New Jersey is the only US state where drivers cannot pump their own petrol
Filling up a car is a routine task for most American drivers, but in New Jersey, motorists are still prohibited from pumping their own petrol at retail filling stations.
Key points
- New Jersey requires attendants to pump petrol.
- Oregon allows self-service but retains some attendant requirements.
- Drivers can fill their own tanks in the other 48 states.
Filling up a car is a routine task for most American drivers, but in New Jersey, motorists are still prohibited from pumping their own petrol at retail filling stations.
The northeastern state is the last in the United States to require attendants to dispense petrol, maintaining a decades-old law that makes it an exception in a country where self-service stations are the norm.
A map published by The World in Maps highlights New Jersey's restriction and Oregon's different approach, which allows motorists to pump their own fuel while requiring certain stations to retain attendant service.
Why New Jersey bans self-service petrol
New Jersey introduced its Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act in 1949, citing concerns about fire hazards and the safe handling of petrol.
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Under the law, only trained attendants can operate fuel pumps at retail stations. Drivers must remain outside the refuelling process while an employee fills their vehicle.
Supporters of the rule argue that it provides convenience, protects attendant jobs and helps people who may struggle to operate pumps themselves.
Critics say the restriction increases staffing costs and can make refuelling slower, particularly during busy periods.
Oregon changed its rules in 2023
Oregon previously had similar restrictions but relaxed them in August 2023, allowing drivers to pump their own petrol statewide.
However, the law still requires many stations to offer attendant service, with requirements varying by location and station type.
At stations covered by the mixed-service rules, self-service and attendant-service petrol must be offered at the same price.
The change ended Oregon's longstanding general ban on self-service refuelling, leaving New Jersey as the only state with a statewide prohibition.
Could New Jersey change its law?
Proposals to introduce self-service petrol have repeatedly faced resistance in New Jersey, where many residents are accustomed to having attendants fill their tanks.
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Supporters of reform argue that giving motorists a choice could reduce operating costs and improve convenience. Opponents remain concerned about employment, safety and accessibility.
For now, New Jersey remains the country's only statewide full-service holdout, while Oregon has adopted a system that gives drivers more choice.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
