Self-serve Gas: Why NJ Should Have It, Excuses Why We Don't

Perhaps one of the biggest debates in New Jersey (aside from Pork Roll vs Taylor Ham) is whether or not we should have self-serve gasoline statewide.

New Jersey has enjoyed full service at the pumps for decades and many in The Garden State are unwilling to change that. But why? Why such strong resistance?

One reason we'll often hear is that we don't like to leave our cars while filling up.

But if that were the case, then why do so many New Jerseyans run into the convenience store while the tank fills up?

We're the lone survivor in this country that still doesn't have self-serve at the pumps.

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And while it might be good we still do have full service, it's kind of ridiculous that we still make it against the law to simply put a nozzle into our cars if we need fuel.

Let's break it down a bit more to see what some of the excuses some in New Jersey use to justify keeping the self-serve ban in place.

We'll also look at some of the positives as to why self-serve gas would be a good thing in The Garden State.

Self-serve gas: The pro's and con's of serving ourselves in NJ

The pros of having self-serve gasoline in New Jersey, along with reasons some use to oppose. Let's start with the pros.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

Now that we covered that, what are your thoughts on the topic? Should New Jersey allow self-serve gasoline?

Weird things NJ taxes - and some they don't

In general, New Jersey assesses a 6.625% Sales Tax on sales of most tangible personal property, specified digital products, and certain services unless specifically exempt under New Jersey law.

However, the way the sales tax is applied in New Jersey sometimes just doesn't make sense.

New Jersey puts out an itemized list for retailers that spells out what is, and what is not, taxed.

Perhaps because this is New Jersey, there are some bizarre and seemingly contradictory listings.

Gallery Credit: Eric Scott