NJ Voters Still Prefer Full-Service Gas Stations: New FDU Poll Shows Unwavering Support

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey remains the last state in the nation where drivers are prohibited from pumping their own gas—and residents want to keep it that way.

According to the latest Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) Poll released July 16, 2026, New Jersey voters strongly oppose changing state law to allow self-service gas stations, maintaining a sentiment that has remained virtually unchanged for over a decade.

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Key Findings: The Numbers Behind the Preference

The survey revealed that public opinion on full-service gas has held steady since FDU last posed the question in 2012:

• Keep Full-Service (Status Quo): 64% of voters support the current mandate (up slightly from 63% in 2012).

• Switch to Self-Service: Only 24% of voters want New Jersey to allow self-service (compared to 23% in 2012).

• Undecided: 12% expressed no firm preference.

“At a time when everything seems unstable, it’s good to know that there are some things that just don’t change,” said Dan Cassino, Professor of Government and Politics at FDU and Executive Director of the FDU Poll. “New Jersey voters have never wanted to pump their own gas, and they still don’t want to pump their own gas.”

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Demographic Breakdown: Who Favors Full-Service Gas Most?

The poll highlights distinct trends across gender, age groups, and political affiliations:

1. Gender Gap

• Women: 74% support keeping full-service gas stations, with only 15% favoring self-service.

• Men: 56% support keeping full-service, while 33% favor self-service.

• Insight: Experts note that full service has historically been viewed as a safety benefit, particularly among women.

2. Age Groups

• Ages 18–30: 68% support full-service.

• Ages 31–44: 66% support full-service.

• Ages 45–64: 64% support full-service.

• Ages 65+: 61% support full-service.

• Insight: Young voters show the strongest preference for keeping attendant-pumped gas.

3. Political Affiliation

• Democrats: 71% support current rules.

• Republicans: 62% support current rules.

• Independents: 58% support current rules.

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Poll Methodology

The survey was conducted between June 23 and June 30, 2026, by Braun Research on behalf of the FDU Poll. It surveyed 1,211 registered voters in New Jersey using a text-to-web cellular phone methodology. The results have a simple sampling error of +/- 3.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence interval.

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Key Takeaways

• Status Quo Stands: Nearly two-thirds of NJ voters reject self-service gas mandates.

• Last State Standing: New Jersey remains the only state upholding a full-service law.

• Cross-Demographic Consensus: Support for full service crosses age, gender, and political lines.

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