
Lawmakers in New Jersey and Oregon are considering bills that would finally give drivers in those states the option to pump their own gas. But why was that practice banned in the first place?
Let’s start with the case in New Jersey. The Garden State’s ban on self-service gas stations, which are allowed in 48 states, began in 1949 when the New Jersey Legislature passed the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act. That law, enacted over concerns about the safety of consumers pumping petroleum themselves, was later followed by many other states. However, almost every state has since overturned their self-serve bans. (Kell/TIME)
Forget the multy-state plan — Local gas stations, owners and Local Village officials may still enforce their own safety measures — What would happen if town officials might be held liable ?? What would be the legal defense for injury then ?
People should get over there ignorance and become accustomed to pumping there own gas. Does anyone in NJ ever drive to another state and pump there own gas or do they all live in a void.
Notice how this is only gaining traction once the association of gas station owners reversed their long held vow on the matter.
Government by the people lol.
Yes. I have traveled many places and suffered the indignity of getting out of my vehicle to pump gas in all sorts of terrible weather. There is nothing pleasant or enjoyable about it.
Not to mention, you basically have to use to a credit card because otherwise you have to walk inside to pay. The credit card cost can be a substantial increase.
Note also that if you have kids in the car, by law, you are supposed to bring them in to pay with you. This would mean unbuckling 3 kids, pulling them across a gas station with moving cars to pay and then hauling them back to the car and into car seats. In other words, you have to use a credit card and pay the premium.
NJ has really cheap gas which is provided in the most civilized manner. Why mess with this? 8 minutes sitting your car is sometimes a really nice break or a chance to check email without illegally viewing your phone while driving.
if this passes more people will not have a job, and to top it the fuel will not go down.
“The indignity of getting out of my vehicle”? Get over yourself. What are you, a royal? Gas stations are going the way of the dodo bird anyway, they’ll be replaced by smart charging stations for EVs.
Why would town officials be held liable if the law was changed? Last I checked, gas stations are run by private sector firms, not local govt
“suffered the indignity” of pumping own gas?!?!?!
10:16 pm said,
“Gas stations are going the way of the dodo bird anyway, they’ll be replaced by smart charging stations for EVs.”
What planet do you live on? Electric Vehicles aren’t even close to replacing the combustion engine. Maybe in the next 100 years, but not anytime soon.