Comments (189)

1. In my hometown of Avon, CT there is a single full service gas station that operates amidst multiple self service stations. I wasn’t paying attention when I first moved there and pulled into their station because it had the shortest lines (actually, there was nobody in line…I just figured I was really lucky).

   I was loathe to learn that not only was the full service pumps much slower than self service, but it also cost an additional 25 cents more (and this was when gas still cost only a dollar!).

   Other than for shear novelty I don’t understand the point of full serve and feel bad for Oregoners and New Jerseyites alike.

   posted by chris on 6-9-2008 at 1:48 pm

2. I live in Washington and often find myself traveling through Oregon. Sometimes I forget about that archaic law and start to get out of the car, only to be admonished by the professional gas station attendant.

   It makes the trip unique though.

   posted by Brian on 6-9-2008 at 1:49 pm

3. I have always been told, at least in NJ, it is because of the number of jobs that it produces to have folks pump your gas. Given, they are not high paying jobs, but politicians can say how many jobs they created, saved, etc.
   The upside is, NJ has what is probably the cheapest gas around (because of the refineries.)

   So, your saving up to 25 cents a gallon (WIN) and never have to get out into the cold or heat (WIN) and someone has a job (WIN) .. works for me!!

   posted by Guzzler on 6-9-2008 at 1:58 pm

4. I had heard that they refuse to overturn the laws for fear of people loosing their jobs.

   Seems a bit like mandating all cars should have horse buggy whips and all telephone calls should be patched through a manual operator.

   posted by Witty Nickname on 6-9-2008 at 2:04 pm

5. I can’t imagine not being allowed to pump my own gas. My dad used to own a service station and there was one full service island (this was around 1991-92) and the only people who used it were well-to-do little old ladies who probably had no idea how to pump their own gas.
   There are some people who shouldn’t be allowed to pump their own gas. A cousin of the wife of a former co-worker of mine landed in the hospital because she was siphoning gas while smoking! Don’t know why she was siphoning the gas in the first place, but I do believe she may be the stupidest person I have ever heard of!

   posted by Wendy on 6-9-2008 at 2:06 pm

6. These laws are pretty rediculous. These “professional” gas station attendants, who may or may not have a high school education, are more qualified to pump gas than I am? These people are less likely to blow up the gas station? I think not.

   posted by justin on 6-9-2008 at 2:10 pm

7. While visiting my uncle in Eugene, OR I went to fill-up my rental car. Although my uncle had told me of the law –by reflex– I was about to pull the nozzle from the pump when the attendant came running up to me at full speed! Doh!! I realized my error and apologized to the attendant. Good thing I only needed to refill once.

   posted by James on 6-9-2008 at 2:11 pm

8. Yeah, I have lived in Oregon for 2 years. When I fist moved here, I tried to pump my own gas and got yelled at by the attendant…I didn’t know what the big deal was! If they did overturn the law, I image they would have to have “gas pumping classes”. Most people I know wouldn’t know how.

   posted by Ryan on 6-9-2008 at 2:19 pm

9. You’d be surprised how many people catch themselves on fire each year at gas stations. Not everyone understands the dangers of static electricity, it is NOT a bad law.

   posted by al gore on 6-9-2008 at 2:20 pm

10. I lived in NJ until a couple of years ago. Whenever I go back to visit friends and family it is so frustrating waiting for a gas station attendant to pump my gas and then to come back and take pump out of my tank. It just takes so much longer than when you pump your own.

    posted by zantimisfit on 6-9-2008 at 2:23 pm

11. As a resident of NJ, I love not having to get out of the car in the cold or rainy weather. No gas smell on the hands either. And, at least in South Jersey, pricing always seem to be a few pennies cheaper than the rest of the country.

    posted by Bet Done on 6-9-2008 at 2:25 pm

12. I (like Jason) am a resident of good ol’ Jersey. In the winter I am VERY grateful that I don’t have to get out of my car and pump gas! In the not-that-distant past ‘Full Service’ meant the attendant would pump your gas, check your oil and wash your windshield. For the price of gas these days they should do a heck of a lot more than that!!

    One of the rumors around here is we don’t pump our gas which keeps the station owners insurance costs down which contributes to the lower price per gallon. Anyone know if that is, in any way, true?

    posted by JaneM on 6-9-2008 at 2:26 pm

13. I suppose I don’t mine the law but does it lead to increased gas prices for the station to pay a few more employees? I realize gas is not how these little stations make most of there money but it still results in higher costs and an increase somewhere.

    While growing up there were a few stations in my home town that were full service but they were always a few cents less per gallon because you were expected to tip the attendant. The price was made up for on the convenience items like food and drinks inside the actual station. I used to go to these stations only when the weather was terrible in January and February and it was worth an extra 3 bucks.

    posted by Justin on 6-9-2008 at 2:32 pm

14. I drive through NJ quite often, and always make a point to gas up right before I get into the state. I don’t feel even remotely comfortable having anyone besides me putting gas in my car. Maybe I’m just a control freak.

    posted by Alex on 6-9-2008 at 2:32 pm

15. A born-and-bred Pennsylvanian, about a decade or so ago, I spent a season living outside of Ashland, OR, with some other folks. During my first trip into town, we pulled up to a gas station, and an attendant came up to the window. “What’ll it be?” he asked. “Fill it up,” said my friend. After a beat, the attendant followed up with, “How you gonna pay for that?” My friend replied, “Credit card.” “Okay…” The attendant looked perplexed for a moment, then asked, “How much you want?” My friend, after a moment, repeated, “Fill it up.” The attendant nodded, put the nozzle in the tank, then called over, “…How you paying for this?” At this point, we started looking for hidden cameras. “Credit card!” “Okay, sure… And you want me to fill it up, right?” After an exasperated nod, my friend added, “And we’re paying with credit card!” just to be on the safe side.

    I nudged my friend and said, “Why don’t they let us pump our own gas in this state?” My friend looked at me and replied in a perfect deadpan, “They think it causes brain damage.”

    posted by Jeff on 6-9-2008 at 2:42 pm

16. OK – I love going to visit my relatives in NJ….especially in the freezing cold winter months….I get to stay in the warm car, the tank is filled, the attendant deals with the transaction and I am on my way. Don’t get me wrong, I pump my own gas here in Atlanta, but few things in life are full service without full service prices. I love it, my relatives love it, leave it alone!

    posted by Michelle on 6-9-2008 at 2:58 pm

17. Okay, so I grew up and learned to drive in Florida, which, like the rest of red-blooded America, is a state where grownups get to pump their very own gas. Until I moved to the west coast, I had pumped my fair share of gasoline and had never set myself or anything else on fire. I had never heard of this no-self-service law when I packed up my Toyota and drove out to Oregon.

    So what’s the first thing I do in Oregon? Pull into a service station, get out, and pop open my gas cap. This guy comes RUNNING and intercepts me just as I’m about to pump the gas. “Oh damn,” I think, “How’d I pick a Full Service station??” But oh well, he pumps the gas and I give him a tip. He looks a little confused at the tip, but the whole situation is weird, so whatever.

    This proceeds to happen the next three times I go to fill up my tank. Nobody explains the law to me, though I do spend a lot of time driving around looking for stations that say “Self Service.” None do, but then again, most don’t say anything at all about service…but they all have dudes hanging around outside pumping gas, so I guess I’m stuck.

    I don’t mention it to anybody because I figure I must be the only cheapskate in Portland who doesn’t want Full Service. Finally I’m talking to a friend from Seattle and I confess that I can’t find a Self Service station in Oregon — though just over the river in Washington there is one (and there’s also sales tax). She laaaaaaaughs and laughs and explains the law to me. She also tells me how to pronounce “Oregon” and “Willamette” and several other things I had been doing to make a jackass of myself.

    Oh well.

    posted by Chris Higgins on 6-9-2008 at 3:00 pm

18. I’m sure I’m in the minority, but I really love the full-service stations. I miss living in Oregon for many reasons, but that’s one of them.

    posted by Katherine on 6-9-2008 at 3:01 pm

19. I lived in NJ until a few years ago. I knew, and my little kid knew, that when I pulled up to the gas station, you said $10 regular. Well, we moved cross country and drove the whole way. I didn’t even know how to get my gas cap off/on correctly! Or how to operate a gas pump. It was crazy. Now it’s no big deal, but when you are spoiled by living in a state where others pump your gas, it’s crazy.

    Also, safer to have the attendants do it? 90% (a conservative amt) of the gas station attendants in my part of NJ, anyway, were recent immigrants who didn’t read, write or understand much if any english. How safe is that??

    posted by QT314159265 on 6-9-2008 at 3:01 pm

20. Even though MI–where I live–has had ‘pump your own’ for many years, I NEVER have put gas in my vehicle. (I’m lucky to have a husband who has always done it for me.) I just prefer not having to get out of the vehicle in the crazy weather we have. Wouldn’t mind seeing it change to be like Oregon and NJ. I’m spoiled like that.

    posted by cmk on 6-9-2008 at 3:03 pm

21. As I joke with my friends here in Oregon, the gas law keeps the meth heads and ex cons gainfully employed.

    I like it. Yes, it may be a bit archaic, but it doesn’t increase the gas prices much (It’s $4.05-4.10/gal right now in Salem), does provide entry level jobs, and when it’s crapping down rain, it’s really nice to stay in the car.

    posted by Jenny on 6-9-2008 at 3:25 pm

22. I think ‘lazy’ would be a more appropriate word. ‘Retarded’ also comes to mind since you think you’re ’spoiled’ because of that.

    posted by susan on 6-9-2008 at 3:27 pm

23. my comment was intended for CMK, not Jenny.

    posted by susan on 6-9-2008 at 3:29 pm

24. Just last night I drove home from New Jersey [to PA]. On the highway, while still in NJ, I needed gas. I pulled off to a service station and sat in a line for TWENTY MINUTES. The gas was $3.89, whereas gas in my part of PA is $4.20, so I wasn’t complaining much. But the lines would have been moving MUCH faster if the slow-moving attendants hadn’t been talking to each other and not paying attention to their job. I’d much rather pump my own gas. I hate waiting on other people to do things for me that I am perfectly capable of doing myself.

    posted by Mary on 6-9-2008 at 3:33 pm

25. This “self-serve” thing definately does not happen in South America. We are full-service all the way and I am glad. They clean my windshield, check the oil and actually ask if I have any trash in the car that I would like them to throw away. There is no extra wait time, I get to stay comfortably in my car and my hands do not end up stinking. what´s not to love?

    posted by GTT on 6-9-2008 at 3:34 pm

26. Maybe if the ’service attendants’ actually provided a service, I wouldn’t hate it as much. But when the most they do is grunt at you and then let the pump sit in your tank for an extra three minutes after it’s done pumping gas, it becomes a bother, and a waste of time.

    posted by Mary on 6-9-2008 at 3:43 pm

27. I live in PA and work in NJ – the gas is CHEAPER in NJ and I dont have to get out of my car and have my hands smell like gas. Out of all the crazy Jersey laws I LOVE THIS ONE!!

    posted by PA enjoys on 6-9-2008 at 3:48 pm

28. Sillier still is the requirement that, even though gasoline pumps must have an automatic shutoff mechanism, self-service pumps almost everywhere must have the latch removed that keeps them turned on while you clean your windows (or at least get away from the fumes).

    posted by KRS on 6-9-2008 at 4:03 pm

29. There are still a few, ok 2, full service stations in my hometown (Northeast PA). Right next to each other. When I’m home I go there. Prices aren’t any higher but maybe the competition keeps it that way. When I moved away I had no idea how to pump my own gas.

    posted by Danyel on 6-9-2008 at 4:04 pm

30. I was a pump jockey in South Jersey in the early 90’s, during the first Gulf War. I had the job for about a year (I was in high school) and I loved it.

    I’m sort of an old soul and I took the job seriously. As long as there was not a line, I asked every customer if they needed their oil and tire pressure checked, and I would almost always wash the windshield (To this day, I still have awesome squeegee-fu). I once got an $8 tip from a guy who was on his way to the Poconos with his family, after I had topped off his oil and windshield wiper fluid, checked his tire pressure, and washed his windows. I always liked to think of myself as the guy in the picture above, except I was in a flannel, jeans and workboots. You know, old fashioned service.

    When gas prices got up to $.98, I had customers yelling at me that it was highway robbery. In fact, the guy who ran the station was not making much money at all on the gas; most of his revenue came from the auto shop.

    I found that as long as I was attentive and I hustled, nobody cared about not being able to pump their own gas. However, for years after, I became indignant at the lack of service at some stations and would grumble to myself “In my day…” Like I said, old soul.

    posted by burgeon on 6-9-2008 at 4:15 pm

31. I’m embarrassed to say that the Oregon law has left me incapable of pumping my own gas…I just don’t know how. Every time I leave Oregon I have to ask for help from other motorists, who invariably look frightened that dimwits like me are sharing the road.

    posted by natlynn on 6-9-2008 at 4:41 pm

32. This law has inconvenienced me on a number of occasions. What people forget is that if a station doesn’t have 24/7 employees, you *cannot get gas at night.* Even a major city like Eugene, OR had nothing open at 9:30pm off I-5 and I nearly ran out of gas trying to find something.

    Not to mention: what kind of person is willing to take a job at a remote gas station in the middle of the night? I would prefer not to be forced to spend my time with them. The first time I stopped for gas in OR, I was unaware of the law, and it was a bit unsettling to have a burly man RUN out to my car at 1am and pump my gas for me.

    posted by Marina Martin on 6-9-2008 at 4:45 pm

33. no such thing as “full service” in oregon,when i worked at a gas station here, we weren’t allowed to even check the oil level.pump the fuel only. some stations in larger areas make go inside to pay.so much for stying dry !

    posted by Duke on 6-9-2008 at 4:46 pm

34. I don’t have a car either, so I’m mostly indifferent as well.

    posted by Dawn on 6-9-2008 at 4:49 pm

35. I like the full service stations in Oregon. They’re particularly nice in the winter when it’s cold and rainy. And at some stations, they’ll clean your windshield for you too. I guess based on some comments above, they’re not all like that, but there is still great customer service at some stations. The only problem is when you sit there for 10 minutes waiting for the workers to realize you’re there, but I don’t return to those stations once I’ve been ignored. My roommate got sick of waiting once and started to pump her own gas and got quite a scolding!

    posted by Gayle on 6-9-2008 at 5:32 pm

36. In the town where I grew up (Huntington, NY) they had the same prohibition. Thus, I did not have to pump my own gas until I went to college, and then I had to have someone teach me. Kind of embarassing. My mother, who is in her 50’s, to this day has never pumped her own gas – she’ll go out of her way for full serve when out of town since she’s not comfortable doing it herself.

    posted by Sara on 6-9-2008 at 5:58 pm

37. I never pump my own gas. That’s what kids are for. I did it for decades and that’s enough.

    posted by Miss Cellania on 6-9-2008 at 6:05 pm

38. Oregon is allegedly a progressive state but this stupid law flies in the face of it.

    posted by Todd Mintz on 6-9-2008 at 6:32 pm

39. The “what’s not to love” is CHOICE. If Full Serve and Self Serve are both options, that’s fine – but if a bunch of bureaucrats make the decision for you (and for the station owner) thats a problem.

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    posted by lilya on 6-9-2008 at 7:08 pm

41. That’s why I love living in New Jersey. On either a hot summer day or a cold winter day you can stay in your car

    posted by Karen on 6-9-2008 at 7:08 pm

42. I live in nj and it ownz that we do NOT need to get out of the car to pump our gas plus we have so many illegals. Most of them are pumping the gas so theres a job for them.

    posted by suga nj j on 6-9-2008 at 7:12 pm

43. these laws also are protecting thousands of people from having their jobs taken away. if people could pump their own gas in oregon and NJ then gas companies would not keep the employees that serve the public.

    posted by Chris on 6-9-2008 at 7:13 pm

44. I’m from Jersey and I hate going to other states where I have to pump my own gas. Why do people from other states have such a problem with our law? Gas prices in NJ are some of the cheapest in the country and it gives alot of people jobs, so what’s the beef? You guys from other states can get out in freezing weather to pump your own gas if you want and keep complaining about our “archaic law” but I don’t know a single person in Jersey who has a problem with it.

    posted by Kizeebo on 6-9-2008 at 7:14 pm

45. When was the last time someone blew themselves up at a self-serve station?

    posted by Lucy on 6-9-2008 at 7:15 pm

46. I live in NJ but had the benifit of also living in Rhode Island for 4 years. Not to sound lazy but i think that it is comforting to know that when its 15 degrees outside that i can sit in my car and not have to worry about pumping my own gas. While i grew used to pumping in RI, i alwasy felt it was a tedius task. Now if greatly affected gas prices in NJ that would be the only reason i would consider haveing self service but from what i see with daily trips to the philadelphia area gas seems to be 15 cents cheaper in NJ then in PA. So it cant be all that bad if we have cheap gas and they pump it for us.

    posted by Ross Heller on 6-9-2008 at 7:16 pm

47. Oregonians are Morons! I remember driving thru Oregon from Reno Nevada and was yelled at for pumping my own fuel. Oregonians are very paranoid about others moving to their flood-infested state. Started back when then Governor McCall encouraged anyone not from the “webbed foot” state to keep on moving. Like anyone would like to live in rainy, depressed, alcoholic induced environment like oregon?

    posted by Gary on 6-9-2008 at 7:16 pm

48. I live in Oregon, and I LOVE not having to pump my own gas!!! I’m a standup comedian, traveling all over America, and I’m always so glad to get back home to Oregon where the gas prices are LOWER than neighboring Washington and California, the waits are NOT long at all, and I never have to stand in the wind/rain/snow to fill my tank. AND jobs are provided to lots of people. I’d understand the argument if gas prices were higher here than elsewhere, but they’re not. I’d understand the argument if I had to sit there waiting for an attendant to finally notice me and come pump my gas, but that never happens!

    posted by Sharon on 6-9-2008 at 7:17 pm

49. I grew up in the full-service olden days. I remember the HUGE outcry when self-service became the norm, rather than the oddity. Coincidentally, in the past several days I was thinking it would be kind of fun to be a pump jockey and rather mourn the loss of that option. It would be pretty great to have full-service available (and really great if it was less than self-service by a few cents). Making it illegal to “pump yer own” seems a bit odd.

    posted by KatZ on 6-9-2008 at 7:17 pm

50. I grew up in NJ, and when I went to college in PA I didn’t bring my car, so I never pumped gas until I was in my mid 20s. I needed the gas station worker to show me how to do it, and he thought I was just hitting on him.

    posted by pennyloafer on 6-9-2008 at 7:18 pm

51. I have lived in Oregon my whole life. Its something I am used to but quite honestly, I don’t mind pumping my own fuel when visiting other states. In fact, if Oregon were to adopt self serve then gas prices may go down a few cents in Oregon which would be great. There are stupid people in all 50 states. I highly doubt that New Jersey or Oregon have any more than any other state so why not let us pump our own fuel?

    posted by Darin on 6-9-2008 at 7:19 pm

52. I know that when I travel from North Carolina to visit my family in New Jersey the gas at the full serve stations are often CHEAPER than in the states that I have to pump my own gas. So arcane or not I don’t have to smell like gas, it costs me less and someone else is doing the dirty work. Frankly I love the idea of full serve gas stations!

    posted by Sherry Johnson on 6-9-2008 at 7:22 pm

53. well maybe there a little stupid in oregon and jersey!!!! haha, just joking, gas is expensive enough, dont need to pay more for full service

    posted by stewart on 6-9-2008 at 7:22 pm

54. If I remember correctly, you pay MORE for gas pumped by an attendant.

    I was stunned when I read this article.

    posted by bearcub on 6-9-2008 at 7:22 pm

55. Although the price of gas may be higher in these two states, at least there’s more jobs available. After all, this countries unemployment rate is increasing every year.

    posted by Anne on 6-9-2008 at 7:23 pm

56. This is weird. Why is it that you can pump your own gas at the gas stations on the Jersey Turnpike? They are in New Jersey.

    posted by mamaof1 on 6-9-2008 at 7:25 pm

57. Being from Oregon, I’ve only experienced pumping my own gas during road trips around the country, and it seemed like a pretty uninviting experience. You leave the comfort and safety of your car, push the buttons, pump the gas, watch the numbers go up (way up), slide your card, and re-enter your car cold and reeking of gasoline. Sure, I get made fun of by my out of state friends, but personally I enjoy the heck out of having someone else pump my gas. It also creates jobs for people who would otherwise be asking for change near the onramp.

    posted by kyle on 6-9-2008 at 7:25 pm

58. I’ve lived in Oregon since the 1960s, and this is one of the stupidest laws on the books. Bad weather is no excuse, as the weather here is mild compared to the Midwest and East Coast summers and winters. But the locals fight tooth and nail to keep self-serve out. The worst part is, there are so few native Oregonians here (lots of transients moved here in the 1990s) and they all know how to pump their own gas, so where is the damned problem?

    I love other states where I can pull up to a pump, fill up, stick in my credit card, and go. I don’t have to wait on some minimum-wage-earning mouth-breather to mosey over to my car and spill gas on my paint job.

    If they take too long to get to me, I use this law to my benefit: I get out of my car and remove my gas cap. This always gets the attendant to come running to serve me–as if I’ll go nuts and spray gas everywhere if I try to pump it myself. At least it puts some pep in their step.

    posted by Harmless on 6-9-2008 at 7:26 pm

59. The last time I drove through Maryland which was maybe 5 years ago they also had a law you couldn’t pump your own gas, did that change?

    posted by Linda Beyries on 6-9-2008 at 7:27 pm

60. I live in NJ and have never pumped gas. On my first road trip, I’m 31, down to Alabama, I stopped to get gas. Not knowing what to do, I pumped 5 gallons of diesel into my tank before I realized it. No, I’m not blonde. If I lived anywhere else, I would have known what to do. But I live in Jersey.

    posted by Angela on 6-9-2008 at 7:27 pm

61. I live in south jersey and no we don’t pump our own gas and we have cheaper gas then anywhere else. It is still less then $3.90 a gallon so you won’t see me complain.

    posted by kristin on 6-9-2008 at 7:28 pm

62. I grew up in Portland and lived there most of my life. Now, having in live in m other states over the past decade. I find nonself service a really neat novelty when I’m drving back home in Oregon. I think it’s funny how those attendents come running out thinking that there the only qualified people in the world that can pump gas. I remember when I moved out of state and found that I didn’t know how to pump gas! …silly me, that was embarasing! LOLany

    posted by Geeno on 6-9-2008 at 7:30 pm

63. Self-pumping is the very best gaurantee. Unless you know someone who can do it better.

    posted by Anthony on 6-9-2008 at 7:31 pm

64. I travel through NJ once in a while and I am all for “no self service”. 1 reason is more jobs available.Ive talked to a few gas attendents and they like there job.They earn an honest living.As for the price of gas NJ has the lowest price per gallon in the Northeast that Ive seen.

    posted by dave gordon on 6-9-2008 at 7:31 pm

65. Ok I have to say it is silly how people say they don’t know how. It’s not something anyone taught me. When I got my first car, I opened the gas door, I turned around and followed the instructions on the screen. It says how are you paying…you tell it…then you pay with your card and it tells you when to remove the nozzle…then you do, and it says what kind do you want?…you choose…then you pump. I really don’t see the need to be taught. It tells you how to do it step by step on the screen. How is that difficult. Oh and the other thing that keeps irritating me is the “no gas smell on my hands” thing. There is only one time in my life that I have had a gas smell on my hands and it was because the pump’s auto shut off didn’t work properly and it overflowed my tank. If the pump works properly, you don’t have a gas smell, so thats a silly reason to not pump your gas as well.

    posted by chappymom on 6-9-2008 at 7:32 pm

66. Currently the price of Regular is cheaper in NJ than any other state in the US & we get full service. Why would we want to punp our own gas. Also the reason the PA Author notices gas lines in NJ is because he is observing “Border” Stations between NJ & PA where all the PA drivers are stopping in NJ to get a better price & full service – prior to returning home to PA. Wise up Keystoner!

    posted by Mike on 6-9-2008 at 7:32 pm

67. I live in Oregon and have lived here for most my life, but I have lived in Michigan and Washington. There are goods and bads about not pumping your own gas: Bads — waiting longer to fill up, yes that does suck, but that really is the only downside. Goods — Not having to get out of your car when it is freaking freezing and snowing like hell has frozen over, not smelling like gas for the rest of the day, having someone pump my gas, gives them a job and with the economy the way it is a job is a job.

    Some people think that gas costs more in states like mine because someone pumps your gas, but that is simply not true. Gas right now is $4.17/gallon at Fred Meyer and in the state below us (California) I have seen gas range from $4.33 to $4.83 a gallon.

    posted by Amanda on 6-9-2008 at 7:32 pm

68. I used to work for a gas station in Oregon and really don’t see the need to change the law regarding the ban on self-serve at the gas pumps. Not only does having attendents on all the pumps mean that customers will get in and out quicker (in my experience), but I’ve also seen people so stupid that they should not be allowed to drive, let alone pump the gas. And for those in the other 48 states, just remember the next time your wearing nice clothes (just a few drops from the pump will ruin a good pair of leather shoes), or not feeling well, or it’s cold, raining, etc that in Oregon and New Jersey you wouldn’t have to pay more to have the convience of having a station attendent. And to counter the final argument I used to hear all the time, (for this I can only speak for the states around Oregon), no it is not cheaper to pump it yourself. Everytime I have travelled out of state and had to pump my own gas it cost more than it did in Oregon.

    posted by Mike on 6-9-2008 at 7:33 pm

69. I’ve lived in SoCal my entire life and have pumped my own gas since I started driving. While it would be nice to have someone do it when it’s rainy and cold, I don’t mind pumping it.
    The latches that allow you to leave the pump alone and walk away from fumes make pumping gas so much easier.
    I don’t get all the comments about your hands smelling like gas after pumping- what are you people doing with the pumps/nozzles? I never have that issue!
    Also, I check my own oil, clean my own windshield and do my tire pressure myself-I hate having to rely on others to do something that I can do perfectly well myself – and why should I have to tip someone to do something I’m capable of doing? Doesn’t make much sense!
    I drove cross country a few years ago and in NM was practically assaulted at a station when I went to refill!
    RIDICULOUS!
    I also don’t see how people don’t know how to pump their own gas – that is archaic!!!

    posted by SoCalGal on 6-9-2008 at 7:33 pm

70. Hey, I would not mind being lazy for 5 min. and have someone else put gas in my car. However, I would want it both ways. I like options..but without the fines, please.

    posted by Myndie on 6-9-2008 at 7:33 pm

71. The lowest price for gas I found in Portland, OR was $4.07 (for cash) at a Shell. The lowest across the Columbia River in Vancouver, WA was $4.09 at an ARCO (source: gasbuddy.com). Gas in OR should be 11 cents less because of the lower gas tax (54.4 in WA vs. 43.4 in OR — source: API). It is only 2 cents cheaper, so you’re paying 9 cents a gallon for full-service.

    For Philadelphia, PA vs. Camden, NJ (separated by the Delaware River) is is $3.98 vs. $3.89 despite a gas tax that is 17.8 cents less in NJ. So in NJ too the law is costing you about 9 cents a gallon.

    That seems like a good deal for full-serve, but people ought to have a choice.

    posted by BroodXIV on 6-9-2008 at 7:34 pm

72. The idea is really neat to still have around in current times, however, these states should make full-service an option. Let the people who don’t want to change it have their way, and the ones who disapprove of it have theirs. It’s nothing to fight over really.

    posted by P5280J on 6-9-2008 at 7:34 pm

73. Why dont you find out why the anal retentive oil companies insist on charging the .009 cents per gallon on their product when gas now costs 4.009??? Maybe one of the american oil companies (Hess are you listening??) can change the price to a honest whole cent. Also, when gas was .429 for regular, mid grade was an extra .10. now regular is 10 times that amount, and guess what, mid grade is still .10 more. Shouldn’t the cost of a better grade rise in relation to the production costs???

    posted by roger on 6-9-2008 at 7:34 pm

74. I INTRODUCED TO OUR SENATORS THE IDEA OF REINTRODUCING FULL SERVICE OR AT LEAST THE PUMP AND WINDOW SERVICE STATIONS. THIS WOULD PROVIDE SAFETY IN BOTH PUMPING FUEL AND PROVIDE THE CUSTOMER A CONVENIENCE. THIS WOULD ADD JOBS TO THE NOW ECONOMICALLY DEPRIVED AREAS. A JOB AND THE SECURITY AND CONVENIENCE IT WOULD PROVIDE THE LADIES AND OLDER ADULTS WOULD OUTWEIGH ANY OTHER ARGUEMENT. THEN WE WILL CONSIDER THERE WOULD BE FEWER DRIVE OFFS, LESS DANGER FROM SMOKERS OR THE CELL PHONE
    USER CREATING “STATIC ELECTRICITY”.

    GOOD SERVICE WILL BRING THE CUSTOMER BACK. NOT ONLY PUMPING GAS BUT KEEPING THE AREA CLEAN AND RESTROOM CLEAN AND STOCKED…ESPECIALLY THOSE WHERE THE SERVICE STATION SELLS FOOD.

    WE ARE LOSING TRACK OF WHAT IS GOING ON
    AND FILLING UP OUR TANKS EMPTYING OUR POCKETS WITHOUT END IN SIGHT.

    posted by JOHN MUZIK on 6-9-2008 at 7:34 pm

75. I’m a former New Englander who now lives in Oregon. Oh please! don’t make me pump my gas again, I hate pumping gas. I don’t see any advantage to self service, gas isn’t any cheaper, its slower, because most still don’t know how to work the pumps (they are all different, and change regularly). Its just a minor inconvenience to me, but many have disabilities that makes it difficult or impossible for them, and very slow for the ones waiting. Unemployment will go up as well as those seeking aid. We go to California, Washington, Idaho, and Montana frequently, all self serve. Gas is the same price or higher. So where is the benefit of self service?

    posted by Judy on 6-9-2008 at 7:34 pm

76. Hi Matt, I am writing in regards to your blog about Oregon being “a little behind the times” with our gas pumping laws. I agree that the way the laws are worded, it does treat us as “Lames” but at the same time this market creates lots of jobs for first time job goers and teens. Now with the health factor, no matter how much better they make pumps and its equipment, you can agree the the smell/vapors {VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)} are very toxic and after a decent amount of exposure it DOES create long term respiratory problems. Now, regardless of the health issues i think its great job opportunity for some people and I hope it stays, with the exception of motorcyclists(i wouldnt want some kid putting gas in my chopper and spilling it all over the paint)!Thanks

    posted by Waters on 6-9-2008 at 7:35 pm

77. I lived in Oregon for 40 years and recently moved to a state where there is self serve gas. I have to say that the thought of ever going back and having to pay more money per gallon to have someone pump my gas is the most ridiculous thing that i can think of doing. The thought that i would have to go there and hand over my credit card to some meth addicted felon that probably just got out of jail for ID theft makes me sick. I visited home this spring and each time I needed to get fuel I waited in line for 10 to 15 minutes, then I would be approached by an illegal alien with a tear drop tattoo under his eye, (you know the kind that they get while they are in prison) and then I would be looked at by them and they would say “what”. I had to then get out of my car and go inside and stand until it was done and pay at the counter because there was no way I was handing my card to some one like this. I feel that the idea of the full service gas station was great in the 50’s. But in this day and age of ID theft and fraud crimes and meth addicted people that it is a recipe for disaster.

    posted by John on 6-9-2008 at 7:36 pm

78. As a resident of NJ, I LOVE not having to pump my own gas! My gas is still cheaper than other states, so no problem there.

    I don’t think that if it were up for a vote now that I would find the law necessary, but I sure love that it already exists. No cold nights and hot days for me at the gas pump!

    posted by Kare on 6-9-2008 at 7:36 pm

79. Although you can’t pump your own gas in New Jersey the price of gas is approximately $0.25 cheaper per gallon than in the states that border Jersey. Go figure.

    posted by Edward Punt on 6-9-2008 at 7:38 pm

80. They should pump it for us. Just another cheap modern way of making people do more themselves…ftw Oregon and New Jersey!!!

    posted by Shawn on 6-9-2008 at 7:38 pm

81. “As I joke with my friends here in Oregon, the gas law keeps the meth heads and ex cons gainfully employed.

    I like it. Yes, it may be a bit archaic, but it doesn’t increase the gas prices much (It’s $4.05-4.10/gal right now in Salem), does provide entry level jobs, and when it’s crapping down rain, it’s really nice to stay in the car.”

    I’m shocked to hear so many people complain about pumping gas on their own and getting wet….I’m from Massachusetts and have been pumping my own gas and paying directly thru a debit card at the pump for YEARS without any help from anybody…. I pull up and never have to deal with anybody….do your gas stations have an above roof so that you don’t get wet because that’s the norm around here….this method that you have is so archaic, it’s incomprehensible to me

    posted by kayosnxs on 6-9-2008 at 7:38 pm

82. Well in Truckstops in Jersey you Pump you own Diesel fule by truckers (US)

    posted by Ken on 6-9-2008 at 7:40 pm

83. I live in Pennsylvania, but I buy my gas in NJ. Why not? They pump it for me and it still costs less in NJ than in PA.

    posted by Mark on 6-9-2008 at 7:45 pm

84. I live in Oregon and although I no longer drive due to a disability, I like the law against self sevice gasoline. It does create jobs and with our weather who would want to get out of the car and stand outside to pump thier own gas? I worked in service stations in High School back when they were still “SERVICE STATIONS” and you got your windshield and other windows cleaned, your oil, water and tires checked. When you got an oil change you picked your car up and it was washed and the ashtrays emptied. All those things that let you know that you were a valued customer. This was also when a kid could get an after school job that would afford a good used car and enough left over for a saturday night date and put some away for college as well on $2.20 an hour but hen gas was $0.52 a gallon. Of course that type of service is long gone buy I still feel that I should not have to pump my own fuel unless it is raising the sails on my sail boat. I think that the American people will complain regardless if they have to pump thier own or if they have to let someone else do it for them, but that is part of being an American, having the right to complain.

    posted by Chris on 6-9-2008 at 7:47 pm

85. What is it with people these days that they can’t wait even 5 minutes. So it takes the guy a minute or two to run your credit card through the machine and bring back your receipt. Nothing earth-shattering is going to happen by you saving that 5 minutes.

    Learn a little patience, folks.

    posted by Di on 6-9-2008 at 7:49 pm

86. I live in oregon whare i have pumped gass for over ten years. I am not affraid of people blowing themselvs up. I am affraid of being unemployed and unable to pay state and federal taxes. I enjoy being a part of the solution instead of part of the problem.. thank you..

    posted by attendant rocky on 6-9-2008 at 7:56 pm

87. OR & NJ are the best states to get gas in!! I love visiting or driving through both states, it is like getting table service at a fast food place, same price as when you get out and pump it your self, and sometimes finish with gross gas smelling hands. It is great to not have to worry about pumping gas or getting out of your warm car in the winter to pump gas, or on a rainy day. This does NOT increase the price of gas as NJ has MUCH cheaper gas then in NY where you have to get out and pump it yourself. Have someone pump your gas is a great free luxury, I don’t know about all you crazy people who need to pump their own gas, I hate doing it!!

    posted by mco on 6-9-2008 at 8:03 pm

88. Gee, I would take more of these posts seriously if people actually knew how to spell, let alone pump their own gas.

    posted by english teacher on 6-9-2008 at 8:04 pm

89. The line is long in NJ because the gas is so much cheaper than surrounding states!

    posted by genderwarrior on 6-9-2008 at 8:20 pm

90. I kinda wonder what would happen if the entire U.S. went full service. It would certainly add a ton of jobs. It would probably increase gas prices too, but that’s gonna happen anyway. It’s never gonna go down below $3.50 again. Seems like it might be a way to get a lot people employed, including immigrants. And if the higher prices cuts down driving, or forces the auto companies to come out with more fuel efficient cars, then I’m all for it.

    posted by ian on 6-9-2008 at 8:55 pm

91. I live in New Jersey and its great not having to get out in the cold and heat to pump gas. It also saves time and we have the cheapest gas.We have the best of all worlds.

    posted by Jane on 6-9-2008 at 8:58 pm

92. lol, i have live in NY, NJ and PA and i have never noticed the difference.
    Personally, when my mom got her liscence, and i was about 15, it was recently when we moved to PA, neither of us had ever, or knew how to, fill up a gas tank.
    And in one try i got it.
    And since then my mom takes me with her to fill it up.

    I like doing it myself, since it goes by a lot faster, but for people like my mom, well, lets just say i would rather someone do it for her.

    posted by Oscar on 6-9-2008 at 9:10 pm

93. Wow…not sure what’s worse…people who don’t drive even weighing in on this non-issue or the very fact that we have time to even comment at all. Every state has laws on the books that time has passed by. Spitting on the sidewalk, hitching your horse for more than a certain amount of time w/o unsaddleing…NJ is a highly unionized state, no doubt why the law stands there. Oregon is home to many liberals, so somewhat less clear why the law has not been overturned. The simple fact is our legislators are too busy creating new laws and have no time left to contemplate the ones already extant.

    posted by JD on 6-9-2008 at 9:11 pm

94. As the resident disabled person who comments, I would like to say I thanked the attendant the first time I fueled up in New Jersey. I was on the Turnpike and it was such a nice surprise on an otherwise stressful drive that was filled with many, many mishaps (including my then new Honda stalling on me while going 65 in bumper to bumper traffic — damn people kept honking at me, though I managed to start it again while it was in neutral).

    There used to be a law in the rest of the country where people with handicapped plates and placards could honk their horns and an attendant would help pump it. They never did, since there had to be more than one attendant on duty, but it was a nice law nonetheless. Nowadays, it says that’s only valid if the person is unable to reach the pump (I had a little fit when I saw they changed that).

    Back when I was in Boston, I had to resort to a full service station close to my home (it was only three cents higher, anyway) since it’s hard for me to get in and out of a car as well as stand for any amount of time. Here in Texas, I’ve found no full service pumps, so I’ve had to either get one of my friends to pump it for me, or open the door and sit in my car while it fuels up. People stare, but I stare at them back, so it’s all good.

    posted by Nicole on 6-9-2008 at 9:25 pm

95. I live in New Jersey and I actually have pumped gas at a N.J. station. In fact I was not only allowed to pump my own gas, I was about all of 8 or 9 years old and filling up those red gas containers for use on our family’s christmas tree farm. I ended up spilling a hell of a lot of gas, and of course it was gas we were paying for, I have suspicions that man knew I would spill that gas when he handed me the hose. That was my first experience with a gas pump, I had no idea what I was doing was technically illegal, I just thought all gas stations in the world operated like that, I did not know there were places in the world were it was custom to pump your own gas. I still remember the first time I was really driving in New York State to pick up supplies with my grandmother, we ended up in dire need of gas and so we pulled into a self service station, I WAS AMAZED. I had even said something along the lines of too bad this place is closed they try some other place, my grannie gave me the weirdest look, it was nothing of course compared to the look she got from me when she got out and proceeded to pump her own gas.

    My opinion on New Jersey’s law?
    Jersey Girls pump fists not gas, :].
    I am proud of our stupid little law.
    [and trust me, if you have met people from my great home state, you know, the average person is not that bright. Someone would end up reenacting that scene from Zoolander. The laws fit our state just fine.] Plus, I enjoy being spoiled, I have absolutely NO IDEA how to properly pump gas, just say 20 dollars regular and roll up my window. :D

    posted by C.Bukowski. on 6-9-2008 at 10:00 pm

96. If they think it’s wonderful how it creates jobs, then why don’t they give roadbuilders spoons to dig the ground instead of heavy machinery? That would create endless jobs. What absolute stupidity.

    posted by FORREST on 6-9-2008 at 10:57 pm

97. Having moved to Oregon from west Texas, where, let’s face it, the danger of spontaneous combustion in the surface-of-the-sun-like summer temperatures, might merit a little full service, I’ve learned to appreciate not having to get out of my car in the wind and weather (I live just outside of Portland, so, it’s usually windy or wet, and/or, like now…both!)in order to pump my own gas.

    posted by Sweet on 6-9-2008 at 11:14 pm

98. In Charleston, SC, the weather is one of the reasons I love to get out and pump my gas. AND it’s still less than $3.80 most places here. Also, I kind of like the smell of gasoline… maybe I am not making a very good self-service evangelist right now.

    posted by Robby on 6-9-2008 at 11:15 pm

99. I live in Oregon and the gas is cheaper here than accross the river in Washingon by avg. of 5 cents and you have to pump your own in Washington. Don’t feel sorry for us, we don’t smell like gas or have to pump it.

    posted by marvin wellma on 6-9-2008 at 11:20 pm

100. The voters in Oregon voted not to pump their own gas….Who wants to stand out in the cold and rain and pump that smelly gas.? I’d much rather help the economy and put someone to work pumping gas. The propaganda for it costing more to have someone pump it is B.S. I love not having to get out of my car and getting that stench on me……Power to the people

     posted by cheryl on 6-9-2008 at 11:28 pm

101. Am I the only one old enough to remember what “full service” means? Back in the “dark ages” when I was young, “full service” meant they pumped your gas, checked your oil and battery as well as other cables and washed your windshield all for the same price and without being asked. Today if you drive into a station in Oregon or New Jersey they pump your gas…period, unless you specifically ask for the other services.

     posted by Vonnie on 6-9-2008 at 11:53 pm

102. It would be great if this created a lot of jobs, but the stations I went to in Oregon usually had one attendant for all the pumps, which meant that instead of getting some kind of 1950s “Man Who Wears the Star” treatment, you’d end up sitting in your car and taking three or four times as long to fill up as you would if you could have just done it yourself. It’s just DUMB.

     posted by Dave on 6-9-2008 at 11:58 pm

103. I live in Vancouver, WA, just across the river from Portland, OR.

     I’ve always been told Oregon keeps the law on the books because of all the jobs it provides.

     Funny thing is, even with the extra cost of the Oregon stations having to pay the gas pumpers, gas is STILL cheaper in Oregon than it is in Washington! (Washington apparently affixes a large amount of taxes on their gas, and this makes it higher priced.)

     I’ll tell you what, though…. in the middle of winter I will get my car filled up across the river in Oregon. Being able to sit in my warm car is most welcome then.

     posted by Ginger M on 6-10-2008 at 12:14 am

104. Growing up in Los Angeles I remember paying extra for not having to get out of your car in the rain and being able to arrive at the office without reeking like “Unleaded No 9″. “Full-Serve” I beleive is what it’s called. The best service stations still take care of your windows and some (few, and far in between) will check your oil as well.
     I moved to Portland at 25 and have grown to appreciate this service – especially on those icy and rainy days!

     An issue? Perhaps if you choose to make it an issue…. By the way…. gas today was $4.09 per gallon in Portland, Oregon… I don’t think I’m paying someone’s salary here.

     posted by TC on 6-10-2008 at 12:39 am

105. Every state should inforce this as a law for the following reasons:

     *Rising gas prices = more theives. Having a worker pump the gas would cut down the drive off rate to nearly 0%.

     *More jobs. Gotta pay the attendants.

     posted by ModelAmber on 6-10-2008 at 12:44 am

106. I have lived in Mo. all my life and have been pumping my own gas since i started driving in 1981. I worked for a short time for a company servicing fueling equipment and for the most part the “new” pumps are safe for anyone to use. Older ones may be a problem, but here in St.L we have to have the newest ones due to smog controls. I wonder if the N.J. law still being around has anything to do with the “Fellas” controlling labor there?

     posted by DK on 6-10-2008 at 12:54 am

107. Are you kidding? How is it a bad thing to not have to pump your own gas?

     I live in Jersey, and it’s great for exactly the same reasons that Guzzler (commenter #3) pointed out. I wish all states would do it.

     posted by Mike on 6-10-2008 at 12:58 am

108. I remember when I was in my teens. I had the opportunity to work at a service station in Oregon. It was a great way to learn responsibility as a teen and earn extra money. On the bad side Oregon rains nearly 300 days a year and when it’s not raining it is still miserable so having to go to work and pump peoples gas for them really sucked. I think a lot more jobs would be available but then gas prices would go up even more then they already are now to compensate for the additional need for service station attendents. I think the reaons Oregon and NJ use for preventing self serve is a little outdated as there are many laws that are still on the books that are severly outdated and never enforced. One would wonder if someone pumped their own gas in one of those two states just how much the law enforcement would actually enforce it. Much like some cities and the smoking ban.

     posted by Dace Tapley on 6-10-2008 at 1:10 am

109. Living in Oregon, I have to say that there is One thing that I often enjoy about not pumping My own gas that no one here has thus mentioned. Many times I’ll strike up a conversation w/ the attendant, and that makes the whole situation a lot less boring than just sitting there.

     posted by SSJ3Monkey on 6-10-2008 at 1:13 am

110. Governor Corzine in NJ tried to change this law and his proposal was extremely unpopular in New Jersey. It went nowhere in the legislature and he’s given up. But I think the opposition is based on at least three fundamental misunderstandings.

     First, getting rid of the legal mandate wouldn’t mean getting rid of full service — it just would mean giving people a choice. Since many New Jerseyans have grown accustomed to full service, there is likely to be a market for it, and it would be provided without a mandate. But at least some self service also would be provided, and then people would be able to choose.

     Second, New Jerseyans don’t understand how much extra they’re paying for service — and how much they could save if given the choice — because they have no choice and the cost of service is hidden. To most Americans outside of New Jersey and Oregon, the extra cost of full service is a luxury that’s just not worth the extra money. No doubt if the true cost were visible in New Jersey, many consumers there would reach the same conclusion.

     Finally, the fact that New Jersey gas costs less than elsewhere is irrelevant. The point is, it would cost even less if retailers didn’t have to hire as many people to pump gas. Someone’s got to pay for the cost of labor, and ultimately it’s the consumer. But New Jerseyans don’t understand how much extra they’re paying, so it feels to them like they’re getting a service for free. If you believe that, naturally, you want to keep it.

     posted by BW on 6-10-2008 at 1:33 am

111. I just moved to Oregon 6 months ago. Driving my Uhaul truck into Oregon I stopped for a fill-up. My wife was in a separate vehicle. The guy told me to pull forward, I waited for her, and then we left, thinking that SHE had paid the guy for the both of us. $150 worth of diesel I drove off with. The attendant hopped in his car and ran me down on the highway. He made me come back and pay. Of course I felt awful about it and couldn’t stop apologizing. Yeah I’m mostly to blame for my retardedness, but if it wasn’t for stupid full service that wouldn’t have happened.

     posted by Gary on 6-10-2008 at 1:49 am

112. Eh? It doesn’t create jobs at all! All it does is MOVE jobs by taking money away from other people, money that would somehow end up in a different sector of the economy. If someone robs your house and then gives the money to someone else, he’s not “creating wealth” in the economy, he’s simply shifting it around. On top of that, mandating full-service is funny because it’s utterly unpopular; I’m willing to bet that maybe 2% of service stations in the other 48 states are full service, meaning that a whopping 98% of the US prefers to pump their own gas and save money. This is nothing more than a nanny-state law that helps gas stations by making it more expensive for new competition to arise.

     posted by BWM on 6-10-2008 at 2:03 am

113. I was driving through NJ on a trip and had to stop to get gas. A customer started yelling at an attendant because he felt that someone had undeservingly received service before him. The ‘professional’ attendant proceeded to yell back and the customer eventually got out of his car and began to throw punches. Another attendant came running over, not to stop the fight, but to jump in, and was soon followed by another. I wanted gas, but I was forced to go to another station because all the attendants were involved in a fistfight with a group of customers. If the station had been self-serve, I would have been able to pump my gas and go on my way instead of trying to drive away without anybody falling onto my car.

     posted by JW on 6-10-2008 at 7:48 am

114. I also fill the tank before getting to New Jersey. I can’t stand full service gas stations. There’s a town in Mass that requires full serve (at least one) and I won’t get gas there, either.

     The article said that motorcycles can fill their own tanks in Oregon- can they not in NJ? There’s no way I would let someone else fill the tank on my bike. Either they’d be putting the nozzle there while I sat on the bike (no thanks!) or they’d be getting on the bike themselves to hold it straight (no thanks again!).

     posted by auslander on 6-10-2008 at 7:55 am

115. self- pumping….I’m so immature.

     I remember taking my New Jersey-ite college roommate to pump her own gas for the first time (we went to school in MD) She was terrified and had the rest of us doubled over in laughter. I don’t come off too well in that story but I promise we’re all still good friends :)

     posted by Caitlin on 6-10-2008 at 8:28 am

116. It makes me uncomfortable to have someone pump my gas for me, when I’m used to doing it myself. And I never know how much to tip.

     posted by srah on 6-10-2008 at 8:49 am

117. Yo, Philly! All I can say is it’s nice to live close enough to Jerz that I can hop on over there for cheaper gas and an excuse to let someone else perform the challenging task of pumping it. By the way, do we know if the lower price has anything to do with the law against self-serve?

     posted by Erock on 6-10-2008 at 9:18 am

118. I live in Philly and work in NJ. I absolutely love that they have this law. Its the greatest thing ever, really. The gas is way cheaper in NJ then in PA AND somebody pumps it for me! Win Win baby. No smelly hands, no getting out of the car in rain, cold or heat. Please dont ever change NJ I love you!!!!

     posted by Fry on 6-10-2008 at 9:37 am

119. I live in PA and have two full service pumps by me and they don’t charge anything. The lines are exactly the same as other gas stations. Most of them do it cause they havn’t updated to new pumps were you pay first

     posted by Tom on 6-10-2008 at 10:03 am

120. When NJ tried to lift the ban last year, Gov. Corzine got around 4-5 times the complaints that he got when trying to raise the sales tax. NJ has some of the lowest gas prices in the country along with full serve. I enjoy staying in my car in the winter.

     posted by Amar on 6-10-2008 at 10:17 am

121. mamaof1, I don’t know what you’re talking about with the turnpike, you can’t pump your own gas there, just like anywhere else in NJ. I grew up in NJ and loathed pumping it in college (NC) and now where I live (IN). The gas prices are the same/cheaper, you get to stay in the car, and- YOU DON’T TIP!!! I hate it when people from out of NJ think it’s weird/rude that NJ-ers don’t tip the gas-pumpers… it just isn’t commonplace, I’ve never seen anyone do it. I assume they might make more $$ since they do have to do more than if they worked at a gas station in another state.

     You all know that if you grew up not pumping your own, you’d like to keep it that way. OH, we NJ-ers can’t get their license till we’re 17, so we’ve suffered enough. Let our gas be pumped!!

     posted by Kelly J on 6-10-2008 at 10:32 am

122. I have a friend whose handicap does not allow her the full use of her hands. When she first moved to Baltimore she couldn’t find a full service gas station. Not only could she not find one when she asked someone who worked at a self service gas station if they could pump the gas for her they said they couldn’t leave the store. She’s been able to get someone to pump the gas for her, but after two years of living there one of her reasons for moving to New Jersey is because they have full service gas stations.

     posted by Ayanna on 6-10-2008 at 11:01 am

123. If you had to get out and pump gas yourself where I live (Thailand), people would probably stop driving. We’re just not a self-serve kinda people, probably for all the reasons Oregon and New Jersey outlined. I kid you not.

     Plus, we have a huge group of people who simply need the work.

     posted by Anna on 6-10-2008 at 11:03 am

124. As a Philadelphian who does a lot of business in Jersey, I love the full-service over there. It is always much cheaper anyway, and when I have been working from 8 am to 10 pm, not having to get out of my car on my way home is fantastic.

     Plus in college I got to make fun of all my friends from New Jersey for having no idea how a gas pump worked, so for me it’s been a win-win.

     posted by Allison on 6-10-2008 at 12:03 pm

125. I’m from Malaysia and I remember when my state government started to change stations to self-service.

     There were ads everywhere teaching people how to pump their own gas – on TV, in print, on billboards and of course on the pumps itself.

     Even had it’s own jingle:
     Malay: Angkat, tolak, masuk, picit
     Translated: Lift (the handle), Push (the “gas grade” button), Insert (into tank), Pump

     Obviously, the “lift, push, insert, pump” song went down well with people who favored juvenile humor (like me). I remember singing/chanting it at the top of our lungs in high school… good times!

     posted by A to the Z on 6-10-2008 at 1:10 pm

126. Nobody seems to have brought up how much thinner we might be if we didnt have to get out of our cars maybe people wouldnt just walk in the station and grab a bunch of junk food. Are people in those states less fat?

     posted by ala on 6-10-2008 at 2:40 pm

127. It’s also to provide more jobs for people.

     posted by keledra on 6-10-2008 at 3:23 pm

128. I’m from NJ, but I’ve driven all over the country and I don’t have any problem pumping my own gas. (Although I hate doing it in the winter.) What I hate most about self-service is pre-paying. If I want to fill up and pay cash, I don’t know how much it’s going to cost, so how can I pre-pay? The only solution is to either use my credit card or go inside, give the cashier more money than what I think the total will be, pump the gas, then get on line a second time to get my change. Kind of makes up for the time I would spend in NJ waiting for an attendant. One time in Massachusetts, the cashier refused to give me my change until after I spent half an hour arguing with him and called the cops. He claimed I only gave him $12.00 when I actually gave him a $20 bill. (This was 1991.)

     By the way, I never give an attendant my credit card. At a full serve station, I tell him to fill it up, and then pay cash.

     posted by NJdriver on 6-10-2008 at 3:27 pm

129. People just need to vote to get rid of this pointless relic of the past. Better also make sure I don’t eat an orange in the bathtub in California. Everyone is just afraid of looking bad so they can retain their office. I fired my chimney sweep long ago.

     posted by Adam on 6-10-2008 at 3:46 pm

130. Whoa, Susan, that was mean-spirited! I just made (what I thought was) a light-hearted comment on an interesting article–I’m sorry I pissed you off.

     cmk

     posted by cmk on 6-10-2008 at 9:24 pm

131. I intentionally fill up just outside of Oregon when driving from Seattle to Portland or the Oregon Coast. The no-self-fill-up rule is idiotic.

     posted by Melissa on 6-11-2008 at 2:04 am

132. I’m fully behine New Jersey and Oregon. I’m tired of every industry expecting me to work for them at no cost… pump my gas, scan my groceries, check in for my flight. All of these “conveniences” have also helped to create unemployment without passing on the cost savings to the consumer.

     posted by Hate to Pump on 6-12-2008 at 5:45 pm

133. Simply oput…it’s working welfare…same with toll collectors.

     posted by ATC on 6-13-2008 at 9:07 am

134. I recently moved to Oregon and I HATE not being able to pump my own gas. All of the gas station attendants are always one-step above hobo level income. Pull into a gas station, venture down a dark alley- it’s the same. You’ll encounter missing teeth, beer breath, leather skin and a rolled up pack of cigs in the shirt sleeve. As a car afficiando, I hate the idea of some underling putting their grubby hands all over my custom paint job. “Full-Service” should be changed to “Full-Frustration,” because that’s all I ever get at the gas stations in Oregon. meh….

     posted by Tim on 6-18-2008 at 3:37 pm

135. I’m living in NJ for the summer and I refuse to buy gas in this state because of this stupid law. I’d much rather pay the extra money and pump it myself in Pennsylvania. Of course, I found a full-service station in Pennsylvania today, but fortunately, no law against self-serve there, so I just shrugged off the attendant and filled it myself.

     One other thing: In the three weeks that I’ve lived in New Jersey, my opinion has changed from thinking that full service is just not for me to that it should be banned completely. New Jersey residents have not mastered shutting off the car when they get gas. That’s a MUCH bigger hazard than pumping it yourself.

     One thing’s for sure, when I’m in Missouri this winter and it’s zero degrees and I’m outside pumping my gas, I’ll think of New Jersey and Oregon. Then I’ll smile, because I’m lucky enough to be in a state that allows me to be out there alone.

     posted by Dan on 6-20-2008 at 1:04 am

136. I live in Oregon and I LOVE not having to pump my own gas. There is no “joy” in getting out of the car to pump it myself—I did that for 30 years until I moved here and hated everything about it. Now I sit in comfort while a friendly attendant (and I have never met one who was less than friendly and clean) pumps it for me and I don’t have to come away with stinky hands.

     At my local station, they wash my windshield for me if they have time, they give lollipops to the kids and dog treats to the dog. Do I have to wait a little longer sometimes than if I had to do it myself? Sure. But I moved here in large part for the slower pace of life. If I couldn’t spare a few extra minutes to enjoy this service, I’d have to re-evaluate the pace of my life.

     It’s not about safety anymore—Oregonians know that. It’s about convenience, tradition, and jobs, in that order. When we drive out of state now, we joke about how “barbaric” it is to pump your own gas. LOL I hope Oregon never changes this law. :-D

     posted by tasia on 6-20-2008 at 11:35 am

137. I moved to New Jersey over a year and a half ago and have not once let one of those stupid gas station attendants touch my MINI Cooper. I have gotten into quite a few verbal altercations with the attendants. I tell them that their state mandated (read subsidized) job conflicts with my political beliefs and they can take their non-sense NJ law and shove it. A few have tried to refuse service, so I equally refused to move my car. They all eventually had to relent (esp. if there’s was a line starting to build) and I make them look totally foolish; once eliciting cheers from fellow motorists who shared my frustration with having to wait for a low skilled and lazy attendant to amble over to their pump for a fill up. I can pump my own gas. What about you? Join the Libertarian revolution!

     posted by Jersey Boi on 8-25-2008 at 9:18 pm

138. Just moved to Oregon after 26 years in Minnesota.

     The no-pump law is asinine and archaic. It doesn’t take any training to pump gas, just eyesight and opposable thumbs.

     However, it’d be brilliant to have a law requiring gas stations to pump for you if the temp dips below 20 degress Fahrenheit.

     posted by The Matty Thor on 9-5-2008 at 5:23 pm

139. I lived in Australia a few years ago, and you couldn’t get full service anywhere. At all.
     My mother still refuses to pump her own gas. She has never done it herself.
     Personally, I just like having the option in our cold Canadian winters…

     posted by Reese on 9-8-2008 at 10:03 am

140. I live in Mich, and would rather pump my own gas than let someone else do it. I’m not helpless when it comes to picking up a gas nozzle. No matter what the weather is.
     My dad made sure that my sister and I both knew how to pump our own gas as soon as we got our learning permits, some 26 years ago.
     And a few people have set themselves on fire by talking on their cell phones and getting in and out of their cars while fueling. It’s called static-electricity.
     Gas yesterday morning around 8:30am was $3.63 a gallon, cash on my way home, it was $3.95 at 5:30pm.

     posted by Tesstrueheart on 9-10-2008 at 10:11 pm

141. Thor,

     Not a bad idea, but I’d change it to requiring that they must offer to pump for you when it dips below 20 degrees, not that they must absolutely pump for you.

     Even in 20 degree weather, I’d much rather pump my own.

     posted by Dan on 9-23-2008 at 4:47 pm

142. I was at a station in Oregon where the nice young lady informed me that she would have to operate the pump… ‘Its for my safety’. I looked at her and said, “You DO know that strippers in Las Vegas pump there own gas, don’t you?” I think we can handle it ourselves.

     posted by John on 10-14-2008 at 2:34 am

143. I live in NJ and always have. The state is so small that everyone here does know how to pump their own gas, though. We’re so close to NY, PA, CT and DE that it’s just common sense. Look, I’ve gotten out of the car and done it myself — lots of drivers here will if the attendant isn’t quick enough for our Jersey patience. However, we do create jobs this way and our gas is still cheaper than most anywhere due to our state’s low tax on it. Today it was $2.69. Go across the border to NY and you pay sometimes a dollar more a gallon and that’s if you pump it yourself. You want the attendant to pump it for you? Add another 20 cents on. Thanks, but I’ll stick to Jersey for filling my car. Besides, I’ve not heard of one single person arrested for doing it themselves… when it’s cold, snowing or raining, you won’t hear anybody complaining… and when they do my windows or offer to check my oil, I always give them a buck or two, but you only find that away from NYC.

     posted by Lisa on 10-15-2008 at 9:45 pm

144. I hate anyone touching my car, other than my mechanic. It’s such a PITA to live in a “Nanny state”, treat people like adults for a change. We CAN pump our own gas!

     posted by Capable Motorist on 11-5-2008 at 9:10 am

145. I live in idaho, and I travel through oregon quite a bit. Perhaps attendants keep the drive offs at a minimum? I had the unpleasant experience of working at a gas station in Idaho, and being that the gas prices at the time were phenomenal, we had to keep our eyes peeled on license plates to keep people from driving off without paying. Having employees on the lot, probably saves them quite a bit of money in the long run.

     posted by engelixe on 11-7-2008 at 11:09 am

146. FYI, the attendants don’t come running out to you people who try to pump your own gas to insult you. They don’t think they are the only people in the world capable of correctly pumping gas. They run out to stop you because it is their job. The law says you can’t do it, and their job says to tell you to not break the law. If you started smoking in a non-smoking bank, I would hope the staff would come running to tell you to stop. It’s the same thing. The people who pump your gas in OR and NJ are human beings, mainly high schoolers, trying to gain work experience and maybe take their girfriends on a nice date once in a while. Working at ANY kind of minimum wage job does not make someone subhuman and all of you who have made fun of them here should keep that in mind before you spout off in an angry comment that you hope someone will read and care about. It’s just not nice. They didn’t even make the laws about this. There is no right answer here. It may or may not cost you a tiny bit extra when you fill up your tank to insure that the employee who just did so (no matter how polite or rude to them you were) will be able to fill up his tank. It is nice to be able to stay in your car, but you may rather want to jump out and do it yourself so you have the control and feel assured that it was done the best and the fastest. You may or may not feel like an idiot if you have to be told not to pump your own when you visit NJ or OR. YOu may or may not feel stupid when visiting the other 48 states and you can’t pump your own. Especially when the instructions are right there. These are just differences of opinions and preferences. If you can’t stand the laws in OR and NJ, then maybe you shouldn’t live there unless you can learn to tolerate something you oppose or you become an ACTIVIST and work to change the law. If you think having attendants do it for you is cool and/or convenient, maybe you should move to Or or NJ or go to a full-service station near you. The point is, it seems very silly and childish to rant and rave about how stupid you think _______ is. Especially in a comment to some article like this. I think you must have a lot of unresolved anger built up and you just need to vent about something and feel right. That’s sad. I’m sorry for you. Even if you are silly. I hope you all have a wonderful day, whether you pump your own gas or not!

     posted by Nicole on 11-13-2008 at 2:47 am

147. ive lived in oregon pretty much my whole life. i like the fact I dont have to pump my own gas. although im sure learning wouldnt be a bad thing because when I went to Wa to visit my grandparents I had no idea what I was suppose to do..

     posted by Christina on 11-27-2008 at 7:25 pm

148. I had been driving for two years before I had to pump my own gas after moving to Idaho from Oregon. Though it took a few minutes and the help of a fellow newbie, I figured it out just fine; it’s not that difficult, after all. Now that I live in New Jersey, I am often reminded of why I like letting someone else pump my gas. Like many have stated, it’s nice to stay in the car during unpleasant weather and allowing someone else to risk spilling gasoline on themselves. Gas in NJ is much cheaper than in New York state where one must pump their own gas, so I don’t know that it has any adverse effect on the cost. Like at least one other person stated, one of the only downsides that I see is that there are plenty of places that do not stay open all night which makes getting gas at late hours impossible.

     posted by gina on 11-30-2008 at 2:55 am

149. I live in NJ and love the FULL SERVICE, what is to complain about. I hate putting gas in my car and if driving out of state just ask somebody else to do it. And the gas prices in NJ are great so who really cares about the way we get the gas in our cars. Leave it alone. I love the full service.

     posted by Kris on 12-1-2008 at 12:43 am

150. I live in NJ but I went to school in PA, so I’ve had my gas pupmed for me and have done it myself. There can be long lines anywhere, at both full service stations and at self serve. But the full service stations in Jersey have consistantly been at least 30 cents cheaper than the self serve stations in PA. So I see no problem with either, and I can do both so it’s no big deal. Still love Jersey though.

     posted by Nikki on 12-1-2008 at 3:31 am

151. I am an Oregonian. First there is a myth that needs to be busted.
     Fact: Washington State, Idaho, California all have self serve some how the gas prices here are lower.
     Second, you hear in the news about fires in gas stations but never in Oregon. I wounder why? could it be that at self serve stations people get in and out of their cars while they pump gas creeating a static charge on them selves? See Myth Busters on this. They proved that fact to be plausable.

     In a bad Economy can we really lose more jobs? and how many would be hired if there were no self serve. As for looking stupid and having angry people yell at you last time I was in Colorado and filled my vehicle I waited and waited for the attendant to come out. When someone did I had 7 people yelling at me calling me names and no one would explain why. the “attendant” called me a moron and yelled at me for not buying gas???? All I was doing was wait for him to come out and PUMP IT. I said I was from Oregon and that it against the law. The attendant called me a liar that every state has self serve. and that there is no such law anywhere. I look back and laugh. But really it is a great job for High School students.

     posted by james on 12-20-2008 at 10:25 am

152. I think a lot of people are missing the point here. There’s nothing wrong with full service (or having someone pump your gas for you depending on how much else they do). There’s nothing wrong with self service. I pump my gas everywhere I go, but I had been to stations where they fill my tank for me and I don’t have any objections to the idea.

     The PROBLEM is when you take away my choice, my right to fill up my own vehicle with fuel that I’m paying for.

     The PROBLEM is when you tell me that some kid half my age is more ‘qualified’ to fill up my tank that I and and that I am putting lives at risk (but apparently they’re only at risk in 4% of the states).

     The PROBLEM is that these states are handicapping (as seen in comments above) their residents to the point that they don’t know what to do when they travel to the other 96% of the states and fill up. Something tells me the NJ legislature won’t reimburse the poster above who could have potentially done serious damage to their vehicle with diesel fuel.

     I don’t doubt that it’s a convenience to not have to get out of your car in cold weather to fill up. But FORCING people to let someone else fill their tank is just stupid.

     THAT is the PROBLEM.

     posted by John on 12-20-2008 at 11:43 am

153. Everyone here seems to be saying “I like it so everyone should be required to do this way.” Whether you like full-service or prefer to pump your own, you should have the choice. You should not be forced to have full service if you don’t want it. For those that do, fine, but don’t make eveyone else do it just because you do.

     posted by Joe Daniel on 12-20-2008 at 12:04 pm

154. Rediculous! I’ve been to Oregon and had to sit in my car waiting for some character to get around to waiting on me. Cars backing up, people driving away, etc is the result of this antiquated law. I’ve been pumping my own gas here in Calif for 42 yrs. Never had an accident, nor have I ever seen or heard of a gas station customer related fire. If you are too ignorant to not smoke, or pour gas into coke bottles then all the dopey legislation in the world won’t help you. I say resend it. Other than eliminating a few jobs it makes no sense.

     posted by John on 12-20-2008 at 12:38 pm

155. ny one can self-serve, so let us have the choice. I live in Texas, and we have both types of service. Are we Texans the only True Americans?????

     posted by Theodore J. Trott on 12-20-2008 at 1:14 pm

156. I live in NC, and it is mostly self service stations here. I was driving through Matthews on day on an empty tank. I pulled into the closest station, turned off the car & started getting out. Imagine my surprise — I had pulled into a FULL service station. After I realized this, I tried starting up the car (on fumes) to no avail – to drive (literally) across the street to the self serve station. The attendant WOULDN’T let me move my car across the street to get gas & I had to pay roughly $1.00 more per gallon to have somebody else pump my gas. Talk about adding insult to injury. I did learn from not to run on fumes anymore (especially around Matthews). Oh and by the way, that station now has both self and full service — but I wont give them my business.

     posted by Jon on 12-20-2008 at 1:29 pm

157. I live in Oregon and have a CFN card so I pump my own gas anyway. So does my wife. Never had a fire.

     posted by Ron Anderson on 12-20-2008 at 1:34 pm

158. a few blurbs above this i noticed a cluster of suburbanites laughing nonchalantly about never having to pump gas their entire posh little lives and when the situation arose, they could’nt figure out how to get the gas cap off……..WTF? REALLY? ive got one word for you, LEFT. i bet you guys struggle with the peanut butter jar on a daily basis too huh? i think that if your community has an unusually high percentage of unemployed junkies or ex-cons or something than its a good way to get off the streets. I really think the saftey issue is a matter of semantics, maybe thats just me. in my homestate we still have the latches on the handles so you can go into the store if you want while your waiting for the gas to pump, and there hasn’t been an accident in years. the rule of thumb here is basically, if you can’t figure out how to get the gas into the car, you probably shouldn’t be on the road.

     posted by ERk on 12-20-2008 at 2:38 pm

159. I live in Oregon and personally I like to have someone pump gas for me. Yes, I do get it on me, every time. But, that aside, it is against the law, they say for environmental reasons (in my case that’s important because I would get gas all over), BUT, the real truth/reason it is against the law to pump your own gas in Oregon is that many people WOULD BE OUT OF A JOB.

     posted by freshsilk on 12-20-2008 at 4:15 pm

160. Don’t think you can’t end up smelling of gas in Oregon. On the way to work on graveyard one night, I stopped to fill up. I was out of the pickup standing by the drivers door, easier to pay the attendant. When the tank hit full, the latch clicked back one notch and fell out of the fill hole, with gas still running. The attendant picked the nozzle up and hosed me from the waist down before getting it shut off. Of course it was my fault for being out of the rig. The 20 mile drive back home was one burning experience, hoping I wouldn’t catch fire from some stray spark. I stripped on the back porch and suppose I woke my wife up opening the back door. She was somewhere between a suprise and a panic when I went running naked through the house to the shower. I didn’t get shot, and things settled fairly quickly. Quite late to work, and burned for a few days, much rather be able to pump my own gas; I do know how.

     posted by larry larson on 12-20-2008 at 6:15 pm

161. A state that allows assisted suicide not allowing the pumping of gas??/ OMG……….LOL

     posted by Football Doc on 12-20-2008 at 6:18 pm

162. I live and drive in New Jersey and to be honest, I think having someone else pump my gas is one of the best parts of driving. Every day all I need to do is pull into the station and 9 times out of 10 there is a guy already waiting there to start the pumping immediatly. To pay for the gas I don’t even need to leave my car, all I need to do is hand him the cash or card and it’s done. I’m just saying here, let’s look at the facts: 1. You do not need to leave the car…ever. 2. You don’t need to pump it, nor have to even go inside to pay for it. 3. I dunno if everyone kept up with the stats but New Jersey has some of the cheapest gas in the country. So the point I come to is, how could I not love a state that does not “force” me to have my gas pumped by someone else, but actually makes someone else pump it for me, haha, that my friends is what I call ironic and well a luxery, I know most of you will find what I say ludacris, but yet look at the point I make, The gas is cheaper and I don’t even need to pump it, whats not to love?

     posted by NJ Driver on 12-20-2008 at 8:33 pm

163. I live in a smallish (14,000-ish people)town in Illinois, have all my life. When I was young (turned 35 2 months ago), we had a couple full-serve stations. It was great. Fill the tank, get the oil checked, get the wiper fluid checked, windhield washed, never had to get out of the car. It was nice. Of course, they had all closed by the time I graduated High School. A shame really. I don’t remember the price being that much different (if at all) from the self serve station a couple doors down. It was just a nice convenience, even if you felt you had to tip the employee.

     posted by Chris in Illinois on 12-20-2008 at 8:45 pm

164. I moved to Oregon 3 years ago from the east coast and I have figure out the people here in oregon don’t have much common sense. Even it was allowed for them to pump their own gas they would still go through the full serve because they are so lazy. The law will never be changed because you have idiots running the goverment here.

     posted by Sheila on 12-20-2008 at 10:21 pm

165. I was strolling through various pages of the net after becoming bored with a day’s worth of free porn, when I stumbled upon Matt Soniak’s article.

     I grew up in Oregon, and managed convenience stores and gas stations all along the I-5 corridor for about six years.

     I did not see anything stated about the REAL reason (at least in Oregon) why you’re not allowed to self-serve gasoline. Sure- the likely answers sound right, even justified; however, back in the seventies, Governor Tom McCall addressed the growing unemployment rates by, among other things- making transferring gas into vehicles and approved containers against the law for anyone but employees of retail fueling stations, thereby creating jobs.

     Now, I’ll be the first to acknowledge that most of the population can handle this monotonous chore- I also would like to point out the current unemployment numbers nationwide. I hope that Oregon and Jersey keep the law, perhaps amending it so it cannot land someone a fine if they chose self-serve. I can remember how many “car guys” would come in driving souped-up hot rods who would (sometimes) literally beg me to allow them to “be the one who drips gas onto [their] thousand-dollar paint jobs.” But, I think McCall made the right call back then. As well as giving people job opportunities as petroleum transfer technicians, he signed bills that summed up to be the driving force behind many of the popular skiing lodges, state parks, and hiking trails that were maintained by newly hired forestry workers.

     I’m sure we’d all probably be satisfied with a choice between serving yourself, or to stay warm, clean and dry inside your vehicle while a paid (employed) jockey does the job for you.

     Contrary to popular belief, gas does not cost more when employees pump it. You can check out where your fuel taxes go in your state by contacting the local transportation department or online- google “state and federal gasoline taxes.” The rest of your gasoline dollar breaks up into small overhead costs (most retail stations are small businesses with less than 25 employees) and the majority goes to petroleum producers; See OPEC.

     Support small business, and better yet- go green and ditch traditional petrol!

     posted by S. Sears on 12-20-2008 at 11:31 pm

166. It isn’t illegal to pump your own gas anywhere in the USA but why? Why the hassle? Good customer service, free will, choice.

     posted by Jane Doe on 12-20-2008 at 11:50 pm

167. I live in Oregon and have lived in California. I appreciate not having to pump my own gas. It means in the winter, I do not have to get out of my car in the rain or snow. My mother still lives in California and uses full service for which she has to pay a premium when it would be courtesy for the elderly to have someone pump their gas for them.

     For those that don’t like Oregon, and come from somewhere else… Well you can always return…

     There is no reason why anyone should have to pump their own gas…

     posted by Sharon on 12-21-2008 at 12:11 am

168. I live in NJ but go to school in PA and I have to say I love not having to pump my own gas. I don’t need to get outta the car when its freezing cold or raining and I don’t have to touch the grimy gas hose either. Not to mention even with the full service law, gas is still cheaper in NJ. I had alot of friends work at gas stations in highschool too. It creates jobs and makes my life convenient. I hope its always a law :c)

     posted by D. Pollack on 12-21-2008 at 2:05 am

169. Hey. I’m 23 and I pump gas part time while I go to school. I’m really surprised by the ignorant comments people have about gas station attendants. Seriously people, stop being stupid. Anyways, who really gives a shit if you can’t pump your own gas in Jersey? I’m not saying that because I work at a gas station, but I didn’t care before and I won’t care after…I really don’t let the fact that I can’t pump my gas in Jersey upset me enough where I have to write a blog entry about it…I have more important things to worry about. Besides, I let people pump their own gas where I work anyway…less I have to do, but pumping your own gas isn’t that great of an experience…it’s pretty sad if you think it is, like the author of this blog seems to think (*rolls eyes and mouths the word “wow”*). I hate pumping my own gas when I go out of state, it’s such a hassle. But many of you people have a closed, limited view on the whole situation, and you should really keep your mouths shut if you don’t know what you’re talking about. So stop crying and accept/deal with the fact that you can’t pump gas yourself in Jersey and Oregon. Bye! :)

     posted by i got gas on 12-28-2008 at 3:46 pm

170. what’s not to like about buying gas in nj? it’s the lowest price in the northeast and they pump it in your tank for free!

     posted by fred d. on 12-29-2008 at 12:13 am

171. i went to Oregon this summer and was very freaked out by this rule. when i went out they also yelled at me and said i was breaking the law and grabbed the thing away. i felt like my car was getting raped by some stranger doing it instead of me! my car is brand new and i dont want anyone touching it let alone putting gas in it and messing it up. plus it took them FOREVER and it’s totally awkward having to thank them, and i was wondering if i was expected to tip them. the gas was $4.28 there and a dollar cheaper here in L.A!! next time i will try to get some beforehand and blaze through the whole miserable raining abandoned muckhole state on one tank.

     posted by Josie on 12-29-2008 at 12:22 am

172. I grew up in Staten Island, NY and my cheap daddy always got gas in “Jersey”, as we called it. I LOVE LOVE LOOOOOVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEE when I drive home and get to NJ, where I can happily say, “fill it up, regular” . . . I feel like a princess! I think it’s the most amazing, wonderful thing in the world.

     When I first moved to Michigan, I was describing a co-worker to someone and said, “but she pumps her own gas!” (meaning that she just seemed kind of gruff and farm-y) Somehow I hadn’t grasped the fact that EVERYBODY pumps their own gas . . .

     posted by Rain on 1-1-2009 at 10:28 am

173. As if this comment will ever be read, I will say that I work in the cognitively and logically disabled community, and this is one of the few areas that they can find work. A good portion of them are not receiving services because they are on their own and have no family or advocate that they can rely on. I’ll gladly allow them to pump my gas in my home state of Oregon. It’s actually cheaper in Oregon, with full service, than it is in Washington with self-service. Go figure.

     posted by Jaymz on 1-8-2009 at 11:30 pm

174. I’m from CT and love filling up in NJ! Whats not to love?:
     1. The gas in Jersey is almost always about 50 cents cheaper, because of all the depots and refineries.
     2. Your hands don’t smell like gas from the last person who got drops on the handle. (Because they topped off and miscalculated!)
     3. Winters are COLD and long, having to get out of the car is an ordeal.
     4. I finally have time to get my reciepts together or mess cleaned up while they pump.

     posted by EMT on 2-10-2009 at 1:07 pm

175. First off, I am an Oregonian. I really like the law most of the time. It’s not laziness, it’s convinience. To just crack your window, stick out your visa, “fill it with regular”, and take a relaxing 2 minute powernap. Just kidding about the last part, but it is quite relaxing to not have to be frigid or blown away by the wind and the smell and spilt gas. It actually goes faster sometimes than in other states when people have to get out. Also, in California the prices are typically worse than ours. Not getting out tempts people less to go in and buy useless things. Saves our money and doesn’t hold up other drivers. Plus, less chance of car jackings.

     I hope they never change the law, I like it.

     Now on the other side, I had a motorcycle for a few years and you pump your own gas with that. However, what is realy rediculous is they have to hand you the nozzel. You pull up within arms reach of it and can’t grab it without someone saying something.. I still did it every time I had to wait and just said it came from another attendant.

     posted by Jayce on 2-10-2009 at 10:40 pm

176. on a trip to New Jersey last memorial day, My husband actually thought we were going to be mugged when the attendant came up to pump our gas. I thought it was just a way to create a few more jobs, NOT that it was illegal
     thanks!

     posted by FrostFireStandards on 2-11-2009 at 3:03 am

177. Illegal to fill your own gas tank in NJ and Oregon?? Now I know why both states are the butt of so many jokes. What’s next for these two idiot-filled states? No drinking from drinking fountains unless someone is there to push the button for you? After all, you might spray water in your eye or get your new shirt all wet.

     posted by Down to Earth on 2-11-2009 at 11:53 am

178. I had always heard that the reason for the law against self service in New Jersey was to prevent discrimination against those who could not pump their own gas. If an attendant were to pump someone’s gas, this would cost them more money. However, this most directly affected disabled and elderly persons, and lawmakers did not feel it was right for these people to be charged fees just because of their situations. Many gas stations would try to over-charge patrons for these services, so the law was passed to make it mandatory for all stations to provide these services to everyone.

     Also, I’m not sure why some people believe that all people in New Jersey and Oregon are “idiots”. I was under the impression that New Jersey is consistently ranked as one of the smartest and most educated states in the country, due largely in part to the great number of universities (Princeton, Rutgers, Stevens) and the number of highly educated people who live in NJ and work in large corporations in either NJ or commute to New York City. It seems silly to attack the people of these states just because you don’t agree with their laws.

     As most of these comments show, people in these states don’t seem to mind the law and even resist the idea of overturning the law. It shouldn’t be an issue for the rest of us in the 48 other states, since we’re not the ones who live with it on a daily basis. If you hate the law, just avoid New Jersey and Oregon.

     posted by aventine on 2-14-2009 at 12:16 am

179. Recent debates about this in Oregon keep mentioning the fact that because the insurance costs are lower, the price of gas stays relatively the same. And I know that I’m paying less here than some of my friends in of the country. And I have to say, it’s nice to not have to get out in the rain, and after growing up here I’m used to the wait. Even if they’re low paying jobs, these days I’m glad for any job people can have that doesn’t require a high school dipolma so that these people can at lease have somewhere to work.

     posted by Catherine on 3-17-2009 at 12:15 am

180. We not only don’t have to pump our own gas in Jersey it is still cheaper then all the other states that have to pump their own!!!! we don’t want to pump our own gas but out of state people seem bothered by it….If it works don’t try to fix us we don’t have that many good things going for us.

     posted by Maryann on 6-30-2009 at 7:19 pm

181. I live in Vancouver, BC, Canada and one of the suburbs here, Richmond, has the same law. gas is 10c more per litre (40c more per gallon roughly) and the service is horrible. the reason in richmond is that there is a large wealthy asian population who 1 – don’t know how to pump gas (not kidding) and 2 – feel that someone else should do it for them.

     posted by Andy on 8-8-2009 at 5:37 pm

182. I know this is long over debate, but I just saw this on her. But my $64.00 question is: why as a truck driver, am I required to fuel up my own truck. I fueled up all the time at the TA at Exit 278. They had gas and diesel fuel-up there. The attendants would fuel up the cars, but leave our trucks alone. I use to mess with them all the time and the would hate it. SO…WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?????

     posted by POPEYE'S WORLD on 8-9-2009 at 11:54 pm

183. I just ran across this article and have read many of the comments. I live in both Portland, Oregon and part time in Manhattan, New York and so therefore am frequently exposed to the full service aspect while obtaining gas. Frankly, I love the whole concept. To say that service is slower than at a self pump station is moot, since I have had to wait in line for a gas pump at a self serve while the car owner was inside the station’s mini mart purchasing drinks, snacks, going to the toilet, etc., while their car sits at the gas pump. I can state that I would much rather have someone else get out in the cold, rain, snow, humid heat and pump my gas than for me to do the same, where upon I end up smelling like gasoline and need to wash my hands. For male and female drivers, nothing sucks more than to be dressed in nice business or evening attire and splash gasoline on your clothes. And frankly, the gas is cheaper in both of these states compared to the surroinding states that allow self serve. The gas price in all states is influenced more by state and federal fuel taxes than by whether an employee or you pump the gas.

     posted by Chuck on 8-19-2009 at 2:07 pm

184. I love full-service in Oregon. The cost is not worth the few pennies difference whoever you compare it to.

     I think this issue keeps coming up because other states are jealous and wish they had only full-service like us. Otherwise they should leave us alone. We like it this way.

     posted by Brent on 9-1-2009 at 5:19 pm

185. I grew up in Washington, but live in Oregon now. I rarely have to wait to have my gas pumped, and usually then only when the pumps are all in use, which happens at stations in Washington as well.

     When I first moved to Oregon it irritated me, but I’m used to it now and have to admit that I really like not having to get out of the car when the wind chill is 25 degrees F. (For those making dismissive noises of our winter weather – I felt warmer in Anchorage, AK last winter than in Portland, and the actual thermostat temperature was 20 degrees warmer in OR.) I’m perfectly capable of pumping my own gas – it’s just nicer not to have to.

     And yes, our gas prices are lower because we have lower gas taxes.

     posted by shaye on 9-29-2009 at 12:17 pm

186. I grew up in Oregon and I have no problem with someone pumping my gas. Especially in the winter. The way the economy is these days, I actuallly think the fact that its creating jobs.

     posted by CH on 10-7-2009 at 6:49 am

187. Having lived in Oregon all my life it just seems natural to have someone pump my gas for me. Although convenient most of the time, there have been some incidences where it has been obnoxious – like pulling up to the station trying to get to work on time and being told by the attendant I would have to wait ten minutes because they were in the middle of a shift change.

     posted by Steph on 10-28-2009 at 9:08 pm

188. I live in Buffalo, NY, an I happened to come across this article. I think this law is the craziest ever, not to mention I would never trust anyone else to pump my fuel, not even my friends and family: I drive a 2006 New Beetle TDI (diesel-powered for those who don’t know) and I’d be scared to death to let someone else fuel my car; I would always be afraid that the attendant would put in gas in instead of diesel, even though it says “Diesel Fuel Only” on the gas cap and on the filler flap. Even if I told the attedant diesel I could still see a several hundred dollar mistake happening. I would rather stand out in the pouring rain!

     posted by Brendan on 11-7-2009 at 1:44 pm

189. I lived in Oregon for around twelve years. Sure, waiting on attendants can be slow. But it was always nice, especially with the amount of rain we got. I lived in Washington for a couple of years right after getting my license, and honestly would have preferred to be back in Oregon once the snow hit. It has some convenience definitely. I can see the hassle, but at the same time I’ve gone to the gas station numerous times here in Nevada only to wait ages to get up to a pump because some idiot is standing around chatting on a cell phone even after they’ve finished pumping gas. At least with attendants that’s never an issue.

     posted by Aut on 11-21-2009 at 12:24 am

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