Carrying spare petrol in the UK: container limits

By the Overlanding.info team · Updated 24 October 2026 · Sources checked 24 October 2026

A spare can of petrol looks like the fix for a long, empty road. HSE guidance sets limits on the containers and quantities involved, and its own advice is not to store petrol unless you have to. This page sets out what HSE says. It does not cover diesel or ferry rules.

What HSE says about containers

The HSE page on petrol storage for home and clubs gives these maximum sizes for suitable portable containers:

It gives UN-approved containers as an example of suitable containers. For a vehicle, HSE says you can keep up to 30 litres in a maximum of two suitable containers, and that this counts towards your total for non-workplace premises. Petrol in the vehicle's own fuel tank does not count. HSE also notes that carriage is covered by the Carriage of Dangerous Goods rules and ADR, which this page does not describe.

Storing it at home

HSE says you can store up to 30 litres of petrol at home or non-workplace premises without notifying your local petroleum enforcement authority, in suitable portable containers, one demountable tank or a mix. Above that, written notification applies, and larger quantities need a licence. HSE also says there must be no petrol in living accommodation, and its staying-safe page says not to bring petrol into any place where people live.

Handling and filling

HSE's guidance says:

• Do not store petrol unless you have to; storage for leisure activities falls under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014.
• Keep containers out of children's reach and out of direct sunlight.
• Empty containers can still be hazardous because fumes remain, so keep the caps fastened.
• Place containers on the ground when filling, and follow the petrol station's safety instructions.
• Do not use petrol to light barbecues or bonfires.

The Camping and Caravanning Club adds that fuel should be kept in approved containers, transported and stored upright, and secured so it cannot disconnect, fall over or easily leak.

What these sources do not cover

The pages checked do not address diesel, labelling, or the rules of ferry operators and tunnels, so this guide makes no claim about them. Ask your supplier and your crossing operator directly if you intend to carry fuel on a crossing, and see the Europe guide for the wider planning. Do not estimate how much a full can adds to a roof or vehicle load from memory; use the vehicle payload worked example and the figures in your handbook, and do not add fuel to a roof rack without checking its limits.

Plan the fuel stops first

Before deciding to carry petrol, work out your longest gap between stations and where you can refuel. Use your vehicle handbook and route notes for range. The Highlands route guide and the overnight stops guide cover planning around remote stretches. Check that your breakdown cover would help if you run dry, using the breakdown cover questions.

Before you decide

• [ ] Longest fuel gap worked out for the route.
• [ ] Any container within HSE's size limits and suitable for petrol.
• [ ] No more than 30 litres in at most two containers in the vehicle.
• [ ] Container upright, secured, and kept out of the living space.
• [ ] Crossing operator asked, if the trip includes one.

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