Author Topic: Sometimes stupid laws are A-OK (Read 548 times)

SOB · « **on:** November 13, 2005, 01:12:07 AM »

As some of you may know, it's against the law to pump your own gas in Oregon, except for certain circumstances - like unattended commercial stations or the state motorpool. This is fairly stupid as far as I'm concerned, but it's never bugged me any since our per gallon prices are always lower than California and generally about the same or lower than Washington state, plus the fact that you sit high and dry while somebody else jockey's the pump.

Anyhow, my position on this was solidified on Thursday afternoon, as I stood at one of the pumps at the state motorpool, fueling up the van. It was cold, and it was raining, and while there was a roof over my head, it did nothing to stop the wind from pushing the rain sideways into me and rendering my ample insulation worthless against the cold.

Yep, I definitely prefer sitting on my kiester in my warm car while my vehicle gets fueled up.

Pooh21 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2005, 01:32:03 AM »

especially when you dont even have to roll the window open farther then 3/16"s of an inch to slip the debit card through.

beet1e · « **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2005, 09:56:50 AM »

SOB, what surprised me was that although you're not allowed to refuel your own car, you ARE allowed to refuel your own plane!

NUKE · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2005, 10:39:57 AM »

When I drove Oregon for work a couple years ago, I was caught off guard by this.

I had crossed into Oregon from California and drove until I needed to stop for gas. I pull into this quik-mart/ gas station type place and hopped out to start pumping. I had removed the cap and before I could reach the pump, this grubby older guy asked me what I needed. I was confused and thought he was gonna ask me for spare change.

I told him I was just getting gas, and he grabbed the pump. I was now thinking that he was one of a different version of one of those bums who will wash your window when you don't want them to, then expect money.

I told him that's okay, I'll get it.... and he looked at me like I was from mars. He then explained the law to me. He said it's a heavy fine if you are caught pumping your own gas. I cant remember the fine..... $5000.00 or something?

I asked him why it is that Oregon has this law, and he said something along the lines of "trust me, you don't want most people trying to pump their own gas. I saw one person pump gas all over the roof of their car once". Yeah, sure you did I thought.

When he was done, I was wondering if I was supposed to tip him, or what. It was awkward, but after a couple of days I got used to it yet hated it.

Some of the places I went to had only one pump jockey trying to handle about 5-10 cars. More than a few times I sat in front of a pump either waiting for some moron to pump the gas, or I was sitting with the pump sticking out of the car, having completed pumping, and waiting for the guy to come take payment. For me, it was just a pain in the arse.

I guess if you live there it just becomes normal, but for me it was irritating and seemed like really sensless.

Chairboy · « **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2005, 10:48:13 AM »

If you're ever in a situation where you feel you're waiting for the attendent, just do what I do.

Hop out and begin the process of fueling.

It's like rubbing a genie lamp, you'll get assistance immediately.

Nilsen · « **Reply #5 on:** November 13, 2005, 10:54:29 AM »

So do you have to pay the guy or not?

What can possibly be so bad about pumping it yourself? Not that id mind having someone do it tho. At most marinas here there is a kid doing it during the summer holidays, but thats just extra service and kinda practical. You can hold the boat in while he fills it up. He also runs for icecream or whatever if you want that.

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 13, 2005, 10:56:03 AM »

It's the same thing in Jersey.

It was done to create jobs in the local economies.

Chairboy · « **Reply #7 on:** November 13, 2005, 11:03:05 AM »

No tips, and amazingly, our gas is cheaper than CA and OR.

Nilsen · « **Reply #8 on:** November 13, 2005, 11:04:02 AM »

If its free extra service then it sounds great!

NUKE · « **Reply #9 on:** November 13, 2005, 11:13:21 AM »

What's the fine if you are caught pumping it yourself? I thought the guy told me 5k.

Chairboy · « **Reply #10 on:** November 13, 2005, 11:19:38 AM »

I don't know if it has ever been enforced. Also, motorcyclists can fuel themselves.

DREDIOCK · « **Reply #11 on:** November 13, 2005, 11:44:46 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by lasersailor184
It's the same thing in Jersey.

It was done to create jobs in the local economies.

Correct. And while its sometimes a pain to pump it yourself. I dont at all mind it when its pouring rain or, like now winter is comming on.
Some places here even still will do your windows and chaeck your oil for ya

Skilless · « **Reply #12 on:** November 13, 2005, 11:45:16 AM »

Another crazy law to create minimum wage jobs. I once read of a proposal in NYC that required every building over 5 or 10 (can't remember exactly)stories to have an elevator operator. They said it would create over 10,000 jobs.

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 13, 2005, 12:47:53 PM »

Well, it sort of creates a dependancy for people to pump the gas for you.

I go to a university in the dead center of PA. We get people from ohio, NY, Jersey, Delaware and Maryland.

It is always friggin hilarious to see the Freshmen from Jersey trying to figure out how to pump their own gas into the cars. They stand there like a monkey doing a math problem.

Yeager · « **Reply #14 on:** November 13, 2005, 01:53:40 PM »

I always hate gassing up in portland. It never fails, I get out of my car and stand there.....everyone looking at me.