New Jersey is one of only two state in the U.S. that doesn’t allow customers to pump their own gas — anywhere. The other being Oregon. In both states, there’s always an attendant on duty to pump gas for customers at these full-service stations.

So if they are pumping your gas in New Jersey, do you need to tip them?

No, you do not need to tip gas attendants in New Jersey. In fact, New Jersey is one of the few states in the United States where it is illegal for gas station attendants to accept tips. This law is in place to ensure that customers are not obligated to tip and to prevent any potential issues regarding pricing and fair treatment. Therefore, it is not expected or customary to tip gas attendants in New Jersey.

The reason behind this law is to maintain transparency in pricing and prevent any potential conflicts or favoritism that may arise if tipping were allowed.

When you visit a gas station in New Jersey, the attendants are responsible for filling up your gas tank, checking tire pressure, cleaning windows, and providing other basic services. They are paid an hourly wage by the gas station owner or employer, and tipping is not a customary practice or part of their income structure.

It’s important to note that this regulation is specific to New Jersey, and tipping practices may vary in other states or countries. In some areas, particularly where full-service gas stations are more common, it may be customary to tip gas attendants. However, in New Jersey, it is clear that tipping gas attendants is not expected or encouraged by law.

If you receive excellent service or assistance beyond the regular duties of a gas station attendant and you feel inclined to show appreciation, you could express your gratitude verbally with a simple “thank you” or a smile. While monetary tips are not allowed, polite and friendly interaction can still go a long way in acknowledging good service.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with local customs and regulations when it comes to tipping, as it can vary from one place to another.

In New Jersey, the prohibition on tipping gas attendants stems from the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act, which was enacted in 1949. The purpose of this law was to address safety concerns related to gasoline dispensing by ensuring that only trained professionals handle the task.

The act mandates that all gas stations in New Jersey must have attendants who are responsible for pumping fuel and performing other related services, such as cleaning windshields and checking fluid levels. This requirement sets New Jersey apart from most other states, where self-service gas stations are the norm.

The rationale behind prohibiting tipping is to maintain a consistent and transparent pricing structure for gasoline. By removing the expectation of tipping, customers can be confident that the price they see at the pump is the final cost and does not include additional fees for service. This helps prevent any potential confusion or disputes regarding pricing between gas station attendants and customers.

While the law prevents gas attendants from accepting tips, it does not restrict them from providing friendly and helpful service. Gas station attendants in New Jersey are generally courteous and efficient, ensuring that customers’ needs are met promptly. They are trained to handle various tasks quickly and professionally, allowing customers to have a convenient and hassle-free experience at the gas station.

It’s worth noting that the prohibition on tipping only applies to gas station attendants. If a separate service is provided, such as car wash or mechanic services, tipping may be customary for those specific services. However, when it comes to the regular duties of a gas station attendant, tipping is not expected or encouraged.

As a customer, it is important to respect and adhere to local laws and regulations. In New Jersey, this means refraining from tipping gas attendants and instead focusing on acknowledging their service with polite interactions and expressions of gratitude.

By understanding and respecting these regulations, both customers and gas station attendants can maintain a clear and straightforward service experience.