Gas stations are regular stops for drivers. You have to stop there to fill your tank. Many gas stations also have convenience stores and people usually make short stops to buy a couple of stuff from gas station stores. To some people, especially people on long road trips stations may seem like a good place to park. But many people wonder whether you can park at gas stations and for how long you are allowed to park. We look into all these and more in this article.
You can park at a gas station whenever you want to buy fuel, get something from their store, or as a safe place to park your vehicle. How long you park there depends on your business at the gas station and the discretion of the management.
As said in the last part of the answer paragraph, it’s ultimately up to the management how long you can park at the gas station. Below, you’ll learn about different circumstances surrounding how long you can park at a gas station.
Can You Park At Gas Stations?
If you are stopping to buy fuel or someone from the convenience store, you are definitely permitted to park at a gas station. They are there to render these services and you are allowed to be there as long as you are patronizing them.
If you are buying fuel, it’s important you stay around and move away from the pumps especially if you intend to get something from the convenience store. Don’t be a jerk and block the pump while you enter the store to get some items or even use the restroom.
Travelers or people on road trips can park at gas stations provided they are filling their tanks, getting something from the store, or even just using the restroom. As long as they are not disturbing other customers or blocking the way, they are allowed to park in the parking areas of the gas station.
How Long Can You Park At Gas Stations?
This depends on a number of factors. Gas stations with small parking spaces may not want people to park for long periods to ensure enough space is always available for customers. The same also applies to gas stations with a lot of traffic.
But if the gas station has a relatively large parking lot, they might allow you to park for a few hours. If you have to park for extended periods, especially overnight, you’ll have to inform the manager. You don’t go to the attendant at the pumps. Instead, you speak to a manager or supervisor and try to obtain their permission. Be polite when speaking to them.
So, in a nutshell, how long you are allowed to park depends on each gas station. But you may be allowed to park for anywhere from a few hours to several hours during the day.
Gas Station Etiquette
Whether you are a new driver or a decades-old gearhead, stopping at the gas station to fill your tank, get supplies from the convenience store, or simply want to park your car at the gas station for some time, there are some rules you have to follow. Some of these rules are ‘unwritten’ but it’s essential you follow these basic gas station etiquette to ensure you you and everyone else has a good time at the gas station.
Don’t Block The Entrance
It seems that you’ll always find people that block the entrance whenever you go to the gas station. It doesn’t matter if the person currently using the pump is almost done. The line should be kept moving and everyone wins in the end.
Don’t Rush People Using The Pump
Gas stations use the first come first serve principle. So when you get to the gas station and find someone already using the pump, be patient and wait for your turn. Don’t rush people using the pump by honking your horn or flashing lights. It’s outright rude except the person is unnecessarily wasting time.
We all have busy lives but you have no choice but to patiently wait for your turn at the pumps. Rushing other people won’t make time faster. It’ll only annoy the people before you and may make you seem like a nuisance.
Pump and Go
It’s straight down to business at the pump. Fill your tank and go. The pump is not the place to check your emails or start fiddling with your phone. People have things to do and no one wants to spend more time than necessary at a gas station.
Make a safe exit as soon as you are done filling your tank. Some people park at the pumps and wander around or go to get something from the convenience store. Don’t be a nuisance like them. Do your thing and leave.
Turn Off Your Engine
You are mandated to turn off your engine before filling your tank. This rule is put in place as a safety precaution.
Remember that gasoline is highly flammable and a little spark may be all that is needed to start a fire. It’s true that turning off your engine can seem like a small inconvenience in extreme weather. But safety should always be prioritized. So, you should ensure to turn off your engine before pumping gasoline into your vehicle.
Grab Your Receipts
In some filling stations, receipts are printed at the pumps and some customers tend to ignore the receipt. But you should always grab your receipt and send
Use The Parking Lot If You Still Have Unfinished Business
Need to get some snacks after filling your tank? Easy peasy. Fill the tank first and then move to the parking lot. Gas stations always have parking lots on their premises. So, park over there like the responsible person and get yourself extra snacks as treats.
Use The Farthest Pump Whenever Possible
If there are two pumps on the side of a gas station and both pumps are free, use the farthest pump to streamline traffic. Many people tend to use the closest pump if both pumps are free but driving extra four or five feet can make traffic flow better. Besides, you are also looking for your fellow drivers. So, it’s something you should do whenever possible.
