Self-Serve Gas Pumps In NJ Proposed Under New Bill

TRENTON, NJ — New legislation could allow motorists to pump their own gas at stations in New Jersey, the only U.S. state that currently does not allow it.

The 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. The move would give New Jersey motorists the option to pump their own gas if they wish.

The bill is sponsored by Assembly members Carol Murphy, Ned Thomson and Annette Chaparro. It's co-sponsored by Robert Clifton.

"Simply put, this bill will provide choice, convenience, and cost-savings to New Jersey drivers," Murphy said in a statement. "By providing a hybrid model, we can give consumers the option to do what they prefer when it comes to filling their gas tanks, while also giving them the opportunity to save money."

By moving to a hybrid model, the price of gas in New Jersey is expected to drop by at least 15 cents per gallon, according to the bill's sponsors. It's also expected to provide a solution to staffing issues at some gas stations.

""It is shameful that so many gas stations have had to close even during daytime hours, because they do not have enough staff to keep their stations open," Chaparro said in a statement. "It's time to save our small business community and get rid of the stigma."

If enacted, the measure would go into effect 90 days after it was signed into law.