Is it illegal to put gas in your own car in New Jersey?

Yes—if it’s gasoline, New Jersey law prohibits drivers from pumping their own fuel; only station attendants may dispense gasoline. Diesel is the notable exception: motorists are allowed to self-serve diesel. The rule, in place since 1949, remains unchanged as of 2025 despite periodic attempts to legalize self-serve.

What New Jersey’s law actually says

New Jersey’s Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act, enacted in 1949, requires that gasoline at retail be dispensed by trained station attendants rather than customers. State officials have consistently interpreted and enforced the rule to bar motorists from pumping their own gasoline at service stations. The state’s fire code and consumer protection regulations back this framework, citing safety, spill prevention, and uniformity in handling flammable liquids.

What’s allowed and what isn’t

The following points outline how the rules apply at the pump, including the key diesel exception and common situations drivers encounter.

• Gasoline: Customers may not pump their own gasoline at retail stations; an attendant must operate the dispenser.
• Diesel: Self-service diesel is permitted in New Jersey. Many stations post separate “self-serve diesel” islands or allow customers to pump diesel at standard lanes.
• Portable containers: Attendants, not customers, typically handle dispensing gasoline into approved portable containers to comply with safety rules.
• Motorcycles: Practices vary by station; attendants are still responsible under the law, though some allow riders to position the nozzle for safety while the attendant initiates dispensing.
• After-hours or pay-at-the-pump: Even when stores are closed or pumps are pay-at-the-pump, self-serve gasoline remains prohibited; stations either close gasoline pumps or staff them.

In short, if it’s gasoline, expect an attendant to operate the pump; if it’s diesel, many stations will allow you to pump it yourself.

Enforcement and penalties

Enforcement generally targets station owners or operators who allow self-service gasoline, with fines possible under state safety and consumer regulations. While individual drivers are rarely the focus of penalties, attendants are trained to intervene and take over dispensing if a customer attempts to pump gasoline. Stations are expected to post signage and maintain staffing to comply.

Why New Jersey keeps the rule

Supporters of the full-service requirement cite safety (reduced fire and spill risk), accessibility (assistance for elderly and disabled drivers), and consumer protection (preventing skimming or pump tampering). Critics argue modern pump technology and training make self-serve safe and that mandatory full service can raise operating costs and cause lines during peak times or staffing shortages.

How New Jersey compares nationally

New Jersey is now the only state with a statewide prohibition on self-serve gasoline. Oregon, which long had a similar ban, repealed it in 2023 and now allows self-serve statewide with certain staffing requirements and consumer options. Across the rest of the country, self-service gasoline is standard.

Recent efforts to change the law

Lawmakers in Trenton have repeatedly introduced bills to allow some form of self-serve gasoline, often paired with a requirement that stations keep at least one full-service lane for accessibility. None have secured final passage. As of 2025, no law enabling self-serve gasoline has been enacted, and the full-service mandate remains in effect.

Practical tips for drivers in New Jersey

If you’re new to fueling in New Jersey, these quick pointers help you avoid confusion and keep things moving smoothly at the pump.

• Wait for the attendant and confirm the grade and amount you want (regular, mid-grade, premium; fill or dollar amount).
• Have payment ready; many stations accept both cards and cash at the island via the attendant.
• If you drive a diesel vehicle, check signage—many stations allow you to self-serve diesel; if unsure, ask the attendant.
• For portable fuel containers, bring an approved container and let the attendant handle the dispensing.
• Be patient during peak hours; lines can be longer because only attendants may pump gasoline.

Following these steps typically speeds up service and ensures compliance with New Jersey’s unique fueling rules.

Bottom line

It is illegal for motorists to pump their own gasoline in New Jersey; attendants must do it. Diesel is the exception and may be self-served. Despite periodic legislative proposals, the full-service requirement remains the law as of 2025.

Summary

New Jersey continues to ban self-serve gasoline, requiring attendants to pump for drivers under a longstanding state law. Diesel self-service is allowed. Enforcement focuses on station compliance, and recent efforts to legalize self-serve gasoline have not passed. If you’re driving in New Jersey, expect full service for gasoline and check signage for diesel.

Can you pump your own gas in Jersey?

No, you cannot pump your own gas in New Jersey; it is the only state where it is illegal for drivers to pump their own gas, a ban that has been in place since the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act of 1949. Instead, licensed attendants are required to pump gas at all stations. 
Why is self-service gas illegal in New Jersey?
The ban on self-service gas has historical roots in the 1949 Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act. Over the years, the state legislature has issued several findings for the prohibition, including: 

• Concerns about fire hazards
• Potential increases in insurance rates
• The health risks of exposure to gasoline fumes
• The desire to create and preserve jobs for gas station attendants

What are the arguments for and against the ban?

• Arguments for the ban Opens in new taboften center on safety, job creation, and convenience, with proponents highlighting that it’s nice to stay in the car, especially during bad weather. 
• Arguments against the ban Opens in new tabview it as an outdated and unnecessary restriction that is annoying to many drivers. Proponents of allowing self-service gas argue that the ban is archaic and does not result in lower gas prices. 

What is the current status of self-service gas in New Jersey?
While several attempts have been made over the years to repeal the ban and allow self-service, they have all failed. A recent bill to permit self-service has stalled in the legislature, though some residents continue to express opposition to the law.

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.

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. 

Is it illegal to put gas in your car in New Jersey?

Yes, it remains illegal for drivers to pump their own gas in New Jersey, making it the only state with this ban. The ban has been in place since 1949 and applies to gasoline, though drivers can pump their own diesel fuel. The law is supported by arguments for safety and for preserving jobs for gas station attendants. 
Why is it illegal?

• Jobs: The primary reason for the ban is to protect jobs for gas station attendants. 
• Safety: Another argument for the ban is to prevent accidents that could occur if drivers pump their own gas. 
• Convenience: Many New Jersey residents enjoy the convenience of having an attendant fill their tank, especially in bad weather. 

What about other states?

• New Jersey is the only state in the US where it is illegal to pump your own gas. 
• Oregon was once the only other state with a similar ban, but it has since relaxed some restrictions.