. Nowadays, the use of those red safety fuel cans is allowed, but they must be placed on the ground for refueling and cannot be operated inside the car trunk or cabin. Some rural gas stations might make exceptions if you're driving a farm vehicle, but they will definitely refuse if you show up in a car carrying a water bucket. If you really need spare fuel, consider buying 5-liter pre-packaged fuel containers.

[LorenzoDella]

I consulted gas station staff on behalf of my cousin, and they explained there are three main reasons for not fueling portable containers: Firstly, ordinary fuel cans are prone to leakage, and spilled gasoline during vehicle bumps poses significant danger. Secondly, vehicle fuel tanks have rollover valves for protection, while portable cans lack such safety features. Thirdly, uncertified containers may generate static sparks. They recommended purchasing specialized fuel containers sold at gas stations - these come with flame-retardant layers and venting valves, costing around 100 yuan each but lasting for many years.