Index
New Jersey Self-Serve Gas Ban
Summary
New Jersey is the last state in the U.S. where it is entirely illegal to pump your own gas at a retail gas station.
Rights & Rules
- 01.You MUST stay in your car and let a gas station attendant pump your gas.
- 02.The law applies to gasoline, not diesel. If you drive a diesel vehicle, you are legally allowed to pump your own fuel.
- 03.Motorcyclists are allowed to pump their own gas to prevent spills on hot engines, but the attendant must still hand them the nozzle and supervise.
- 04.This law was originally passed in 1949 under the guise of 'safety' to prevent fire hazards.
Penalties
- 01.A consumer who pumps their own gas is violating the law, but the penalty falls on the business. The gas station can be fined $50 to $250 for the first offense, and up to $500 for subsequent offenses.
Verified Citations
New Jersey Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act (N.J.S.A. 34:3A-6)
Source"It shall be unlawful for any owner, manager, operator or employee of a retail dealer to permit any purchaser or customer to dispense gasoline from a dispensing device..."