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SINCE YOU ASKED Since You Asked: Law forbids ending self-service, too MailTribune.com Writer Posted Jun. 17, 2016 @ 12:01 am Posted Jun. 17, 2016 @ 12:01 am » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> As a recent transplant from California, I am having to adjust to Oregon's gas station rules. I understand the need for the rule (keeping people employed), and I also understand the fact I can't pump my own gas (even though I have for 50-plus years in California). What I don't understand is how the law is enforced. I was at a station on the 62 recently, and I told the attendant how much I needed. He set the pump then walked away. The proper amount was pumped, and as the attendant was busy elsewhere, I removed the nozzle from my truck, then waited for him to return so I could pay for it. When he returned, I paid for the gas, and thought the whole situation was over. Then, some other fellow (I assume the other guy's boss) comes up to me and starts (in a very condescending way) to explain to me that "he is going to let it go this time" but I cannot, by law, have anything to do with the pump. What in the world is all this about? Had I made any attempt to pump the gas (God forbid), I guess I could understand it. However, I didn't. In talking with other stations, the opinions seem to agree this guy was wrong. Whose interpretation of the law is correct? — Bill P., by email Bill, we're happy to see you're adjusting to Oregon. One other adjustment: We call it Highway 62, not "the 62." Not sure why — guess it's just another Oregon-California difference. As to your question, we checked in with Rich Hoover at the State Fire Marshal's Office, and he tells us that the gas station employee was correct. His manners were apparently lacking, but that may be because it's his business that could be fined. In his reply, Hoover noted that the Oregon Legislature passed the self-service ban in 1951, and Oregon is one of two states in the nation (New Jersey is the other) to maintain this law. The Legislature declared that it is in the public interest to maintain a prohibition on self-service, primarily for safety reasons (debatable, perhaps, but that's the primary justification that was given). Specifically, the law, ORS 480.330 states, “An owner, operator, or employee of a filling station, service station, garage, or other dispensary where Class 1 flammable liquids, except aviation fuels, are dispensed at retail may not permit any person other than the owner, operator, or employee to use or manipulate any pump, hose, pipe, or other device for dispensing the liquids into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle or other retail container.” Hoover noted, "The prohibition on the use or manipulation of a pump, hose, etc., includes the removal of the nozzle from the vehicle. So, yes, this would be considered a violation and could result in a fine for facility owner." There are some exceptions to this rule: Motorcycle operators are allowed to dispense their own gas with assistance from a station attendant. At the discretion of the service station owner, operators of diesel-powered vehicles may dispense their own fuel because diesel is not classified as a Class 1 flammable liquid. Aviation fuel may be self-dispensed by operators at airports permitted by the Oregon Department of Aviation. As of January 2016, in counties with populations of 40,000 or less, retail gas stations may permit gasoline self-service between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to [email protected]. To see a collection of columns, go to mailtribune.com/youasked . We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Jun. 17, 2016 @ 12:01 am » Comment or view comments Terms of Service /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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