Introduction
If you’ve ever driven through Oregon, you may have noticed something peculiar: you are not allowed to pump your own gas. Yes, you read that correctly. In Oregon, you must wait for an attendant to come to your car and pump the gas for you. This law has been in place in Oregon since 1951, making it illegal for drivers to pump their gas at gas stations. It is one of only two states in the U.S that prohibits drivers from doing this (the other is New Jersey). In this article, we will explore the surprising reasons why this is the case in Oregon.
The Surprising Reason You Can’t Pump Your Own Gas in Oregon: A History Lesson
To understand the origin of Oregon’s gas pumping laws, we need to go back in history. In the 1940s, when self-service gas stations began to pop up across the U.S., Oregon, like many other states, was facing a shortage of gas station attendants as many had left for the war. As a result, gas station owners began to allow customers to pump their gas themselves to keep their businesses afloat.
However, in 1951, Oregon’s legislators passed a law that banned self-service gas stations in the state. The intention was to create jobs for attendants and reduce the risk of accidents caused by untrained customers fumbling with fuel pumps. At the time, many Oregonians were opposed to this law, but eventually, the practice of having attendants pump gas became an accepted part of life in the state.
The Safety Concerns Behind Oregon’s Strict Gas Pumping Laws
The main reason why Oregon has maintained this law is safety concerns. Opponents of self-service gas stations argue that self-pumping is a dangerous activity since gasoline is an explosive material that can cause accidents when mishandled. In contrast, supporters of self-serve fueling argue that it is safe and efficient and that customers should have the choice to pump gas themselves.
Oregon has strict regulations that aim to ensure that gas pumping is safe when performed by trained attendants. These regulations require attendants to hold special certification, which is regulated by the state’s fire marshal office. The certification includes training in proper fueling techniques, fire safety, and spill cleanup.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Having Attendants Pump Your Gas in Oregon
While the gas pumping laws in Oregon exist to promote safety and create jobs, there are pros and cons to having attendants pump your gas. One benefit is that you don’t have to get out of your car, especially during bad weather. The attendants also clean your windshield and offer to check your oil or tire pressure, which is very convenient. However, one big drawback is that the cost of maintaining a full-service gas station is higher than that of a self-service one, which can drive gas prices up.
Why Oregon is the Only State in the U.S Where You Can’t Pump Your Own Gas
It begs the question: why hasn’t anyone else followed Oregon’s lead? The answer is that most states do not have the same population density, which means that it is easier to hire attendants to pump gas. In addition, self-service gas stations have become so ubiquitous since the repeal of the national gas rationing program in 1954 that it is almost impossible to imagine life without them. Furthermore, the cost of regulations and extra overhead to maintain full-service stations make it impractical for gas station owners in most states.
An Insider’s Look at What Happens When You Break Oregon’s Gas Pumping Law
If you’re caught violating Oregon’s gas pumping laws, you could face a fine of up to $500. However, many people who are new to the state or passing through have accidentally pumped their gas without realizing it’s illegal, and they are usually let off the hook with a warning. In fact, gas stations have been known to put up signs warning out-of-state visitors that it is illegal to pump gas in Oregon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite the initial uproar against the gas pumping laws in Oregon, it has become an accepted part of daily life in the state. Safety concerns, convenience, and job creation are the main reasons why this law has been maintained for over seven decades. If you’re driving through Oregon, just sit back and enjoy the service of having an attendant pump your gas for you.