Can You Pump Your Own Gas in New Jersey?

Yes. In New Jersey it is illegal for drivers to pump their own gasoline at retail stations; only station attendants may dispense gasoline under state law. The main exception is diesel: motorists are generally allowed to self-serve diesel fuel, though individual station policies may differ. New Jersey is currently the only U.S. state with a blanket ban on self-service gasoline.

What the Law Says

New Jersey’s long-standing Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act and its regulations require that gasoline be dispensed by trained attendants, not by customers. The rules are framed around fire safety, environmental protection, and consumer assistance, and they apply at nearly all retail gasoline stations statewide. Enforcement focuses on businesses: fines are typically issued to station owners/operators that permit self-service gasoline, not to individual motorists.

What You Can and Can’t Do at the Pump

The practical do’s and don’ts can be confusing for visitors and new residents. The points below clarify the most common scenarios drivers encounter at New Jersey fuel stations.

• Gasoline: Customers may not pump their own gasoline; an attendant must operate the nozzle and begin fueling.
• Diesel: Self-service diesel is generally permitted, and many stations allow drivers to pump diesel themselves. Some locations still choose full-service by policy.
• Motorcycles: Gasoline for motorcycles must also be dispensed by an attendant. Practices vary, but riders should expect the attendant to handle the nozzle.
• Portable gas cans: Attendants must fill gasoline containers; customers should not dispense gasoline into cans themselves.
• Payment and service: Stations commonly offer full-service only for gasoline. If you need assistance (e.g., accessibility), attendants are required to help.

In short, if it’s gasoline, wait for the attendant. If it’s diesel, look for posted instructions—many stations permit you to proceed, but some may still require staff to assist.

Penalties and Enforcement

While motorists are the ones reaching for the nozzle, the law targets station operators. Allowing self-service gasoline can lead to civil fines that increase for repeat violations. Enforcement is typically carried out by state labor and safety officials and, in some cases, local fire authorities. Motorists are usually directed to stop rather than cited.

How New Jersey Compares to the Rest of the U.S.

New Jersey’s rule is increasingly unique. The landscape changed significantly in 2023, when Oregon—long one of the two holdout states—ended its statewide prohibition on self-service gasoline, with conditions. That left New Jersey as the only state maintaining a full ban on customer-pumped gasoline.

Here are recent milestones that explain how we got here and where things stand now.

• 2023: Oregon enacted a law allowing self-service gasoline statewide (with attendant availability and price parity provisions), ending its broad ban.
• 2022–2025: Multiple New Jersey bills were introduced to legalize optional self-service alongside required full-service availability, but none have been enacted as of this writing.
• Today: New Jersey remains the last state prohibiting customers from pumping their own gasoline at retail stations.

The bottom line: New Jersey’s policy is now an outlier nationally. Efforts to change the law continue to surface in Trenton but have not advanced to enactment.

Practical Tips for Drivers in New Jersey

If you’re fueling up in New Jersey, a few habits will make the process faster and smoother—especially during busy hours.

• Pull up and wait: Park by the pump and wait for the attendant to approach; indicate the amount and grade you want.
• Know your fuel door: Unlock or open the fuel door from inside your vehicle to speed service.
• Clarify diesel: If you drive a diesel vehicle, look for signage; many stations allow self-serve diesel, but ask if unsure.
• Receipts and payments: Tell the attendant your payment method; cash, credit, and tap-to-pay are widely accepted.
• Safety basics: Follow posted safety instructions; don’t re-enter the vehicle while fueling to avoid static buildup, and never smoke near pumps.

These small steps help keep lines moving and ensure you comply with New Jersey’s unique fueling rules.

Summary

It is illegal for motorists to pump their own gasoline in New Jersey; an attendant must dispense it. Diesel is generally an exception and may be self-served, depending on station policy. After Oregon changed its law in 2023, New Jersey stands alone with a statewide ban on self-service gasoline. Legislative proposals to allow optional self-serve have surfaced but have not become law to date.

Is it illegal to fill up a gas tank in New Jersey?

New Jersey remains the only state where it is illegal to pump your own gasoline. You are, however, allowed to pump your own diesel fuel in the state.

Is it illegal to pump your own gas in New Jersey?

Yes, it is illegal for individuals to pump their own gasoline in New Jersey, making it the only state in the U.S. where self-service gas is prohibited for gasoline. New Jersey’s law has been in place since 1949, requiring attendants to pump gas, though self-service is allowed for diesel fuel. 
The Law’s History and Purpose

• Established in 1949: The Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act was enacted in New Jersey, prohibiting drivers from pumping their own gas. 
• Lobbying Efforts: The law was influenced by lobbying efforts from full-service gas stations, who wanted to maintain their business and employment model. 
• Safety and Jobs: The ban also serves the purpose of creating jobs and is seen by some as a convenience that offers a luxury service. 

Current Status

• Still in Effect: Despite numerous efforts to change the law, including proposed bills, New Jersey remains the only state with a full ban on self-service gasoline. 
• Public Support: While some New Jersey residents support allowing self-service, a 2022 poll found that nearly three out of four New Jerseyans opposed lifting the ban. 
• Diesel Exception: Drivers are permitted to pump their own diesel fuel in New Jersey. 

Is pumping gas with the car on illegal?

Running. And unoccupied. So the two coming together there pretty much says once you get out of your car you should be shutting it. Off.

Is NJ banning gas cars?

New Jersey’s Advanced Clean Cars II rule is even stricter, completely prohibiting the sale of new gas-powered vehicles beginning in the 2035 model year and requiring nearly half of all new cars sold to be electric starting in two years.