Many drivers are unsure whether they are allowed to use a smartphone at gas stations. This is because Germany has numerous rules and standards for drivers to ensure road safety.
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Important rules often apply even away from public transportation routes, such as at gas stations. In addition to specific behaviors at gas stations, drivers should also pay attention to nearby signs.
When using a smartphone at a gas station is prohibited
Many gas stations have signs indicating that smoking and open flames are prohibited on the premises. The use of mobile phones is also often forbidden.
Anyone using a mobile phone in the vicinity of a gas station risks serious accidents. This prohibition does not apply to all mobile phones.
The ban on using mobile phones and smartphones was initially intended to prevent fires, specifically related to the batteries in mobile phones. The concern was not about calls or using the phones themselves but rather about the batteries. If a mobile phone is dropped, and the battery becomes disconnected, sparks may occur.
These sparks can then ignite gasoline or other flammable liquids or gases, leading to serious fires or explosions. It's essential to remember that using a mobile phone is also prohibited at red traffic lights.
The risk of ignition or even an explosion due to a mobile phone is now quite low, as modern smartphones have built-in batteries that cannot fall out. The likelihood of sparks from mobile phones is now close to zero.
The warning accordingly applies to old mobile phones that are no longer in use. This is likely why signs prohibiting mobile phones are gradually disappearing from gas stations.
Nevertheless, many experts advise drivers who see a sign "No mobile phones" at a gas station not to use their smartphones to avoid discussions with the gas station staff.
Overall, it is essential to consider the risk of ignition at gas stations to eliminate potential dangers.
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At some gas stations, you'll find signs prohibiting the use of mobile phones due to the risk of ignition. Ignoring this rule could lead to serious accidents, as sparks from the phone battery might ignite flammable substances.
