Does it make sense to ban mobile phones at gas stations?

Most gas stations in different countries have warning signs indicating that the use of mobile phones in the area of ​​the site is prohibited. But is there a real danger or legal prohibition?

The bans on the use of mobile phones in airplanes, hospitals or other places with sensitive technical devices that may be disturbed by electromagnetic waves are at least theoretically explained and known. But even there, the risk of harm is very low. Such sensitive devices are not used at gas stations. Why, then, are sometimes signs prohibiting the use of mobile phones?

Is there even the slightest danger?

In fact, using a mobile device at a gas station has little risk. However, the reason for this is not electromagnetic waves.

In the alleged “worst case” scenario, the battery may separate from the device, and if it falls to the ground, sparks may form that can ignite spilled gasoline (or gases from it) and other combustible mixtures. However, no explosion has yet been known caused by batteries for mobile phones. For this to happen, a lot of factors rarely compatible in real life must coincide.

The likelihood of such an incident has further declined in recent years or decades. The reason for this is that the batteries of modern mobile phones have less voltage than 15-20 years ago, and contact points are built into the battery. Thus, the risk of a short circuit or spark is further reduced. In addition, the battery in many models is now firmly integrated into the device, and the incident described above is actually only theoretical.

Why then do some prohibit signs?

Prohibition signs are established by gas stations themselves to prevent theoretically possible claims for damages. Most countries do not consider the law significant enough to require regulation. This means that no one will receive a fine from the state if they ignore the ban on mobile phones at gas stations.

Although the real risk is probably very low, you can fully insure yourself if you refrain from using your mobile phone during the refueling process. Strictly speaking, all other battery-powered devices should be used at gas stations, taking into account the potential danger of sparking.