Introduction
First things first, let’s break down the law itself. All New Jersey gas stations must provide full-service gas, meaning that customers cannot legally pump their own gasoline. The penalty for violating this law is a fine, ranging from $50 for a first offense up to $500 for a third offense. The only exception is for those with disability plates or placards, who can self-serve.
Now, let’s dive into the reasons why this law was originally put in place.
Historical background
The first iteration of the full-service gas law dates back to 1949 and was introduced due to safety concerns related to gasoline handling. During this time, gas was sold at 70 to 90 octane, and gasoline quality varied greatly, causing some customers to accidentally ignite gasoline with a potential risk for explosion. This presented an opportunity for gas stations to hire attendants to manage the refueling and minimize the risks associated with self-serve. Additionally, the law was seen as a job creator, as stations could hire more attendants.
Legal background
Even though the initial rationale behind the law may have faded over time, the reasons to keep the ban on the books have persisted, in part due to lobbying from the gas station industry. One argument in favor of the law is that it preserves jobs for gas station attendants. New Jersey currently has more than 14,000 gas station attendants, while Oregon, the only other state to mandate full-service gas, has just over 1,000 attendants. New Jersey’s full-service gas stations generate an added value of around $2.4 billion annually and provide jobs, typically to low-income and minority workers, in an otherwise declining industry.
However, the law has faced opposition in recent years, and challengers have called for a repeal of the law to align the state with the industry standard. Advocates for change assert that self-service pumps could increase efficiency, decrease wait times, and lower the price at the pump per gallon.
Conclusion
The full-service gas law in NJ continues to remain unique among other states and has sparked debates between those that favor the law for its impact on employment and safety, and those that oppose it for its perceived inefficiencies and extra costs. The law’s future is still uncertain, but until it is changed or repealed, New Jerseyans will continue to rely on the services of gas station attendants to fill up their tanks.
