Would You Pump Your Own Gas In NJ? Take Patch's Survey

NEW JERSEY - New Jersey is considering changes to a law that prohibits drivers from pumping their own gas. But would you pump your own gas if given the option?

The new bill, 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.

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.

Would you pump your own gas in the state if given the option? Do you already pump your own gas in other states? Patch wants to know how you feel about this issue and how your habits might change if the changes were made.

11:20 a.m. update: Due to an overwhelming number of responses, the survey is now closed. If you wish to share your thoughts via email, contact this Patch reporter at nicole.rosenthal@patch.com; it will be kept confidential.

The bill is sponsored by Carol Murphy (D-7), Ned Thomson (R-30) and Annette Chaparro (D-33). It's co-sponsored by Robert Clifton (R-12). The bill was introduced last month.

Proponents of the bill cite staffing shortage easement and 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.

However, not all seem to be in favor of the option for New Jerseyans to pump their own gas.

"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," Nicholas Scutari, New Jersey State Senate president and Democratic representative of New Jersey's 22nd District, 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. Read more: NJ State Senate President Opposes Self-Serve Gas Bill

Here is a link to the survey.