Introduction
Have you ever stopped for gas in Oregon and wondered why you can’t pump your own gas? It’s a strange sight for out-of-towners, but this is actually the norm in Oregon. In this article, we will explore the history, pros and cons, changes in law, regional comparison, and humorous observations of Oregon’s ban on self-serve gas pumps.
Focus on History
Oregon’s ban on self-serve gasoline began in 1951, which makes Oregon the only state in the US to make it illegal to pump your own gas. The ban was partly enacted as a way to create jobs and protect citizens from the dangers associated with gasoline pumping. Furthermore, some people believed that pushing motorists to fill up with a station employee would help support the struggling service industry in the state.
The Pros and Cons
There are many opinions regarding the advantages and disadvantages of Oregon’s mandatory full-service gas pumping law. Some people think it’s an inconvenience to have to wait for a gas attendant to attend to them while others think it’s an opportunity for them to stay safe from road hazards and pump malfunctions. In general, Oregon residents are happy with the pumping laws, albeit there are some who think gas prices are artificially high due to the extra cost associated with mandatory full service.
Changes in Law
As of January 1, 2018, the state softened the gasoline regulations slightly, allowing residents of less populated counties with a population of less than 40,000 to pump their own gas at night. Though this law change was widely protested, it was enacted anyway. It’s not anticipated that any further changes to the law will be made in the near future, meaning gas pumping in Oregon will continue as is.
Regional Comparison
Rather than comparing Oregon to other states, as it’s the only state in the US with full-service-only gasoline, we’ll look at other countries with a mix of self-service and full service gas stations. The most famous is Japan where consumers can use a self-service pump but many gasoline stations also offer full-service options. Brazil takes a more mandatory approach, with an employee required to fill a vehicle’s tank, but drivers typically have the option to pay extra to pump their own gas. The reason for these differences is often related to safety precautions and convenience for the drivers.
Humorous Observations
There are several whimsical explanations for why Oregonians can’t pump their own fuel. These include some humorous folk tales regarding the perceived weakness of Oregonians, their distrust of hoaxes, and a general culture of courtesy. Some hold that it’s due to the fact that people in Oregon are afraid of explosions, while others believe that being pampered and taking it slow is a part of Oregon’s relaxed lifestyle.
Conclusion
While the prohibition to pump your own gas is unusual to the majority of individuals, it’s considered entirely normal in Oregon. The law was created way back in 1951, to help create job opportunities and to protect citizens from the dangers that gasoline pumping can pose. Nowadays, most Oregonians feel comfort in having somebody else pump their gas, but there are still cries of protest every time the law is anticipated to change.
