Stop in for a cup of coffee
New Jersey is now the only state in America where it’s illegal for drivers to pump their own gas.
New Jersey’s self-service ban, along with the state’s reputation for lower gas prices than its neighbors, is part of its culture. “Jersey Girls Don’t Pump Gas,” proclaims a popular bumper sticker.
The state’s ban on self-service dates back to 1949, and it seems unlikely to change anytime soon.
Back then, full-service gas stations, with attendants filling up drivers’ tanks, were the main way of putting gas in a vehicle. Gas stations used to make their money by offering a variety of services such as oil and battery checks, windshield wiping and vehicle repairs.