In a few places in the US, self-serve gas stations are still banned. Thus, gas filling station attendants are still employed in these areas. Hence, you can’t pump gas in Oregon.
But, why can’t you pump your own gas in Oregon?
Is it illegal to pump your own gas in Oregon?
Let’s uncover this riddle.
Does Every State In The US Have Self-Service Gas Filling Stations?
No, not every state in the US has self-service gas filling stations. In the two states – New Jersey and Oregon, there’s a ban on self-service pumps. There is also a ban on self-service or self-serve gas stations in the town of Huntington in New York.
Therefore, you may not even know how to pump your own gas if you live in Oregon, New Jersey, or the town of Huntington in New York.
Here, the customers will surely come across an attendant at the gasoline pumps. This is because it is (for the most part) illegal to do so.
A Brief Glance At The History Of Gas Stations In The U.S.
Certainly! Let’s take a journey back in time to understand why self-service gasoline pumps were banned in Oregon and how they came into existence in the first place.
In 1964, the concept of customers pumping their own gas was completely unheard of. Back then, it wasn’t just an unfamiliar idea in Oregon, but it was also illegal in most parts of the country according to state fire regulations. Gasoline dispensing was a far cry from the convenient and self-sufficient process we know today.
The earliest filling stations in the United States were quite different from what we see today. They were often situated in general stores, where gasoline was stored in buckets and then funneled into cars. These stations were rudimentary, with attendants manually operating hand-operated roadside pumps. Customers relied entirely on these attendants to fill their tanks.
However, in the 1970s, the United States faced two significant gas shortages, one in 1973 and another in 1979. These shortages caused fuel prices to skyrocket, leading to financial strains for both consumers and businesses alike. As a result, many full-service gas stations, where attendants assisted customers with fueling their vehicles, had to close down permanently. Customers, facing economic pressures, sought out lower prices, and the closure of these stations became inevitable.
During this period, the traditional full-service gas stations that required attendants to fill up tanks became a thing of the past. The oil crises of the 1970s played a crucial role in phasing out these stations, making way for the self-service model we are familiar with today.
However, the story doesn’t end there. Oregon took a different turn. The state implemented a ban on self-service gasoline pumps, making it mandatory for attendants to pump gas for customers. This unique regulation has persisted over the years, making Oregon stand out in a country where self-service is the norm.
Today, when you visit Oregon, you might find the experience of having someone else pump your gas somewhat nostalgic. It’s a reminder of a bygone era, a time when full-service gas stations and their attendants were the norm, all due to the significant challenges posed by the oil crises of the 1970s.
In the United States, the vast majority of drivers do not hesitate to self-serve the gas.
Can You Pump Your Own Gas In Oregon?
No, you can not pump your own gas in Oregon; at least in most counties of Oregon. Oregon, is, in fact, one of the few states that prohibit drivers from pumping their own gas, followed by New Jersey and Huntingtown.
Regardless of being prevalent for a long time, self-serve gas stations have become controversial in many counties and towns.
In these places, filling station attendants are still employed at gas stations.
State laws prohibiting the stations generally include wording like “no person other than service station owner or authorized employee shall use or operate any motor fuel dispensing equipment at any service station.”
Let’s go through a detailed list of reasons that led to the ban on self-service gas stations in Oregon and still hold the same law in place:
Why Is It Illegal To Pump Your Own Gas In Oregon?
Certainly, here’s a user-friendly and conversational explanation of why pumping your own gas is illegal in Oregon:
Have you ever wondered why you can’t pump your own gas in Oregon? Well, there are several reasons behind this unique regulation:
- Fire Safety: First and foremost, there’s a concern about the risk of fires at gas stations. Gasoline is highly flammable, and if handled improperly, it can lead to accidents and fires. Having trained attendants who know how to handle fuel can help minimize these risks.
- Lack of Expertise: Not everyone is an expert when it comes to fueling up their vehicle. Gas station attendants are trained to handle gas safely and efficiently. Allowing everyone to pump their own gas might lead to spills and mishaps, increasing the chances of accidents.
- Awareness: Some people may not be fully aware of the risks and proper procedures for fueling up. Attendants can ensure that safety protocols are followed, making the process safer for everyone.
- Traffic Congestion: If everyone was pumping their own gas, it could lead to longer lines at gas stations. This would result in traffic jams, especially during peak hours. Gas attendants help keep things moving smoothly.
- Protecting from Toxic Fumes: Gasoline fumes are not only flammable but also toxic. Having attendants handle the fuel means you don’t have to be exposed to these harmful fumes while fueling up.
- Job Protection: Allowing self-service gas stations might put the jobs of gas attendants at risk. By mandating full-service stations, the state of Oregon helps protect these employment opportunities.
So, in Oregon, it’s not about inconvenience but rather about safety, protecting jobs, and ensuring that everyone can have a smooth and risk-free experience when filling up their tanks.
Reason 1: Protection From Toxic Fumes
Poisonous fumes from gas tanks can be unsafe for consumers. Furthermore, small children left alone at a self-serve gas station can be vulnerable to a dangerous environment.
This is one of the major reasons why the State holds it illegal to pump your own gas in Oregon.
Reason 2: Risk Of Fire
The most common criticism of self-service stations is that they pose a fire risk and explosion.
Customers were likelier than attendants to smoke while pumping gas and spilling gasoline. This could lead to catastrophic fire and therefore casualties.
Reason 3: Lack Of Expertise
It was also claimed that the drivers are untrained to notice required repairs and flaws in the motor or other working parts. And thus, if a trained attendant does not inspect their vehicles, it will lead to a hazard.
Moreover, some citizens or travelers may be lacking expertise in filling their own gas. This could pose numerous risks, therefore, the law.
Reason 4: Lack Of Awareness
Claims have been made that the driver, particularly if elderly (or if the weather is poor), might refuse to wipe the windshield. Thus, they may fail to preserve their own driving eyesight.
However, when there is a gas station attendant filling the gas, they could do the occasional wipe and cleaning.
Reason 5: Traffic Accumulation and Property Depreciation
It is stated that excessive traffic congestion at the stations may arise if self-service was allowed. This may make accidents more likely.
Also, according to reports, fewer attendants will result in a deterioration in station cleanliness and, as a result, property depreciation.
Reason 6: Inadequate Job Opportunities
The idea that several existing stations will go out of business and a number of filling station staff or gas attendants will lose their jobs is implicit in anti-self-service station arguments but only seldom articulated.
Read More: Why Doesn’t Utah Have A Jack In The Box?
Let’s understand how the State came up with the reasons above in order to impose a ban on self-service gas stations.
Below is a sketch of Oregon’s history of gas pumps in a chronological event.
The History Behind Oregon’s Ban on Self-Service Gas Pumps
In 1951, Oregon became the first state to outlaw self-service due to concerns about people handling volatile chemicals.
Many states had similar laws at the time for the same reason. Over and above that, gas station pumps had fewer safety features.
In the 1970s, self-service became popular. It was driven by fuel shortages, reducing wait times, and lowering costs. These benefits made self-serve gas stations seem more appealing.
However, Oregon’s statute remained in place.
Partial Reversals In The Oregon Laws
Nonetheless, in 2015, the state made exclusions for specific locations. These include distant rural areas and tribal territories, in this fashion.
Thus, Oregonians have been able to pump their own gas in rural areas of the state since 2015.
The Current Law In Oregon
Since 2018, Oregon residents living in rural counties with populations under 40,000 are allowed to pump their own gas. This development was met with criticism and skepticism by many Oregonians.
Why Did Oregonians Oppose The Change in Law?
Certainly, let’s rephrase this in a friendly and conversational manner:
So, here’s the scoop: there was this bill in Oregon, and it created quite a stir. This bill aimed to allow self-service gas pumping in counties with populations of 40,000 or less, but it ended up ruffling some feathers.
Even though this change wouldn’t affect a huge number of folks, Oregonians took to social media to express their frustrations. What got them all worked up? Well, it was the idea of pumping their own gas. Many were genuinely worried about handling it themselves, thinking it might not be safe. They believed that only trained gas station attendants should be allowed to do it.
Some folks even admitted that they had no idea how to pump gas or were concerned about doing it incorrectly. And let’s not forget the elderly residents who had always relied on full-service stations – they were worried too.
And then came the reactions from people living in the rest of the counties. They responded with a mix of serious and not-so-serious comments. It all went viral over the weekend. Some replies claimed to be jokes, but many didn’t catch the humor. Instead, they criticized Oregonians for not wanting to or not knowing how to pump their own gas. It seems like this debate sparked quite the online discussion in the state!
A Failed Attempt To Lift The Ban On Self-Service Pumps In Oregon
House Bill 3194, introduced in 2019, attempted to broaden the law. It allowed any gas station in the Oregon state to designate up to a quarter of its fuel pumps for customers who want to fill their tanks on their own.
However, the bill failed to pass the House of Representatives.
Letting People Pump Their Own Gas At The Onset Of The Pandemic
A year later, in response to the COVID pandemic in 2020, the Oregon state enabled self-service for two weeks statewide as the country dealt with the epidemic’s onset.
Oregon let people pump their own gas during the early months of the COVID-19 outbreak. The law relaxed its control on the pump once more.
According to the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, the amended rule was intended to allow social distancing.
It also aimed to reduce exposure for gas attendants during COVID.
The Temporary Lift of Ban In 2021
During the summer of 2021, the state permitted people to temporarily refill their own tanks.
In Portland, the temperature had risen to around 112 degrees.
Due to the unusually high temperatures, Oregon made a two-day temporary adjustment to its restrictions, prohibiting consumers from pumping their own gas.
Then, as decided, every self-serve gas station site was banned. Yet again.
What Did The Oregonians Feel?
Time and again, during these amendments, many Oregonians had to find out how to pump their own gas when the ban was removed, possibly for the first time in their lives.
Furthermore, they had to leave the comfort of their air-conditioned vehicles to fill up their tanks.
On the plus side, this modification prevented gas station employees from potentially standing for hours on black asphalt in the hot heat, although for a short period.
Were the Oregonians delighted with this change? What was their reaction?
Many Oregonians said they don’t want full-service gas stations to go away.
There were various reasons for this: accessibility for individuals with disabilities or elderly Oregonians not wanting to get out of their car in the rain.
Where Can You Pump Your Own Gas In Oregon? Where Are Self-Serve Stations Available In Oregon?
Residents in Oregon can now pump their own gas at stand-alone gas stations in counties with fewer than 40,000 population. Clatsop, Tillamook, and Curry County are some places where you can pump your own gas in Oregon between 6 PM and 6 AM.
What Counties In Oregon Can You Pump Your Own Gas 24×7?
Counties like Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Jefferson, Gilliam, Morrow, Wheeler, Union, Wallowa, Grant, Baker, Crook, Lake, Harney, and Malheur allow self-serving gas 24×7.
What Counties In Oregon Have A Ban On Self-Service?
Umatilla, Columbia, Washington, Yamhill, Polk, Lincoln, Multnomah, Clackamas, Marion, Linn, Benton, Lane, Deschutes, Coos, Douglas, Klamath, Jackson, and Josephine have permanently banned self-serve. You can’t pump your own gas in these counties of Oregon.
This is because of the new law that took effect on January 1, 2018. The current law allows drivers to pump their own gas in a few counties.
So, is it legal to pump your own gas in Oregon?
Yes, it is legal to pump your own gas in Oregon, but only in selective areas. If you’re in a city like Portland, Salem, Eugene, or Medford, you’ll still need a gas station attendant to pump your gas – pumping your own gas in these counties is still considered illegal.
What Happens If You Pump Your Own Gas In Oregon?
Certainly, let’s break down the rules regarding gas stations and penalties in Oregon, as well as the provisions for people with disabilities:
- Penalties for Gas Stations: If a gas station allows customers to pump gas through a complaint-based system, the State Fire Marshal can impose fines of up to $500. These fines collected are then channeled into the general fund of the Oregon State Fire Marshal. This system is in place to ensure the safe and proper handling of gasoline.
- Equitable Access for People with Disabilities: Gas stations in Oregon are also subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state laws. This means they must provide fair and equal access to fuel for individuals with disabilities.
- Refueling Assistance: Specifically, for customers with disabilities, gas stations that offer self-service must also provide assistance. If you have a disability and need help refueling, the station is obligated to assist you.
- Signage for Assistance: In cases where an attendant is not readily available at the pumps or can’t easily determine if someone with a disability requires assistance, the gas station must put up a clear sign. This sign should provide instructions for individuals with disabilities on how to alert an attendant for refueling assistance. It’s all about ensuring that everyone can access fuel safely and conveniently.
So, whether you’re a gas station owner or a customer with a disability, there are specific rules in place to guarantee that everyone can refuel their vehicles safely and without barriers in Oregon.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Pump Gas In Oregon?
It depends on the self-serve gas stations themselves. Some self-service gas stations have warning signs that say, “persons under the age of 16 should not be permitted to operate this fuel dispensing equipment.” There is, however, no law prohibiting kids under the age of 16 from pumping gas.
Thus, signs like the one above are almost certainly intended to safeguard young children from harm while also shielding stations from liability.
Does That Mean Oregon Will Never Completely Lift The Self-Service Gas Filling Prohibition?
Certainly, let’s discuss the ongoing debate about self-service gasoline pumps in Oregon and the potential changes in a more reader-friendly tone:
In Oregon, the question of whether you should be able to pump your own gas has been a long-standing topic of debate. The verdict? Well, it’s leaning toward keeping attendants at the pumps for the foreseeable future.
You see, Oregon is one of only two states that have held onto this rule, the other being New Jersey. That means when you pull up to a gas station in these states, you’ll always find an attendant ready to assist you.
Why is this the case? It all boils down to safety. Lawmakers in both Oregon and New Jersey are quite concerned about the well-being of their residents when it comes to handling gasoline.
But, things took an interesting turn earlier this year, amidst a global pandemic and a statewide labor crisis. State lawmakers proposed a new bill that could have changed the game. This bill aimed to lift the ban on self-service at petrol stations in Oregon.
The idea was to provide flexibility. With a shortage of workers in gas stations, the bill aimed to make life easier for these businesses and their attendants who were often rushing to serve waiting customers. It would have also saved drivers time spent waiting in line at the pump.
Under this bill, gas stations could have given drivers the choice between self-service or having an attendant pump the gas for them. If a gas station owner chose not to have an attendant available, a fee might have been imposed.
But here’s the catch: whether you decided to go the DIY route or rely on the helpful attendant, the cost of gasoline would have remained the same. It was all about convenience, providing options, and helping out the gas stations during tough times.
However, as of now, the debate continues, and Oregon remains one of the few places where you can’t pump your own gas. So, the friendly attendant at your service might just be a part of your Oregon gas station experience for a while longer.
The Latest Development
Absolutely, let’s discuss the roadblock that’s making it challenging to change the law regarding self-service fuel at gas stations in Oregon in a more conversational tone:
You see, there’s been a bit of a hitch in the plan to allow self-service at gas stations in Oregon, and it’s proving to be quite a tough one to overcome.
The thing is, many Oregonians have been grumbling about the long waiting times at the state’s full-service-only gas islands for quite some time. The pandemic made it even worse, as it became even harder for gas stations, like many other businesses in Oregon, to find enough staff to keep things running smoothly.
To add another layer to the situation, the Oregon Fire Marshal’s department stated that they needed a substantial sum of $543,376 for their budget from 2021 to 2023 to regulate consumer self-pumping of gas. This budget requirement ended up causing a delay in a significant bill, House Bill 4151. This bill was all about authorizing self-service dispensing of certain flammable substances at retail gas stations.
So, the obstacle wasn’t just about local disagreements; it also had a financial aspect. With a budget deficit to tackle and the ongoing concerns about wait times and staff shortages, the path to changing the self-service law in Oregon got a bit more complicated. But as they say, sometimes even the best-laid plans can run into a few speed bumps along the way.
So, Oregon’s exceptionalism could not be bet against. Yet again. We suppose so.
The Bottomline
- Self-service gas stations have been a topic of disagreement among the people of Oregon and New Jersey.
- The government has proposed a transition from full-service fuel stations to self-service fuel stations every now and then for brief durations.
- Oregonians were allowed to pump their own gas temporarily in 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2021. Now, there’s at least one attendant at all the fuel pumps.
- The permission to access pumps on your own was not allowed to a few rural and tribal areas in Oregon in 2015. However, the COVID pandemic and a severe heat wave forced the government to allow self-service in 2019 and 2021, temporarily.
- These amendments have constantly met with differences of opinion, including the current law, with most residents not wanting to pump their own fuel.
- As per the current law, Oregon’s residents are permitted to pump their own fuel only in counties with a population up to 40,000 each.
- However, in 2022, a bill was proposed to allow gas stations to provide drivers with the option of self-serve or having a station operator pump their own gas.
- Julie Fahey proposed a bill for bringing a “modest change” trying to strike a balance instead of enforcing a “dramatic shift.”
- But, as stated by Oregon Fire Marshal, a fiscal deficit in the budget to regulate self-service prevented the implementation of this bill.
- Thus, Oregon is still one of the two states where pumping your own gas is still illegal.