The discussion over whether drivers in New Jersey should have the option to pump their own gas has resurfaced at the Statehouse. Always a source of pride, the proposed self-service bill has garnered a lot of criticism.
State Senator Jon M. Bramnick, a Republican from Union and a candidate for governor, has reintroduced a proposal aimed at permitting self-service fueling at gas stations. Known as the Motorist Fueling Choice and Convenience Act, the bill would allow stations with at least four dispensers to offer both self-service and full-service options between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Currently, New Jersey is the only state in the country where self-serve gas remains illegal. A similar proposal in 2022 stalled in the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee. Under the new version of the bill, stations would still be required to have attendants available to assist customers with disabilities.
Additionally, the legislation would prevent local and county governments from enacting bans on self-serve gas.
The debate over whether to change the Garden State’s long-standing full-service requirement has been ongoing for years. The New Jersey Gasoline-Convenience-Automotive Association, a trade group representing the industry, has previously supported efforts to legalize self-service.
For the bill to take effect, it must pass both chambers of the state legislature and receive approval from Governor Phil Murphy. In 2018, Murphy expressed support for keeping the state’s full-service system, calling it an integral part of New Jersey’s identity.
Check out our article on why New Jerseyans don’t pump their own gas.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.