The end of Oregon's self-serve ban at gas stations is near

For decades, it's been a common moment of frustration and confusion among Washington drivers who cross the border into Oregon — stop for gas, get out, grab the pump, and then watch someone run up to you yelling that self-serve gas is not allowed.

Such moments could soon be a thing of the past in Oregon. Lawmakers have voted to nix the state's ban on self-serve gas.

HB 2426 has passed Oregon's House and Senate, and is now headed to Gov. Tina Kotek for a signature. After that, Oregon drivers can pump gas themselves.

Things won't entirely change at Oregon's gas stations. Stations will still be required to staff an attendant at half of its pumps. The other half can be open for self-serve.

According to the new rules, gas stations will still be required to staff an attendant in more populated counties, and they will not be allowed to charge different prices between self-serve gas and full-service gas.

If and when Oregon's governor signs off the new rules, New Jersey will be the only state in the nation that requires an attendant to pump gas.

As Oregon Public Broadcasting reports, the proposal did split usual allies at the State Capitol. Nine of the Senate's 17 Democrats voted against the idea, citing concerns that it would kill jobs. Some are concerned that it is a step toward removing the gas station attendant requirement altogether.

Oregon first prohibited self-service at gas stations in 1951. The law argued that drivers pumping their own gas could spill and cause slippery surfaces, putting vulnerable people in danger. Exposure to toxic fumes and the potential for crime was also a concern. "The dangers of crime and slick surfaces ... are enhanced because Oregon’s weather is uniquely adverse, causing wet pavement and reduced visibility," Oregon's gas station law states.

The Oregonian also reports that the state has incrementally eased up on the self-serve ban. In 2015, the state began allowing counties with 40,000 residents or fewer to pump their own gas at night. That allowance opened up to more counties in 2017. The state's fire marshal has also paused the ban during wildfires and heatwaves since 2020. And the rules were again paused during pandemic shutdowns. Modifications to the rules in recent years created a patchwork of Oregon counties where self-serve gas was allowed.

For more, read the full story at Oregon Public Broadcasting.