Gas station: switch off your cell phone or not?

At petrol stations you will find the signs "Switch off your cell phone!" But do you really have to switch off your cell phone? We have summarized the answer and all the background information for you here.

Switch off your smartphone at the petrol station - what's behind it?

First of all: The prohibition sign at petrol stations with the crossed out cell phone does not automatically say that you should switch off your cell phone. Only phone calls or general use are meant. But why is a cell phone or smartphone a security risk?

• Radiation: Cellular devices emit radiation that can interfere with sensitive devices, such as in an airplane or hospital. The radiation cannot become a danger at a petrol station.
• Instead, the danger arises from the battery of the mobile device: If your cell phone falls to the ground, the battery can generate sparks, which in connection with the gasoline vapors can lead to an explosion.
• However, this is not very likely: Most (newer) cell phones have very little voltage and the risk of a short circuit and thus sparking is extremely low. With permanently installed rechargeable batteries, the battery cannot even fall out.
• However, if you leave your cell phone in your pocket at the petrol station, nothing can happen and you will save yourself discussions with the petrol station staff. However, you do not have to switch off your smartphone.

In facilities with sensitive electronics such as in hospitals, you should switch off your smartphone or activate flight mode. Before you fill up, check which is the cheapest petrol station in your area.