Law Would Ban Pumping Your Own Gas In Illinois

ILLINOIS — A piece of legislation proposed last week could make it illegal for Illinois residents to pump their own gas. The "Gas Station Attendant Act" was proposed last week by state Rep. Camille Lilly, a Democrat from Oak Park.

Under the proposal, starting Jan. 1, 2021, customers would no longer be able to pump their own gas — it would have to be done by a gas station attendant.

The proposal comes as just one full-service gas station remains in the Chicago area and is seen as a throwback to a simpler time. Third-generation family business owner Raleigh Kean said he believes his station, Kean Bros., is the only remaining full-service station outside of New Jersey, where it's still illegal to pump your own gas, and Oregon, where it was illegal until recently.

In 2018, a new law took effect allowing self-serve stations in Oregon — a measure that was not greeted with enthusiasm by many Oregonians, leaving some claiming they didn't even know HOW to pump their own gas.

Meanwhile, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said it would be "political suicide" to allow self-serve gas stations in his state.

In New Jersey, if you're caught pumping your own gas, you could get hit with a fine of $50 to $250 for a first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses. The ban on self-serve gas in New Jersey took effect in 1949, and in November, NJ.com provided a helpful how-to video to teach residents how to pump gas when traveling out of state for the holidays.

The proposed Illinois law doesn't specify what penalties, if any, residents could risk by pumping their own gas.

Should Illinois ban self-serve gas? Sound off in the comments.