Most NJ Drivers Against Pumping Their Own Gas: Patch Survey

NEW JERSEY - Despite a recent push by lawmakers to allow self-service refueling at New Jersey gas stations, many Garden State residents will continue to opt for full service.

A new bill introduced last month, dubbed the Motorist Fueling Choice and Convenience Act, would give gas stations the option of offering self-serve pumps while still requiring stations with more than four dispensers to continue to offer full-service gas pumps.

Supporters of the bill argue that allowing a self-serve option would cut the cost of gas in the state. The New Jersey Gasoline-Convenience-Automotive Association estimated that stations could reduce prices by 15 cents per gallon if they're allowed to offer self-service.

Gov. Phil Murphy also said adding the self-serve option could help ease the pressure on gas station employees, since there are staffing shortages statewide. The labor shortage could result in customers waiting a long time for gas if there are not enough attendants.

"That's what this bill is about, making sure that gas station attendants aren't working so much that they quit," said the bill's sponsor, Assemblywoman Carol Murphy (D-7). The bill is also sponsored by Ned Thomson (R-30) and Annette Chaparro (D-33). It's co-sponsored by Robert Clifton (R-12). Read more: NJ Self-Serve Gas Bill Is About Choice, Assemblymember Says

But according to an online survey Patch conducted with its readers, 71.6 percent (over 3,700 respondents) said that the bill, if passed, would have little to no effect on the increasing gas prices in the state. Another 14.6 percent said it would likely lower gas prices, and 5.2 percent said it would likely increase gas prices. 8.6 percent of respondents said they weren’t sure.

Those in favor of keeping the self-service ban cited multiple other reasons including accessibility for those with limited mobility, price increase and general safety.

"Gas prices [could be] raised for people who choose to use the full-service option and not to pump their own gas, in the same way that prices are higher for those who use credit cards," one reader wrote. "This puts more of a financial burden on seniors (like me) who are less likely (or unable) to pump their own gas."

"Where it poses the greatest issue is with the handicapped," another reader wrote. "After that [it] would be ... elderly women, elderly men and young women."

Others noted concerns related to gas smells, weather issues and overall inconvenience.

"I'm not into getting out of my car in goodness knows what kind of weather and getting back into my car smelling like a gas pump," one reader wrote. " I'm certainly not doing it when I'm dressed for dinner or a party."

The bill would not completely abolish full-service stations in New Jersey. It would instead allow stations to offer full-serve or self-serve options or a combination of the two. Stations with more than four pumps would be required to have a full-service option between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Officials supporting the bill also cite residential choice as reasons to permit self-service fueling options in the state. The New Jersey Gasoline, C-Store, and Automotive Association (NJGCA) also released a statement in support of the bill.

But the choice in question may already be a no-brainer, according to Patch readers.

Per Patch's survey, if New Jersey were to allow drivers to pump their own gas, 62.4 percent of respondents said they would never opt to refuel themselves. Another 3.5 percent said they weren’t sure. When asked if respondents would prefer both options if self-serve is approved, 11.5 percent of participants said that they would only want a self-service option at New Jersey gas stations, with another 4.7 percent saying they weren’t sure.

Some Patch readers noted that the convenience of full-service refueling:

"I never have a problem with current system," one reader said. "It’s super convenient, easy and there is absolutely no desire to pump my own. It’s actually ridiculous they think people prefer to do it."

Some noted the small pleasure of a small interaction with an attendant, or concern for their jobs:

"Gas station attendants are low-skilled workers who provide a service to drivers and enhance security and fire safety," one reader wrote. "In a small but important way, I have enjoyed the brief human interaction- all too rare these days- the 'please' and 'thank you' that often came with a windshield cleaning, for example."

"I think New Jersey should keep gas attendants and keep them pumping gas. Why do we want to lose more jobs," another wrote.

Yet, others advocated for more options at the pump, favoring independence from attendants:

"I am definitely in favor of pumping my own gas," one reader wrote. "As drivers, we are at the mercy of the attendants. At times, they are not attentive such as being on the phone and I leave the station without getting gas."

Others simply replied with the simple (yet infamous) phrase: Jersey girls don't pump gas.

Patch readers were also asked if they pump their own gas while traveling out of state. 65.8 percent said yes, while 34.2 percent said that they always let an attendant refuel for them, even when permitted to self-service.

"I am not in favor of self-service gas in NJ," one reader wrote. "Yes, I travel and pump my own when in other states. What I see there, I don't like, but tolerate it because I am only away for a week at most."

Current state law says it is in the public interest for station attendants to pump gas, to reduce fire hazards. Anyone who violates state law can be fined $50-250 for a first offense, and no more than $500 for further violations. This law has been in effect since 1949.

Nicholas Scutari, state Senate president and Democratic representative of New Jersey's 22nd District, recently spoke out against the bill — a stance that could halt the bill from becoming law.

"The people of New Jersey are very clear in wanting to keep the system we have now, and there is no data supporting any contention that moving to a self-service model would save residents money at the pump," Scutari told NJ Monitor.

"However, if the public sentiment changes or there is in fact data showing that it would dramatically reduce costs, I would reconsider," Scutari said.

About the survey

Patch opened the survey to readers on March 24 and asked New Jersey residents a number of specific questions about gas pumping habits and insights. Patch received answers from 5,220 respondents.

The survey is not scientific, but gives a general gauge of how New Jersey Patch readers feel about the ability to pump their own gas in the state if permitted.