Anaya Nolan
In most places, it is illegal to pump gas with your vehicle's engine running, due to the risk of flash fires. However, in some places, it is also illegal for customers to pump their own gas, regardless of whether the engine is running. As of 2023, Oregon and New Jersey are the only two states with such a ban, though Oregon's law was overturned in the same year. New Jersey's ban has been in place since 1949, and while there have been attempts to overturn it, the majority of New Jersey residents oppose the change.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Locations where it is illegal to pump gas with the car running | Oregon (until 2023), New Jersey |
| Reasons for the law | Fire hazards, casualties, flash fires |
| Penalty | Fines, potential prison time |
| Exceptions | When it is necessary to run the engine to fuel the vehicle |
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What You'll Learn
- New Jersey is the only US state where it is illegal to pump your own gas
- Oregon lifted its ban on self-service gas stations in 2023
- Filling up with the engine running is illegal in many places due to fire risk
- Gas station owners in NJ have been fined for letting drivers handle the pump
- Gas stations lobbied for self-service bans in the 20th century due to safety concerns
New Jersey is the only US state where it is illegal to pump your own gas
New Jersey is the only US state where it is illegal for customers to pump their own gas. This has been the case since the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act was passed in 1949. The law states that "because of the fire hazards directly associated with dispensing fuel, it is in the public interest that gasoline operators have the control needed over that activity".
Historically, full-service gas stations were the norm throughout the US during the first half of the 20th century and into the 1960s. By 1968, 23 states still had bans on drivers fueling their own cars. However, as more and more states began to switch to self-service in the 1970s and 1980s, New Jersey remained the only state with a full-service law.
There have been several attempts to overturn the ban in New Jersey, particularly in response to spikes in gas prices. In 2022, a Monmouth University poll found that 60% of New Jersey residents still opposed allowing stations to do away with full service. Governor Phil Murphy has referred to the topic as New Jersey's "political third rail", acknowledging that it is a sensitive issue that he has not been inclined to cross.
In March 2025, state Senator Jon Bramnick reintroduced a bill that would give New Jerseyans the option to fill up their own tanks, with the requirement that larger gas stations offer both full-service and self-service options and have an attendant on hand to assist anyone with a disability. However, it remains to be seen whether this bill will succeed in lifting the decades-old ban on self-service gas stations in New Jersey.
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Oregon lifted its ban on self-service gas stations in 2023
Oregon has lifted its ban on self-service gas stations, allowing drivers to pump their own fuel. The law was signed by Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek in August 2023 and took effect immediately. This marked a significant change in Oregon, as the state had banned self-service at gas stations since 1951.
The new law stipulates that no more than half of the pumps at any service station can be self-serve, and stations are required to have at least one employee available to assist drivers who need help. Additionally, stations are prohibited from charging different prices for self-serve and full-service options.
The decision to lift the ban came after years of debate and was driven by several factors. One key reason was the struggle to hire workers, which led to workforce shortages, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oregon's fire marshal had to lift the ban on self-service multiple times during emergencies, such as wildfires and heat waves. Fuel companies also advocated for the change, citing the challenge of staffing fuel pumps.
While some Oregonians preferred having an employee fill their tanks, others welcomed the option of self-service. The bill faced opposition from unions representing gas station workers, who argued that it favoured big oil companies over workers' interests.
With Oregon's decision, New Jersey became the last state in the country where self-service at gas stations remains illegal. Despite attempts to overturn the ban, it remains a source of pride for many New Jersey residents, who value the full-service option and the state's reputation for lower gas prices.
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Filling up with the engine running is illegal in many places due to fire risk
Filling up your vehicle with the engine running is illegal in many places due to the risk of fire. Gasoline is a highly explosive liquid that emits dangerous vapours. While the possibility of a fire is slim, pumping gas with the engine running increases the risk of vapours coming into contact with heat or electricity, resulting in a flash fire.
The act of pumping gas produces a large amount of heat and electricity. As soon as the gas pump is activated, gas vapours are emitted. When these vapours come into contact with heat or electricity, they ignite. Spark plugs and their leads, which carry tens of thousands of volts of electricity, can also cause ignition if the insulation breaks down.
In addition to the risk of fire, leaving the engine running while refuelling can also pose a safety risk, especially if there are children in the car. They may accidentally shift the gearbox into drive, or a bad actor could enter the car and drive away while the driver is inside paying.
While it is not illegal in all places to pump gas with the engine running, it is always safer to turn off the engine. This simple precaution can help prevent flash fires and protect those around you.
In some places, such as New Jersey, it is illegal to pump your own gas, with the law stating that "because of the fire hazards directly associated with dispensing fuel, it is in the public interest that gasoline operators have the control needed over that activity." However, this law has been the subject of debate, with some arguing that allowing self-service could lower prices. Despite these arguments, as of 2023, New Jersey remains the only state in the US where drivers cannot pump their own gas.
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Gas station owners in NJ have been fined for letting drivers handle the pump
In New Jersey, it is illegal for drivers to pump their own gas. The law, which was passed in 1949, states that "because of the fire hazards directly associated with dispensing fuel, it is in the public interest that gasoline operators have the control needed over that activity". While 49 other states allow self-service, New Jersey has retained its decades-old ban.
Gas station owners in New Jersey can be fined for allowing drivers to handle the pump. Fines for a first offence can be as high as $250, with subsequent violations incurring fines of up to $500. However, it is the gas station owner, not the driver, who is penalised for the violation. Despite lobbying from the gas station industry, particularly in response to labour shortages, attempts to overturn the ban have been largely unsuccessful.
The ban on self-service gas pumping in New Jersey has been a long-standing topic of debate. Some argue that allowing self-service would reduce prices, but others believe that it could put small businesses at risk of being driven out by larger companies. In addition, many New Jersey residents have expressed a preference for full-service gas stations, with 60% opposing the introduction of self-service.
While New Jersey is currently the only state with a ban on self-service gas, Oregon lifted its own 72-year ban in 2023, following in the footsteps of several other states.
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Gas stations lobbied for self-service bans in the 20th century due to safety concerns
In the United States, self-service gas stations have existed since the early 1900s, with the earliest pumps appearing around 1915. These pumps were designed for emergencies or for use after dark when gas stations were closed. However, full-service gas stations, which were the norm during the first half of the 20th century, opposed the idea of self-service. They argued that untrained drivers would overfill their tanks and cause fires, and with the support of local fire marshals, they lobbied state legislators to pass bans on self-service. By 1968, 23 states had banned self-service, with New Jersey and Oregon being the last two states to uphold these bans in the 21st century.
The success of self-service gas stations internationally and a change in the business model of gas stations led to the reversal of these bans. Gas station owners in the 1970s and 1980s lost their hold on the auto service and repair market, and they believed that self-service could reduce labour costs and increase fuel sales. Additionally, self-service stations could diversify their offerings by selling food, tobacco, coffee, and other items with higher profit margins. By 1992, 80% of gas stations in the US were self-service.
Despite the shift towards self-service, New Jersey has maintained its full-service culture at gas stations. In March 2025, a bill was reintroduced to give New Jerseyans the option of self-service, but it has faced strong opposition. Many residents take pride in their state being the last full-service state, and there are concerns about the safety hazards of self-service. However, the self-service ban has also been viewed as a "political third rail", with attempts to overturn it considered politically risky.
Oregon, which had a similar law banning self-service since 1951, recently lifted its ban in 2023. The new regulations require stations to offer both full-service and self-service options and maintain an attendant to assist anyone who needs help. While some Oregonians preferred full-service, others supported the option for self-service, leading to the change in the law.
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Frequently asked questions
Leaving your car running while pumping gas is dangerous and illegal in many places. Gasoline is a highly flammable substance and vapours can be ignited by something as simple as static electricity or heat.
In most places, it is legal to pump your own gas. However, in New Jersey, it is illegal to pump your own gas. Gas station owners in New Jersey can be fined up to $250 for a first offence and up to $500 for subsequent violations.
Yes, it is illegal to leave a gas pump unattended while it is being used. If you leave your vehicle while pumping gas, you will be liable for any damages that occur as a result of a gas spill or overflow.
Using your phone while pumping gas is not recommended due to the risk of creating a spark and causing a distraction. However, there is no federal law prohibiting the use of phones at gas stations.
