Which U.S. States Don’t Allow You to Pump Your Own Gas?

As of 2025, New Jersey is the only U.S. state that broadly prohibits drivers from pumping their own gasoline at retail stations. Oregon, which long shared that restriction, legalized self-serve statewide in 2023 while preserving staffed full-service options. Below is what that means in practice, the recent changes, and the key exceptions travelers should know.

Where self-serve is still banned

The following list identifies the state that continues to restrict self-service gasoline, along with notable details about the rule and what consumers can expect at the pump.

• New Jersey — Retail customers are not permitted to dispense their own gasoline under the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act (N.J.S.A. 34:3A-4). Attendants pump the fuel. An important caveat: the ban does not apply to diesel fuel, which motorists may pump themselves at many stations.

In short, if you’re buying gasoline in New Jersey, expect an attendant to handle the pump; if you’re buying diesel, self-serve is commonly allowed. No other state maintains a similar statewide prohibition on self-serve gasoline.

What changed in Oregon

Oregon ended its decades-long general ban on self-serve gasoline in 2023, shifting to a hybrid model that permits self-service while guaranteeing access to full-service attendants, especially in more populous counties.

Key points of Oregon’s 2023 law

The next list outlines how Oregon’s current rules work after House Bill 2426 was signed in 2023.

• Self-serve is legal statewide — Drivers may now pump their own gasoline across Oregon.
• Full-service must remain available — Stations that offer self-serve must also keep an attendant available to pump for customers who need or prefer assistance.
• 50/50 pump availability in larger counties — In counties with populations of 40,000 or more, no more than half of a station’s pumps may be designated self-serve; at least half must be available for full-service.
• No price difference — Stations may not charge a different price for self-serve versus full-service at the same location.

Taken together, Oregon’s law aims to balance convenience and accessibility, ensuring customers can choose self-serve while preserving staffed service—particularly important for people with disabilities or those who prefer assistance.

Exceptions and special cases to know

While New Jersey’s policy is the lone statewide gasoline self-serve ban, there are nuances and exceptions worth noting for drivers.

• Diesel in New Jersey — The self-serve prohibition targets gasoline; diesel fueling is generally exempt, and many diesel drivers pump their own in the state.
• Private or fleet fueling — New Jersey’s ban applies to retail sales. Private fleet depots and non-retail fueling operations can operate under different rules.
• Marinas and aviation — Boat and aircraft fueling are regulated separately and do not follow the retail gasoline rules for passenger vehicles.

If you’re unsure at a specific pump—especially for diesel—posted signs and station staff can clarify local practice.

Why these rules exist

State rules restricting self-serve date back to mid-20th-century concerns about fire safety, job preservation, and ensuring access for seniors and people with disabilities. Over time, improvements in pump technology, safety standards, and changing consumer preferences led most states to embrace self-serve, leaving New Jersey as the last holdout and Oregon as a hybrid model that now accommodates both approaches.

Practical tips for travelers

Here are simple steps to avoid confusion and keep your trip running smoothly when fueling in states with unique rules.

• In New Jersey — Stay in your vehicle or wait by the driver’s door, tell the attendant your fuel grade and payment method, and let them handle the nozzle for gasoline.
• For diesel in New Jersey — Look for signage; many stations permit self-serve diesel. Ask if unclear.
• In Oregon — You can self-serve statewide, but full-service is available if you prefer or need assistance; prices must be the same either way.
• General safety — Turn off the engine, follow posted instructions, and avoid open flames or smoking at the pump.

Following local practice and posted guidance will usually make the process straightforward, even where rules differ from what you’re used to.

Summary

Only New Jersey still prohibits drivers from pumping their own gasoline statewide; diesel is generally an exception there. Oregon ended its self-serve ban in 2023 and now allows self-service everywhere while ensuring full-service remains available, with additional requirements in larger counties. For most other states, self-serve remains the norm.