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Oregon lifted its self-service gas ban in 2023 via House Bill 2426. New Jersey is now the only state where pumping your own gas is prohibited statewide.
New Jersey and Oregon are the only two states where it is illegal to pump your own gas.
New Jersey Is the Only State Where You Can't Pump Gas
If you've ever pulled into a gas station in New Jersey and reached for the pump, you've probably been met with a stern wave-off from an attendant. That's because the Garden State is now America's lone holdout in the war against self-service gasâand yes, pumping your own fuel there is actually illegal.
Oregon used to share this quirky distinction, but in 2023, the state lifted its decades-old ban with House Bill 2426. Now Oregonians can pump their own gas statewide, though stations in the 16 most populous counties must still staff at least half their pumps for full service. The price? It has to be the same whether you pump or an attendant does.
Why New Jersey Still Says No
New Jersey's ban dates back to 1949 with the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act. The official reasoning? Fire hazards and public safety. Legislators argued that trained operators should handle flammable liquids, not everyday drivers who might make mistakes.
But the real story is probably more about jobs and lobbying. Gas station owners and workers have fiercely defended the law for decades, arguing it protects employment and provides convenience for drivers who don't want to get out of their cars in bad weather.
Breaking the law isn't just frowned uponâit comes with fines ranging from $50 to $250 for first-time offenders, and up to $500 for repeat violations.
The Great Debate
New Jersey lawmakers have repeatedly introduced bills to allow self-service. In March 2025, Republican Senator Jon Bramnick proposed letting stations with four or more pumps offer self-service while keeping attendants available for those who need help.
None of these reforms have passed. Supporters of the ban argue it creates jobs and keeps gas prices competitive (New Jersey often has lower gas prices than neighboring states). Critics counter that it's an outdated regulation that limits consumer choice and slows down service during rush hours.
Love it or hate it, if you're driving through New Jersey, sit back and let someone else handle the pump. It's the law.
