In the realm of quirky state distinctions, New Jersey has held onto a particularly unique one: it remains the sole state in the U.S. where it’s illegal for drivers to pump their own gas. This law, dating back to 1949, has recently come under the spotlight as Oregon, the only other state with similar legislation, has lifted its own ban, allowing drivers the choice to self-serve or use an attendant.
New Jerseyans, however, appear steadfast in their affection for full-service gas stations. A Monmouth University poll in 2022 showed that 60% of state residents opposed a policy that would allow stations to go fully self-service. The poll also revealed that 55% think it’s a good thing for New Jersey to be the only state without self-service. Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, noted that “Being the last full-service-only state in the country seems to be a source of pride for many New Jerseyans.”
The roots of this ban are deeply entrenched in the state’s history. In the late 1940s, when self-service stations began offering cheaper gasoline, full-service station owners pushed for a ban to protect their business, citing safety concerns. New Jersey’s legislation states, “Because of the fire hazards directly associated with dispensing fuel, it is in the public interest that gasoline station operators have the control needed over that activity.” That argument, bolstered by local fire marshals, ultimately led to the self-service prohibition.
Despite the ban’s beginnings and the changes in the industry over time, attempts to lift the prohibition have met with resistance. Gas station industry advocates have renewed calls to lift the ban, particularly as stations struggle to hire workers and face labor shortages exacerbated by the pandemic. Still, legislative efforts have floundered, and political leaders have been wary of the topic. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy described the topic of self-service gas as “a political third rail in New Jersey,” reflecting its potentially controversial nature.
The economic arguments around the ban are nuanced. On one hand, opponents argue that the ban increases labor costs and consequently gas prices. But New Jersey has historically had lower gas prices than many neighboring states, attracting out-of-state drivers. Additionally, the provision of full-service attendants lowers insurance costs due to fewer accidents, potentially offsetting some of the price increases. For drivers unenthusiastic about the prospect of pumping their own gas in inclement weather, the full-service stations provide a comfortable and convenient alternative.
For the state’s workforce, the full-service requirement creates jobs that are especially crucial as blue-collar service roles become scarcer with increasing automation. With each of New Jersey’s 3,205 gasoline service stations potentially employing multiple attendants, the jobs provided are significant.
The self-serve ban’s future is still a topic of debate. While a bill offering a choice to drivers has been dormant since April 2022, any changes seem unlikely at least until after the state’s general elections on Nov. 7. The issue is complex, layered with economic, cultural, and practical considerations that reflect the unique character of New Jersey. For now, the Garden State proudly maintains its stance, its gas stations a testament to a service era long gone by in the rest of the nation.
Relevant articles:
– There’s only one state left where it’s illegal to pump your own gas
– Why Jersey girls − and guys − still don’t pump their own gas, The Conversation, Fri, 29 Mar 2024 12:45:33 GMT
– NJ is now the only state in the US where drivers are not allowed to pump their own gas, NBC New York, Mon, 07 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT
– Oregon lets drivers fuel their own cars, making NJ only state with self-serve ban, NBC Philadelphia, Sat, 05 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT