Pumping gasoline in New Jersey must now become self-service

Now that Oregon’s self-service ban has been lifted, New Jersey remains the only state where you can’t pump your own gas — and save some money that way.

It’s about time Jersey got on board with the program.

Okay, some people prefer to have someone else fill up their gas tank for them, but Garden State drivers should have that Selectionlike any other American.

Lawmakers cite alleged safety concerns to justify the ban, but that’s a see-through excuse.

In 1949, Irving Reingold opened a self-service petrol station in north Jersey; Since he didn’t have to pay staff, he kept the prices cheaper.

Competitors tried to stop him with vandalism and even bullets—and when that failed, they got their friends in the legislature to outlaw the practice.

It has since been banned, although overall prices have remained lower than other surrounding states because state gas taxes have been so low.

But in 2016, taxes began to rise.

The bipartisan Fuel Choice and Convenience for Motorists Act now aims to allow for full service, self-service or both fuel stations.

The bill comes especially timely as some gas stations are struggling to find workers, leading to a growing number of closed pumps and earlier closing hours, which will limit what were once plentiful 24-hour service.

With every other state allowing self-service, the safety concerns are now flat-out false, as is the “it creates jobs” claim.

Jersey should put an end to this outdated idiocy once and for all.