Oregon is one of two states in the U.S. that prohibits drivers from pumping their own gas. New Jersey is the other state with this law. Oregon passed a law in 1951 making it illegal for drivers to pump their own gas. This law has been in effect ever since.
Why Was the Law Passed?
There were a few reasons why Oregon passed the law banning self-service gas pumps in 1951:
- Safety – Proponents argued it was safer to have trained gas station attendants pumping gas rather than untrained drivers. This would prevent issues like drive-off gas thefts and reduce the risk of fires from improper fueling.
- Jobs – The law was also intended to create more jobs for gas station attendants and prevent self-service gas pumps from eliminating these jobs.
- Weather – Oregon’s rainy weather was another factor cited. Having attendants pump gas would allow drivers to stay dry inside their vehicles.
The law gained support from gas station owners and attendant unions who wanted to preserve jobs. Despite periodic challenges, the ban has survived to this day.
How Does the Gas Pumping Process Work?
Here is a typical overview of how the gas pumping process works in Oregon:
- The driver pulls up to the gas pump and parks their vehicle.
- An attendant comes over and asks what type of fuel is needed (regular, premium, diesel, etc).
- The driver can inform the attendant how much gas they want pumped in dollars (e.g. “fill up” or “$40 worth of regular”).
- The attendant inserts the nozzle into the vehicle’s gas tank and pumps the requested amount.
- The attendant may also offer other services like cleaning windows, checking oil levels, or adding air to tires.
- After fueling is complete, the driver pays the attendant directly.
- Tipping the gas station attendant is customary, though not required.
Drivers are prohibited from getting out of their vehicles except in emergencies. The entire fueling process is handled by the attendant.
Do Oregonians Like the Law?
Opinion surveys over the years have shown a majority of Oregonians support keeping the ban on self-serve gas pumps, though opposition remains:
- A 2019 survey found 56% favored keeping the ban, down from 61% in 2009.
- Supporters argue it maintains jobs and is safer.
- Critics argue it inhibits consumer choice and is an outdated law.
- Attempts to repeal the law have failed to gain traction.
While not universally loved, the law has persisted due to still enjoying majority support among Oregonians.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Oregon law does allow a few exceptions to the self-serve gas ban:
- Motorcycles are allowed to pump their own gas since they often have smaller tanks.
- Vehicles powered by diesel are allowed self-service at truck stops and card lock facilities.
- Drivers can also pump their own gas from 5pm-6am and at rural gas stations under certain conditions.
But for most standard passenger vehicles, drivers cannot pump their own gas anytime during normal daytime hours.
How Has the Law Impacted Gas Stations?
The full-service requirement has had some notable impacts on gas stations in Oregon over the years:
- Stations need more staff on hand to act as attendants.
- Customers may have longer wait times during busy periods.
- Liability insurance costs are higher due to attendants operating pumps.
- Profit margins are thinner due to the increased labor costs.
- Older pumps without modern upgrades are still common since it’s costly to replace them.
Despite the challenges, most Oregon stations have adapted their business models around providing full-service fueling.
How Do Prices Compare to Self-Serve States?
Requiring attendants does come with additional costs that impact gas prices. However, when comparing Oregon’s gas prices to national averages and neighboring states, the difference is fairly small:
| State | Current Avg. Gas Price |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $3.77 |
| Washington (self-serve) | $3.64 |
| California (self-serve) | $4.13 |
| U.S. National Average | $3.41 |
Gas prices are driven much more by oil prices and taxes rather than by self-serve requirements. Prices in Oregon are comparable or only slightly higher than neighboring states.
Have There Been Recent Efforts to Repeal?
Despite occasional complaints, there have not been any serious recent efforts to repeal Oregon’s full-service gas law:
- No repeal bills have been introduced in the Oregon legislature since 2013.
- Public opinion has remained steady in favor of keeping the law.
- Gas stations and attendants associations remain opposed to repeal.
- The law has proven resilient despite nationwide adoption of self-serve gas.
Barring an unexpected shift in public attitudes, Oregon’s ban on pumping your own gas appears likely to continue indefinitely.
Conclusion
While banning self-serve gas is extremely rare nationwide, the peculiarity has become a beloved tradition for many Oregonians. The law generates some controversy but has persisted due to its continued support among residents. Drivers enjoy the convenience while stations accept the additional costs. Barring an unexpected repeal, Oregonians will continue having their gas pumped for the foreseeable future.