Ringing the bell.

I also remember. Thanks.

Some stations still have the bell.

This is because New Jersey has gas station attendants.

@sizedoesmatter I believe New Jersey is the only state, which does not allow people to pump their own gas. Does anyone know why?

Posted by: @ed-davis

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@sizedoesmatter I believe New Jersey is the only state, which does not allow people to pump their own gas. Does anyone know why?

Reasons for the Ban on Self-Service Gas in New Jersey

New Jersey is indeed the only state in the U.S. where drivers are not permitted to pump their own gas. This unique law is rooted in safety and public health concerns.

Historical Context

• Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act of 1949: This law was enacted to address safety issues associated with fuel dispensing, including:
  • Fire hazards linked to handling gasoline.
  • Health risks from inhaling toxic fumes.

Safety and Compliance

• Trained Attendants: The law mandates that only trained attendants can dispense fuel. This ensures:
  • Proper handling of fuel to prevent accidents.
  • Compliance with safety procedures, such as turning off vehicle engines during fueling.

• Public Interest: The legislation aims to protect the public by controlling the dispensing of fuel, which is considered a potentially dangerous activity.

Economic and Employment Factors

• Job Creation: The law also supports job creation in the state by requiring gas stations to employ attendants, which helps maintain local employment levels.

Public Opinion

• Many New Jersey residents appreciate the full-service model, with polls indicating that a significant portion of the population prefers not to pump their own gas.

In summary, New Jersey's prohibition on self-service gas pumping is primarily a safety measure, supported by historical context and public sentiment.

@sizedoesmatter Aaaah....a nice memory from the past.

I'M so old that I remember sitting next to Charles Schultz as he drew this picture in the gas station. I recall saying, "Hurry up, will ya Chuck, I'd like to get gas sometime this century - you Peanut Brain." He used that for his comic title. The rat.

I worked part time in a Texaco station while I was in high school and it had the bell as did every station back in the fifties.

@perrone1 LOL....good for you not let some no-name entitled artist hold up your day's activities Tony.  It's also good that at the time you didn't prompt him by saying "hurry upChuck".....that could have been messy.

@bob-jackman Same here Bob, Texaco as well but my time was in the mid 60s and yes all my activities were dictated by that bell...lol.

Hmm, the pic is gone, but I remember the bell as I worked at a Clark service station pumping gas back in the early 80's.😊

@jack-dodds Funny thing about working at a Texaco station...I used to buy gas at the Standard Oil  station across the street because they used to give out Red Crown valve stem covers which I really liked. I still have these on my Corvette today.

@bob-jackman LOL.  So much for employer/corporate devotion!  Red Crown valve stem covers win out every time. 😉 

@jack-dodds Never count on a sixteen year old to have loyalty to anything beyond food, girls and cars.

@bob-jackman LOL...absolutely.  Cheeseburgers, trim blondes and 'tri-five Chevys and Fords...oh and maybe even a '55 Poncho convertible.