Why New Jersey Doesn’t Let You Pump Your Own Gas

Because of a 1949 state law known as the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act, New Jersey requires attendants—not customers—to pump gasoline; the rule is framed around fire safety and accessibility, has endured for decades, and leaves New Jersey as the only state with a statewide ban on self-serve gasoline after Oregon ended its ban in 2023. Diesel fuel is the main exception: motorists in New Jersey may typically pump their own diesel.

How the Ban Came About

New Jersey’s prohibition dates to the postwar era, when lawmakers worried that do-it-yourself fueling could spark fires, expose customers to fumes, and leave disabled and elderly drivers without assistance. While other states rolled back similar limits over the years, New Jersey retained its law and accompanying regulations.

• 1949: New Jersey enacts the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act, mandating that trained attendants handle gasoline dispensing.
• 1960s–1990s: Most states permit self-serve; New Jersey doubles down on full-service as part of a safety and consumer-protection identity.
• 2000s–2010s: Periodic proposals to allow self-serve fail amid safety, labor, and consumer-preference concerns.
• 2020–2022: Pandemic-era staffing and cost pressures renew legislative debate, but no law changes.
• 2023: Oregon legalizes self-serve statewide with attendant requirements, leaving New Jersey alone with a full ban on self-serve gasoline.

The throughline: while technology and practices evolved nationally, New Jersey’s policy stayed anchored to its original safety and service rationales.

What the Law Requires Today

State rules require that attendants operate gasoline pumps, monitor fueling, and handle shutoffs, while stations post “No Self-Service” signs. The framework is enforced by state and local fire-safety authorities, and violations can bring penalties for station owners. The restriction is specific to gasoline; diesel is generally exempt.

• Only attendants may dispense gasoline into vehicles and approved containers.
• Stations must ensure emergency shutoff access and maintain safe fueling procedures.
• Customers typically remain in the vehicle or step out while the attendant handles the nozzle.
• “No Self-Service” signage is required; enforcement is carried out by fire officials and regulators.
• Diesel fuel is generally exempt, so self-serve diesel is common at many stations.
• The rule applies to cars and motorcycles alike for gasoline; motorcyclists still rely on attendants.

In practice, this means full-service fueling at gasoline pumps across New Jersey, with the noted diesel exception and standard safety protocols at each station.

Why the Law Persists: Arguments For and Against

Supporters and opponents offer starkly different views on safety, cost, customer convenience, and jobs. These debates surface each time lawmakers consider changes.

Supporters say

Backers of the ban argue that full-service remains the safest, most equitable way to handle a hazardous product while guaranteeing assistance to anyone who needs it.

• Safety: Trained attendants reduce fire risk, spills, and misuse of equipment.
• Accessibility: Guarantees fueling help for elderly, disabled, or pregnant drivers without extra fees.
• Consistency: Uniform procedures and oversight at pumps promote compliance with safety codes.
• Employment: Preserves attendant jobs in a local, service-oriented sector.

These points, rooted in public safety and consumer protection, underpin the law’s longevity despite changes elsewhere.

Opponents say

Critics contend the ban is outdated, costly, and out of step with national norms, arguing that modern pumps and safety systems make self-serve safe and efficient.

• Modernization: Most of the U.S. uses self-serve safely with automatic shutoffs and vapor recovery.
• Choice and Speed: Allowing self-serve could reduce lines and wait times, especially at peak hours.
• Costs: Stations could lower labor costs; consumers might see savings or extended hours.
• Labor Flexibility: Operators say hiring pressures make all-pump full-service hard to sustain.

These arguments drive recurring bills that would introduce self-serve alongside required full-service options.

Attempts to Change the Rules

Multiple bills in recent legislative sessions have sought a middle ground—permitting self-serve while requiring some full-service availability and often proposing price-parity rules—but none have passed to the governor’s desk. Neighboring developments have increased pressure on Trenton, especially after Oregon’s 2023 pivot.

• Choice models: Proposals commonly let stations designate some pumps as self-serve while keeping others full-service, with specified hours for mandatory full-service coverage.
• Price safeguards: Drafts often ban charging more for full-service to prevent “penalty pricing” for those who need assistance.
• Operational rules: Suggested limits include staffing plans, signage, and minimum ratios of full-service pumps.
• Status quo: As of 2025, none of these measures has cleared both chambers; the statewide ban remains intact.
• National context: Oregon’s 2023 law allows self-serve statewide but requires stations to maintain attendant service and price parity—leaving New Jersey as the only state with a full gasoline self-serve ban.

The political calculus remains delicate: many residents like full-service, while operators and some consumers push for flexibility and choice.

Practical Tips for Drivers in New Jersey

Whether you’re a resident or visiting from out of state, knowing how the system works can save time and confusion at the pump.

1. Pull up to the pump and wait—an attendant will approach or signal you.
2. State your fuel grade and payment method; hand over a card or cash if requested.
3. If exiting the vehicle, step clear of the fueling area while the attendant pumps.
4. Motorcycles: dismount and let the attendant handle the nozzle for gasoline.
5. Diesel drivers: look for marked diesel pumps; self-serve is typically allowed.
6. Tipping is optional; practices vary by area and station.
7. Overnight hours: some stations have reduced staffing; be patient and follow posted instructions.

Following attendant instructions and posted signs keeps the process smooth and compliant with state rules.

FAQ

Here are quick answers to common questions about New Jersey’s fueling rules.

• Can I legally pump my own gasoline in New Jersey? No. Gasoline must be dispensed by an attendant under state law.
• What about diesel? Most stations allow self-serve diesel; the ban targets gasoline.
• Are there exceptions for emergencies? Stations, not customers, handle emergency procedures; attendants remain required for gasoline.
• Does this apply to motorcycles? Yes. Attendants pump gasoline for motorcycles as well.
• Is New Jersey the only state with this rule? Yes, after Oregon legalized self-serve statewide in 2023, New Jersey stands alone with a full gasoline self-serve ban.

If you’re unsure at a given station, look for posted instructions or ask the attendant—New Jersey’s system is designed around full-service by default.

The Bottom Line

New Jersey customers can’t pump their own gasoline because a decades-old safety law still requires attendants to do it. The state’s unique stance endures due to safety, accessibility, and employment concerns, even as proposals to add self-serve resurface regularly. For now, the rule remains: attendants handle gasoline; diesel is the main carve-out.

Summary

New Jersey prohibits self-serve gasoline under a 1949 safety law that mandates attendant fueling. Despite periodic reform efforts—and Oregon’s 2023 move to legalize self-serve—New Jersey remains the only state with a full ban on self-serve gasoline. The policy stresses safety and accessibility, keeps jobs in place, and allows self-serve primarily for diesel. Drivers should expect full-service at gasoline pumps statewide until lawmakers decide otherwise.

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. 

In what two states is it illegal to pump your own gas?

Currently, there are two states in the United States where you cannot pump your own gas: New Jersey and Oregon. In New Jersey, full-service gas stations are mandatory, while Oregon allows limited self-service options for certain vehicle types but generally maintains full-service stations.

What is the penalty for pumping your own gas in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the fine for illegally pumping gas is typically levied against the gas station, not the driver. For a first offense, a gas station can be fined between $50 and $250, and for each subsequent offense, the fine can be up to $500. 
Understanding the law

• Full-service mandate: New Jersey has a ban on self-service gas pumping, meaning an attendant is required to fuel the vehicle. 
• First offense: The penalty starts at a minimum of $50 and can go up to $250. 
• Subsequent offenses: Each violation after the first can result in a fine of up to $500. 

Key considerations

• Who is fined: The penalties are directed at the gas station owner for allowing a customer to pump their own gas. 
• Enforcement: The state does enforce these regulations, with fines in place for non-compliance. 
• Jobs and safety: The law has been supported by arguments for job creation (attendants) and safety reasons. 

Why can’t New Jersey pump their own gas?

New Jersey doesn’t allow self-serve gas for safety reasons under its 1949 Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act, but a combination of cultural preference, job creation, convenience during extreme weather, and potential benefits from lobbying by full-service station owners also contribute to the ban remaining in place. While attempts have been made to change the law, they’ve failed due to political opposition and public sentiment, as many New Jersey residents seem to prefer the convenience and local employment provided by full-service attendants.
 
Historical and Safety Reasons

• Fire Hazard Legislation: The primary reason for the ban is safety, rooted in the 1949 Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act, which aimed to prevent fire hazards associated with dispensing fuel. 
• Lobbying by Station Owners: The ban was supported by full-service gas station owners who lobbied for the law to prevent competition from self-service options, which they argued were dangerous. 

Cultural and Practical Reasons

• Convenience: Many New Jersey residents find it convenient to have an attendant pump their gas, especially in cold or hot weather, viewing it as a distinctive part of the state’s culture. 
• Job Creation: The full-service model creates thousands of jobs for people with limited education, providing employment opportunities within the state. 
• “A Jersey Thing”: The practice is seen by some as a unique cultural aspect of New Jersey, with bumper stickers even referencing “Jersey Girls Don’t Pump Gas”. 

Political and Public Opposition to Change

• Political Obstacles: Despite multiple attempts to introduce legislation allowing self-service, these bills have failed in the state legislature, often due to resistance from powerful figures like a former State Senate President. 
• Public Opinion: Polls have consistently shown significant opposition to lifting the ban among New Jersey residents, particularly women, with a 2022 Rutgers poll finding nearly three out of four residents opposed it. 
• Bipartisan Support for the Ban: The prohibition on self-service gas is a rare example of bipartisan consensus in New Jersey, with both Democratic and Republican politicians often expressing support for maintaining the status quo.