Why can't you pump your own gas in Oregon? (Astoria: home, casinos)

[IowaRose]

While on our recent trip to Oregon, we noticed that you aren't allowed to pump your own gas. I was just wondering why this is.

[Metlakatla]

Because that's how the voters want it. At least it was the last time it was voted on, which was a long time ago.

[509]

Because it is dangerous!!!

However, more people are killed by driving with dirty windshields than exploding cars while pumping gas. Write the Governor of Oregon and tell her that you want EVERY gas station to clean your DIRTY windshield while you pump your own gas.

[pnwguy2]

There is a significant change this year in self-service gas in Oregon. The legislature passed a bill that will allow self-service gas in counties less than 40,000 in population, but only between 6pm and 6am. I sure hope this will be signed properly, otherwise it will create even more confusion. The largest county that will be able to do this will be Clatsop, home of Astoria, most of the other counties are well outside the population centers.

As for the "why" of no self-service, I believe it originally was thought to be a safety issue, but today most of the talk I hear is the perception that it is a jobs issue. I don't know how true that is.

I don't mind not pumping my gas in Oregon, but there are two things that I don't care for. If you don't want to fill your tank, you have to estimate your dollar request. For example, you are almost empty, and you want to fill it only half way. The other thing that I always wonder about is will the attendant clean my windshield or not? Many do, some don't. I never ask them to do it, but there is that little delay when you either get out and do it yourself or see if they do it for you. (BTW, I never tip, but I always thank them separately for this service.)

You can pump your own gas on Indian Reservations, I think the busiest stations are near casinos. Prices tend to be similar, perhaps a few cents below the off-reservation stations.

Ironically, Oregon allows walking on the shoulder of a busy freeway. Heck, you can even have someone assist you in suicide if you want. But don't even try to put a hand on that gas pump! (Unless you are in Burns, and it is dark).

[Nell Plotts]

The reason why gas is cheaper on an Indian Reservation is that they don't pay some taxes, for example property tax.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Because Oregonians want it that way, that's why.

[IowaRose]

My husband and I were talking about the last time we had someone pump gas for us. I grew up in Michigan and I think it was early to mid 80's when gas stations went to self service. I remember when I was a kid, my Mom went to the same full service station in town. They would pump your gas, check your oil and wiper blades and wash your windshield. Ah, those were the days. I learned to pump gas before I could drive and always filled the tank for my Mom when we went anywhere, between me and my Dad, she never had to learn how to pump gas. My husband grew up in Iowa and he thinks gas stations went self service here at about the same time. I don't mind having someone pump my gas, but I think it freaked my husband out a little.

[take57]

Gas station lobby. Gives them an excuse to nick you a little extra at the pump for "service". Most Oregonian's want it because the lobbyists convinced them they wanted it.

[pnwguy2]

No self-service can be, but not always be, a longer station stop. At busy stations you can wait 2 minutes+ for service at times. Then there can be an additional wait once the pump stops but the attendant is still dealing with other customers. I see this mostly at the mega-stations, don't want to mention their names, but usually along major routes.

I think Oregon could do a better job of putting signage in place about no self-service. I frankly don't see much of that, but perhaps I'm not looking for it as I know the rules. Many out of state drivers are indeed clueless about this law.

[cargoman]

I always laugh at myself when i drive into Washington state and sit at the pump waiting for an attendant.