Warning: This common gas station habit could cost you $500—are you at risk?
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If you think pumping your own gas is just part of everyday driving, think again—at least in one US state.
There, grabbing the nozzle yourself could land you a fine of up to $500.
At The GrayVine, we’re here to keep you informed—and help you steer clear of costly mistakes.
New Jersey has officially become the last state in the country where it's illegal to pump your own gas.
While Oregon recently lifted its long-standing ban, allowing half of its pumps to go self-service, New Jersey isn’t budging.
Gas station owners in the Garden State face fines starting at $250—and rising to $500—for letting customers pump fuel themselves.
Back in the day, full-service gas stations were the standard across the country.
Attendants would fill your tank, check your oil, and maybe even clean your windshield—all as part of the experience.
But as self-service technology emerged, station owners saw a threat to their business.
They fought back, arguing that untrained drivers could cause fires or overfill tanks, and they gained support from fire marshals.
By 1968, 23 states had laws banning self-service fueling.
Things began to change in the 1970s and 1980s, most states had embraced the self-service model to cut labor costs and boost sales.
In fact, nearly 80% of US gas stations became self-serve by 1992.
Yet New Jersey has remained an exception, clinging to its full-service-only rule even as the rest of the country moved on.
These days, New Jersey gas stations are struggling to find enough attendants to keep up with demand.
But despite staffing issues, most locals want things to stay the same.
A Monmouth University poll found that 60% of residents oppose switching to self-service.
For many, it’s a uniquely New Jersey experience—and they’re not ready to give it up.
If you’re just visiting New Jersey, be aware: pumping your own gas is still against the law.
And with fines reaching $500, it’s an expensive mistake you definitely want to avoid.
Even if New Jersey insists on doing it for you, knowing how to pump gas safely is still a valuable skill.
Do you prefer the hands-off approach, or do you miss the freedom to pump your own? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and share your gas station stories with the GrayVine community!
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There, grabbing the nozzle yourself could land you a fine of up to $500.
At The GrayVine, we’re here to keep you informed—and help you steer clear of costly mistakes.
New Jersey has officially become the last state in the country where it's illegal to pump your own gas.
While Oregon recently lifted its long-standing ban, allowing half of its pumps to go self-service, New Jersey isn’t budging.
Gas station owners in the Garden State face fines starting at $250—and rising to $500—for letting customers pump fuel themselves.
New Jersey is now the last state where it is illegal for drivers to pump their own gas. Image source: Sippakorn Yamkasikorn / Unsplash
Back in the day, full-service gas stations were the standard across the country.
Attendants would fill your tank, check your oil, and maybe even clean your windshield—all as part of the experience.
But as self-service technology emerged, station owners saw a threat to their business.
They fought back, arguing that untrained drivers could cause fires or overfill tanks, and they gained support from fire marshals.
By 1968, 23 states had laws banning self-service fueling.
Things began to change in the 1970s and 1980s, most states had embraced the self-service model to cut labor costs and boost sales.
In fact, nearly 80% of US gas stations became self-serve by 1992.
Yet New Jersey has remained an exception, clinging to its full-service-only rule even as the rest of the country moved on.
These days, New Jersey gas stations are struggling to find enough attendants to keep up with demand.
But despite staffing issues, most locals want things to stay the same.
A Monmouth University poll found that 60% of residents oppose switching to self-service.
For many, it’s a uniquely New Jersey experience—and they’re not ready to give it up.
If you’re just visiting New Jersey, be aware: pumping your own gas is still against the law.
And with fines reaching $500, it’s an expensive mistake you definitely want to avoid.
Even if New Jersey insists on doing it for you, knowing how to pump gas safely is still a valuable skill.
Read more:
