In a surprising turn of events, Oregon recently lifted its 72-year-old ban on self-service gas stations,1 leaving just one state clinging to the nostalgic era of full-service pumps. This shift has reignited the debate about the merits of full-service versus self-service gas stations.
Here’s a closer look at the states where you still can’t pump your own gas and the reasons behind these enduring policies.
1. New Jersey: The Lone Holdout
New Jersey now stands as the only state in America where it’s illegal for drivers to pump their own gas. This Garden State quirk dates back to 1949 when the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act was passed.
Gas station owners in New Jersey face hefty fines if drivers are caught handling the pump – up to $250 for a first offense and $500 for subsequent violations.(ref) The state’s commitment to full-service has become a point of pride for many residents, with bumper stickers proclaiming “Jersey Girls Don’t Pump Gas”.
But, there are not the only state that felt this way.
2. Oregon: A Recent Convert
Until recently, Oregon was the only other state that prohibited self-service gas stations statewide. However, on August 4, 2023, Democratic Governor Tina Kotek signed a bill allowing drivers to choose between self-service and full-service options.(ref)
Despite the change, Oregon’s new law maintains a balance by requiring gas stations to keep at least half of their pumps as full-service. This compromise aims to preserve jobs while offering consumers more choice.
The shift came after years of debate and was partly driven by gas stations’ struggles to hire workers.
3. Huntington, New York: The Municipal Maverick
While not a state, the city of Huntington, New York, deserves an honorable mention as a rare municipal holdout for full-service gas. This Long Island town has maintained its local ordinance requiring full-service pumps since the 1980s.
Huntington’s regulation stems from fire safety concerns raised by the local fire department in the 1980s. Drivers caught fueling their own vehicles in Huntington can face hefty fines, making it a unique enclave of full-service in a state that otherwise allows self-service pumping.
Safety Concerns: The Debate Continues
The safety of self-service gas stations remains a contentious issue. Oregon and New Jersey have historically cited safety as the primary reason for maintaining full-service requirements.
Arguments for full-service include:
- Reduced risk of fires and explosions due to trained attendants
- Prevention of gasoline spills by inexperienced customers
- Better maintenance of vehicles through regular checks by attendants
Arguments for self-service include:
- Modern safety features in pumps reduce risks
- Customers are incentivized to avoid spills as they’re paying for the fuel
- No significant difference in accident rates between full-service and self-service stations
Despite ongoing debates, concrete data on safety differences between full-service and self-service stations remains limited, with economic factors often playing a more significant role in policy decisions.
As the landscape of gas station services continues to evolve, these holdouts offer a glimpse into a bygone era of American car culture. Whether viewed as a quaint tradition or an outdated regulation, the debate over self-service gas is far from over.
Source:
1. AP News
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
