How to safely transport fuel containers in your car

Transporting fuel containers in or on your car should always be done with caution, even when carrying small quantities for use in lawnmowers and other garden and hardware equipment.

Only use an approved fuel container and while filling it, ensure it is in contact with the ground. Place the container on the floor of your car in a secured position with the lid on tight. Open a window for ventilation and never smoke a cigarette while transporting fuel.

If you have an SUV or station wagon, place the container in a secured position in the cargo area. For utes or other vehicles with external cargo areas, if you’re only travelling a short distance, fuel containers can be placed on the tray - just make sure they can’t tip over.

If you need to carry fuel over long distances, specialised brackets that hold fuel containers can be fitted to the rear of some four-wheel drive vehicles and on roof racks. Just make sure the brackets comply with Australian Design Rules and are securely attached.

Try to place large fuel containers low in the vehicle to minimise the effect of the load on the vehicle’s centre of gravity.

You should also avoid transporting fertilisers and oxidising agents with containers of fuel.