It’s probably safe to say every Texan has grown up hearing some laundry list of ways you can accidentally cause an explosion while pumping gas. Getting in and out of the car, checking your phone or (an obviously true example) lighting a cigarette. But is it illegal to use your cell phone while pumping gas in Texas? Tuns out it’s not, and there’s no evidence that cell phone use has caused a gas pump to go up in flames.
There’s no law in Texas banning the use of a cell phone at a gas station. Though, you’ve probably heard lore of cell phones causing static electricity, sparking a crisis at the gas pump. That’s not really true. And while there may be signs warning against gaming or texting while refueling, there’s no state law that’ll land you with a fine or behind bars.
But why is it frowned upon? Here’s what you need to know.
There is no recorded incident where using a cell phone caused an explosion at a gas pump, according to Erie Insurance’s breakdown of fueling station myths and legends. In fact, the Petroleum Equipment Institute reports there’s no documented case of a cell phone causing a gas station fire at all.
However, distracted drivers are a treacherous nuisance, and Erie Insurance says they’re more likely to drive off with the pump still in the fuel filler opening. Luckily, those pumps typically have a release for this (it happens more than you’d think), but you could be on the hook for hundreds of dollars in repairs. Plus, you shouldn’t be getting back in your car anyway once you start the fueling process.
Static electricity can be created when you glide back onto your seat in the car. Touching the metal handle of a gas pump actually can cause an explosion, according to AAA.
“Don’t get back in your car, even when it’s cold or rainy,” AAA warns. “In a few cases, doings so has created enough static electricity to ignite gasoline vapors when exiting the vehicle to remove the nozzle from the gas tank.”
In fact, it’s cold and dry weather most likely to create a hazardous spark when sliding on and off your seat before heading back to the pump – so that’s the most dangerous time to do it.