Oregon Changes Law to Allow Drivers to Pump Their Own Gas

For years, Oregon and New Jersey were the only two states in the US that required motorists to have an attendant pump gas for them. However, Oregon is now changing its law to allow drivers to pump their own gas. The bill also requires stations to offer full service on at least half of their fuel pumps and prevents them from charging more for full service.

The new law has sparked mixed reactions from Oregonians. Some are happy to have the choice to pump their own gas, while others are concerned about the loss of jobs for attendants. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the change in law and what it means for drivers in Oregon.

Why Did Oregon Change the Law?

The change in law was prompted by a shortage of gas attendants in the state. Many gas stations were struggling to find employees willing to work in all weather conditions and at all hours of the day. This led to long wait times for customers and even some stations closing temporarily due to a lack of staff.

In addition, many Oregonians were frustrated with the requirement to have an attendant pump their gas. Some felt it was an unnecessary inconvenience, while others were concerned about the safety of having a stranger handle their vehicle.

The new law aims to address these issues by allowing drivers to pump their own gas if they choose to do so. However, it also ensures that full service is still available for those who prefer it.

What Does the New Law Mean for Drivers?

For drivers in Oregon, the new law means they now have the option to pump their own gas. This may be a welcome change for some who prefer to handle their own vehicle and avoid the wait times associated with full service.

However, it is important to note that not all gas stations will offer self-service. The law requires stations to offer full service on at least half of their fuel pumps, which means some stations may still require attendants to pump gas for customers.

In addition, some drivers may still prefer full service for various reasons. For example, those with mobility issues may find it difficult to pump their own gas, while others may simply prefer the convenience of having someone else do it for them.

Overall, the new law provides more choice for drivers in Oregon. They can now choose between self-service and full service depending on their preferences and needs.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Self-Service?

The change in law has sparked a debate about the pros and cons of self-service. Here are some of the arguments for and against:

Pros:

– Convenience: Self-service allows drivers to refuel their vehicles quickly and easily without having to wait for an attendant.

– Cost savings: Self-service is often cheaper than full service, as stations can pass on the cost savings of not having attendants to customers.

– Control: Some drivers prefer to handle their own vehicle and feel more in control when pumping their own gas.

Cons:

– Safety concerns: Some people are concerned about the safety risks associated with self-service, such as the risk of fire or explosion.

– Job loss: The change in law may lead to job losses for gas attendants, who may struggle to find work in other industries.

– Inconvenience: Some drivers may find self-service inconvenient, particularly if they have mobility issues or are uncomfortable handling gas pumps.

Overall, the pros and cons of self-service depend on individual preferences and circumstances. For some, it may be a welcome change, while for others, it may be an inconvenience or safety concern.

Conclusion

Oregon’s change in law to allow drivers to pump their own gas has sparked mixed reactions from residents. While some are happy to have the choice, others are concerned about the loss of jobs for gas attendants. The new law requires stations to offer full service on at least half of their fuel pumps and prevents them from charging more for full service.

For drivers, the change in law means they now have the option to pump their own gas if they choose to do so. However, not all stations will offer self-service, and some drivers may still prefer full service for various reasons. Ultimately, the pros and cons of self-service depend on individual preferences and circumstances.