MileCheckWhich states pump your gas for you?
In New Jersey, an attendant pumps your gas. Oregon used to have a similar rule but changed it in 2023. You can now pump your own gas in much of Oregon, and some stations there must also keep attendant service.
Do you have to let an attendant pump your gas in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey's Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act does not let customers pump their own gas. A trained attendant has to do it.
The law is New Jersey Statutes 34:3A-4 through 34:3A-11. State rules say a station open to the public must have an attendant on duty whenever it is open, and only an attendant may put fuel in a tank.
When you stop for gas in New Jersey, wait for the attendant. Tell them the grade you want and how much.
The rule covers gasoline. New Jersey's regulations do not apply it to diesel.
Can you pump your own gas in Oregon now?
Yes. Oregon passed House Bill 2426 in 2023. Self-service is allowed, but the rules depend on the county.
In 20 rural counties, including Baker, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa, you can pump your own gas at any station at any time of day.
In 16 other counties, including Multnomah, where Portland is, a station may set aside up to half its pumps for self-service. The other half must still have attendants. A station there does not have to offer self-service at all.
Stations that offer self-service must follow these rules.
- Signs must show which pumps are self-service and which are attended.
- Self-service is allowed only during hours when an employee is available to pump gas.
- The price must be the same at self-service and attended pumps.
Motorcyclists may fuel their own motorcycles in every Oregon county. Drivers of diesel vehicles may fuel their own vehicles in every county.
Can you ask someone to pump your gas if you have a disability?
Yes. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, gas stations must give customers with disabilities equal access to fuel.
If you can't use a self-service pump because of a disability, you can ask for help. The U.S. Department of Justice says stations must provide it when needed, with one narrow exception for stations run remotely by a single employee.
Stations can't charge you more than the self-service price for that help. In Oregon, any station with an attendant or other employee on duty must help customers with disabilities refuel.
Where can you compare gas prices before crossing a state line?
Who pumps the gas doesn't tell you which state is cheaper. Check this week's prices by state on MileCheck's gas price table.
More: how to pump gas and when gas is cheapest during the year.