Is it allowed to use mobile phones at gas stations?
4 Answers
Using mobile phones at gas stations is not allowed. When using a mobile phone at a gas station, the electromagnetic waves emitted by the phone can collide with gasoline molecules in the surrounding air, potentially generating sparks that could lead to an explosion. Additionally, during refueling, gasoline vapors escape from the empty fuel tank, and when fuel is injected into the tank via the fuel nozzle, the concentration of gasoline vapors in the surrounding air increases significantly. Using a mobile phone under these conditions can create friction, which may trigger an explosion. Modern gas and fuel stations commonly use computer-controlled systems, and strong mobile phone signals can interfere with these devices. The instantaneous electronic friction generated between the phone and the equipment could ignite the gasoline vapors. This risk is particularly heightened in poorly ventilated areas where the density of gasoline vapors is higher, further increasing the likelihood of an explosion caused by mobile phone use.
I also pondered this question last time I refueled. From a physics perspective, mobile phone signals are actually extremely weak, making the possibility of generating electrical sparks negligible. Those warning signs at gas stations are primarily for safety redundancy—what if extreme circumstances occur? The most credible explanation I've heard is: if a phone drops and friction occurs, it might generate static sparks, which is the real hidden danger. However, many gas stations now have vapor recovery systems installed, significantly reducing gasoline vapor concentration in the air. Personally, I recommend not using your phone near the fuel nozzle; instead, walk farther away to the convenience store entrance for payment operations—this follows the rules and ensures safety. After all, gas station attendants work in this environment daily, so they know best where the real risks lie.
Our company specifically covered this during training. The truly dangerous moment at gas stations regarding mobile phone usage is during calls, when the battery outputs a stronger current. Although modern phone circuits have shielding designs, there's no guarantee that older devices won't produce sparks. I've personally seen test videos where ordinary phones couldn't ignite anything in a fuel vapor environment, but situations like power banks making poor contact and emitting sparks could indeed cause ignition. Modern gas stations now have explosion-proof designs, but it's recommended that drivers do three things: operate their phones only after turning off the engine, stay more than three meters away from the fuel nozzle, and keep even farther away from the fueling island on rainy days, as damp conditions make static sparks more likely.
This is a common question we encounter at repair shops. Safety experts have conducted experiments showing that igniting gasoline vapors requires 0.2 millijoules of energy, while mobile phone antenna radiation typically emits less than one hundred-thousandth of that amount. What really deserves attention are static sparks from synthetic fiber clothing, which can reach up to 3 millijoules. Gas station safety measures are comprehensive - banning mobile phones aims to reduce all potential risks. Last week, we handled a fuel dispenser circuit malfunction and found its internal explosion-proof structure can actually block most sparks. But as vehicle owners, the safest approach is to patiently wait until refueling is complete before going inside the convenience store to scan and pay - even gas station restrooms are safer than the fueling islands.
