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Why Nobody In New Jersey Knows How To Pump Their Own Gas

New Jersey stands out in the United States for many reasons—its iconic diners, the Jersey Shore, and even its famous boardwalks. But one quirk about the state catches nearly every visitor off guard: residents don’t pump their own gas. Pulling into a gas station anywhere in New Jersey means being greeted by an attendant who handles the task for you, rain or shine. This unique custom isn’t just a local preference; it’s the law. But how did this become a defining characteristic of the Garden State?

A Law Rooted in History

A Law Rooted in History
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To understand why self-service gas pumping is illegal in New Jersey, we need to travel back to the mid-20th century. In 1949, the state enacted the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act, which required all gas stations to employ attendants. At the time, the stated reasons were safety concerns and rising consumer costs. It was argued that untrained individuals pumping gas could cause accidents, and full-service stations were seen as a way to provide better customer care.

However, economic factors played a significant role as well. Smaller gas station owners were concerned about being edged out by larger, self-service stations that could operate more profitably without attendants.

Why It Stuck Around

Why It Stuck Around
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While most other states transitioned to self-service by the 1970s, New Jersey held firm. The law has since become a point of pride and a symbol of convenience for residents. Many New Jerseyans appreciate not having to get out of their cars, especially during the winter months or in heavy rain. Over the years, politicians and the public have fiercely defended this tradition.

Oregon: The Lone Companion

Oregon The Lone Companion
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For decades, New Jersey shared its full-service exclusivity with Oregon, the only other state to have similar restrictions. However, Oregon’s laws have loosened significantly in recent years, allowing self-service in rural areas and under certain conditions. This shift has left New Jersey as the sole state where customers are entirely prohibited from pumping their own gas.

The Fight Over Self-Service

The Fight Over Self Service
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Despite its deep roots, the law isn’t without controversy. Over the years, numerous bills have been introduced to allow self-service options in New Jersey, but all have failed. Proponents of self-service argue it could reduce gas prices by cutting labor costs, a point that resonates during periods of high fuel prices. However, opponents contend that these savings may not materialize and worry about potential job losses for attendants.

The Gender Divide

The Gender Divide
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Interestingly, surveys have shown a notable gender gap in attitudes toward self-service gas stations. Women are likelier to prefer full-service, citing convenience and safety as key factors. This preference has helped maintain public resistance to changing the law, even as economic arguments for self-service grow louder.

Competitive Pricing Without Self-Service

Competitive Pricing Without Self Service
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One of the more surprising aspects of New Jersey’s full-service model is that it doesn’t seem to inflate gas prices. In fact, the state often boasts lower gas prices than neighboring New York and Pennsylvania. Analysts credit New Jersey’s competitive fuel market for keeping prices in check, demonstrating that the absence of self-service doesn’t necessarily equate to higher costs for consumers.

Labor Shortages and Rising Costs

Labor Shortages and Rising Costs
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Still, maintaining full-service gas stations isn’t without its challenges. Labor shortages, exacerbated by the pandemic, have made it harder for station owners to find attendants willing to do the work. As minimum wages rise, the cost of employing attendants continues to climb, adding financial strain on smaller businesses.

A Political Third Rail

A Political Third Rail
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Politicians in New Jersey often avoid taking a strong stance on the self-service debate, describing it as a political “third rail.” The issue doesn’t follow traditional party lines, and opposing full-service can be risky when the majority of residents prefer the status quo. Even Governor Phil Murphy has remained largely neutral on the matter, leaving the law unchanged despite recurring legislative attempts to revise it.

Community Connection at the Pump

Community Connection at the Pump
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For many residents, full-service gas stations are more than just a convenience; they’re a small but meaningful part of daily life. Regular customers often form bonds with attendants, turning routine stops into moments of friendly interaction. For some, this connection is an argument for preserving the tradition, even as the rest of the country has moved on.

An Uncertain Future

An Uncertain Future
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While the debate over self-service gas pumping shows no signs of dying down, the future of full-service stations in New Jersey remains uncertain. Advocates for change continue to argue for modernization and potential cost savings, but public sentiment and entrenched traditions make change difficult. For now, New Jerseyans can rest assured that someone will always be there to pump their gas, come rain, snow, or shine.

Beyond the Gas Pump

Beyond the Gas Pump
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New Jersey’s steadfast commitment to full-service gas stations reflects its unique character – practical yet proud of its quirks. This tradition may seem puzzling to outsiders, but to residents, it’s just another reason to call the Garden State home. Whether it’s about convenience, safety, or simply sticking to what works, New Jersey’s refusal to embrace self-service gas is as much about identity as it is about policy.