TRENTON, NJ – In a historic move, Oregon has lifted its long-standing ban on pumping your own gas, dating back to 1951. Governor Tina Kotek signed House Bill 2426 into law on Friday, allowing Oregonians the choice to pump their own gas for the first time in seven decades. New Jersey now stands alone as the only state in the nation where self-service at gas stations remains prohibited.
The newly enacted law in Oregon does not entirely eliminate full-service options in the state. Within its 16 most populous counties, gas stations must continue to designate at least half of their pumps for full service. Additionally, at least one employee must be on hand to assist customers who require help with fueling. Notably, the law prevents gas stations from charging extra for full-service assistance.
Supporters of the change in Oregon see it as a step towards modernizing the state’s regulations and offering greater convenience to drivers. The law is designed to balance the convenience of self-service with the continued availability of assistance for those who may need it.
Meanwhile, New Jersey’s ban on self-service gas continues to be a subject of debate and controversy. Despite numerous legislative efforts and proposed bills, the Garden State has staunchly held onto its unique distinction of prohibiting motorists from pumping their own fuel. The latest proposal, Bill 3105, named the “Motorist Fueling Choice and Convenience Act,” was introduced in February 2022 but has not yet gained enough traction to become law.
Public opinion in New Jersey is sharply divided on the subject, with residents nearly equally split on whether to maintain the status quo or align with the rest of the country.
As Oregon transitions to its new era of fueling freedom, the spotlight now turns to New Jersey, with many watching closely to see if it will follow suit or continue to uphold a practice that sets it apart from the rest of the nation.
Only time will tell if New Jersey will make a move to change its unique stance on self-service gas pumping. Until then, the Garden State remains a singular holdout in a country where pumping your own gas is an everyday part of driving.
Based on an earlier article by R. Walker/SNN.