It’s not hard to extrapolate that it’s a safety feature in case the auto-shutoff valve malfunctions and, when the tank is full, you’d end up with a dangerous an

It’s not hard to extrapolate that it’s a safety feature in case the auto-shutoff valve malfunctions and, when the tank is full, you’d end up with a dangerous and damaging fuel spill if someone isn’t standing there monitoring it. If you can’t walk away, the risk of this goes down a lot. Also, people often start the pump and get back into the car while it fills. When it’s full, they get out of the vehicle which generates static electricity (often in winter months where it’s dry and wool or other clothing increases this) and has the risk of discharging on the handle, sparking a fire.