Wrong Way To Pump Gas

Some of you may not know this, but in Oregon you are not allowed to pump your own gas. They only offer full service.

According to Wikipedia: "The Oregon statute banning self-service gasoline lists seventeen different justifications, including the inflammability of gas, the risk of crime from customers leaving their car, the toxic fumes emitted by gasoline, and the jobs created by requiring mini service. In addition, the idiosyncratic ban on self-service gasoline is seen as part of Oregonian culture. One commentator noted, “The joke is when babies are born in Oregon, the doctor slaps their bottom, ‘No self-serve and no sales tax’ [. . .] It’s as much a cultural issue as an economic issue. It’s a way of life.” In 1982, Oregon voters rejected a ballot measure sponsored by the service station owners, which would have legalized self-service gas.^"

I learned this particular fact when a co-worker at Greystone came in one day to ask us if we had known there was a latch on the gas pump so you don't have to hold it. We all looked at her dumbfounded that she was 37 and just learning this. She explained she was from Oregon. After more blank stares, she explained the lack of self serve stations.

Seattle must get a lot of people from Oregon because at every gas station I have gone to there are detailed instructions on how to use a gas pump. My favorite are the picture versions that show why holding the pump upside down doesn't work.

I tried to find an image of it, but google failed to find me one.