Is It Illegal to Pump Your Own Gas in New Jersey?

Yes. Pumping your own gasoline is illegal statewide in New Jersey, and while citations are typically issued to the gas station rather than the driver, you can be stopped and told to put the nozzle down—and, in some circumstances, a summons may be issued. New Jersey remains the only state with a full ban on self-serve gasoline; diesel fuel is the main exception.

What the law says

Statutory basis

New Jersey’s Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act (N.J.S.A. 34:3A-4 et seq.) prohibits customers from dispensing gasoline at retail stations. The law states that only an attendant employed by the station may dispense fuel into a vehicle’s tank. State regulations (N.J.A.C. 12:196) implement and enforce this requirement. The policy is rooted in fire safety, accessibility, and consumer protection concerns.

Who actually gets fined

Under the statute, civil penalties are directed primarily at the owner, operator, or employee of the station for allowing self-service. Fines generally range from $50 to $250 for a first offense and $250 to $500 for subsequent violations. Enforcement is handled by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, often in coordination with local fire officials. While the conduct is illegal for customers, tickets are more commonly issued to stations that permit it than to individual motorists.

How enforcement works in practice

In day-to-day life, attendants will usually intervene and take over the pump. If a customer insists on self-serve, staff can refuse service, and local police can order the customer to stop. Although it’s uncommon for drivers to be fined under state law, local ordinances or on-scene decisions can result in a summons. The safest approach is simple: wait for the attendant.

Exceptions and nuances

Diesel fuel

Diesel fuel is generally exempt. Because diesel is classified as a combustible (not a flammable) liquid, New Jersey’s self-serve ban does not cover it, and many stations allow customers to pump diesel themselves. Always check signage at the pump—some locations still prefer attendant service.

Motorcycles

Technically, the attendant must dispense gasoline into motorcycle tanks as well. In practice, many attendants will hand the nozzle to riders (especially to avoid overfills) while remaining responsible for the transaction. If you ride, ask the attendant how they want to handle it.

Portable gas cans

Attendants, not customers, should fill portable gasoline containers. Containers must be approved and placed on the ground during filling for safety.

What could happen if you pump your own gas

Here are the most likely outcomes if you start pumping your own gasoline in New Jersey:

• An attendant will immediately intervene and complete the fueling.
• You may be warned to stop; refusal can lead to being denied service or asked to leave.
• The station, not you, is the party most likely to face a civil fine for allowing self-serve.
• In rarer cases, you could receive a summons under local rules if you ignore instructions.

While the odds of a personal ticket are low, the conduct is illegal, and cooperation with attendants avoids legal and safety issues.

How to handle the pump in New Jersey

If you’re new to New Jersey’s full-service model, these steps keep things quick and compliant:

1. Pull up to the pump, turn off your engine, and wait in your vehicle.
2. Tell the attendant your fuel grade (e.g., regular, midgrade, premium) and payment method (cash or card).
3. If paying by card, follow the attendant’s instructions; some stations run the card at the pump, others at a kiosk.
4. Confirm whether you want a receipt. Tipping is optional and appreciated but not required.
5. For diesel, check signage; if self-serve is allowed, follow posted instructions. When in doubt, ask the attendant.

These steps reflect common practice across the state and help ensure safe, legal fueling.

Recent developments

Oregon ended its decades-long ban on self-serve in 2023, leaving New Jersey as the only state with a full gasoline self-service ban. Trenton has periodically considered “motorist choice” bills that would legalize self-serve alongside staffed pumps, but as of 2025 no such measure has been enacted. The prohibition on self-serve gasoline remains in effect statewide.

Summary

You can be stopped for pumping your own gasoline in New Jersey, and although drivers are rarely fined, the practice is illegal and enforcement typically targets gas stations that allow it. Diesel is the notable exception, often permitted as self-serve. To stay compliant, wait for the attendant, state your fuel grade and payment method, and let the station handle the rest.

What happens if I pump my own gas in New Jersey?

If you pump your own gas in New Jersey, which is illegal, the gas station owner can be fined for the violation, while drivers are generally not ticketed. While a self-service ban has been in place since 1949 for safety and other reasons, the enforcement has been inconsistent, and no tickets have been issued to drivers in recent years. Despite failed attempts to lift the ban, the practice remains a cultural norm and is a source of state pride for some. 
What Happens to You?

• No Penalty for Drivers: You, as the driver, are unlikely to face a ticket or fine. 
• Fines for Station Owners: The gas station dealer can be cited for the violation, with potential fines up to $500 for subsequent offenses. 
• Enforcement is Lacking: While the Department of Labor and Workforce Development is tasked with enforcing the law, they have not issued any summonses to drivers for pumping their own gas in recent years. 

Why is it illegal?

• Safety Concerns: Lawmakers cited potential hazards of gasoline handling and the risks associated with untrained individuals. 
• Job Creation: The law helps create jobs for gas station attendants. 
• Cultural Norms: The practice of full-service gas stations is a long-standing tradition in New Jersey and is a source of state pride for many residents. 

What’s the Current Status?

• Only State With Full Ban: New Jersey is the only state in the U.S. where it’s illegal for drivers to pump their own gas. 
• Ongoing Debate: There have been ongoing efforts to lift the self-service ban, with bills periodically introduced but failing to pass the state legislature. 

What states won’t allow you to pump your own gas?

Only New Jersey currently prohibits drivers from pumping their own gas, requiring an attendant to fill the tank at all stations. Oregon, once the other state with a similar ban, lifted its restriction in 2023, making New Jersey the sole state where drivers are not permitted to self-serve.
 
Why the ban remains in New Jersey

• History: The ban has been in place in New Jersey since 1949, partly to protect profits for gas station owners and to create jobs for attendants. 
• Culture: The practice is deeply ingrained in the state’s culture, and a 2022 poll indicated a majority of New Jersey residents oppose lifting the ban. 
• Political Influence: The gas station industry and other groups have lobbied to maintain the full-service requirement, which has resulted in consistent political opposition to changing the law. 

Why is it a law that you can’t pump gas in New Jersey?

Or take the help of a gas station. Attendant. Here in New Jersey. It’s been illegal for drivers to pump their own gas since 1949.

How long has NJ banned self-service gas?

In NJ, for example, a self-service ban was passed in 1949. According to Paul Mulshine, local full-service station owners had entered into a price-fixing agreement with each other. Naturally, this gas cartel was formed as a way of protecting their profits and keeping out competition.