In Oregon, as well as in the neighboring state of New Jersey, it is illegal for gas station attendants to pump gas for customers. This law has been in place since the 1950s, and was implemented as a safety measure to protect gas station attendants from the potential hazards of handling gasoline.

There are a few possible reasons why this law was implemented in Oregon and New Jersey. One reason is that both states have a high density of population and a large number of gas stations, which may have made it difficult to find enough qualified attendants to work at all of the stations. By requiring customers to pump their own gas, gas stations could remain open and operational with fewer attendants on staff.

Another reason is that the law may have been implemented as a way to reduce the cost of gas for consumers. Gas station attendants typically receive a salary or an hourly wage, which adds to the cost of operating a gas station. By requiring customers to pump their own gas, gas stations are able to save on labor costs, which may be passed on to consumers in the form of lower gas prices.

Despite the law, there are some exceptions to the self-service rule in Oregon. For example, gas station attendants are allowed to pump gas for customers who are physically unable to do so, or for customers who are traveling with small children or pets. In these cases, customers can request assistance from an attendant.

In recent years, there has been some debate over the self-service gas law in Oregon and New Jersey. Some people argue that the law is outdated and that it is time to allow gas station attendants to pump gas for customers again. Others argue that the law should be kept in place, as it has been successful in reducing the cost of gas for consumers and protecting gas station attendants from potential hazards. Ultimately, the decision to repeal the law would be up to the state legislature.