Delaware: Is it legal to pump your own gas?
Delaware allows self-service gas; state law recognizes self-serve-only stations and requires them to help disabled and older drivers.
Delaware law expressly refers to stations that sell gas 'only on a self-serve basis'. It requires them to have a call device at one or more pumps, and to pump gas at the self-service price for drivers with a disability plate or permit or drivers 85 or older. Stations run remotely by one employee are exempt during those times. Stations that offer both full and self-service must give this help during full-service hours.
What the law says
A retail establishment that offers gasoline for sale only on a self-serve basis must provide at least 1 refueling site with a calling device which allows a person with a disability or a person 85 or older to whom a special license plate or parking permit has been issued pursuant to § 2134 or § 2135 of Title 21 to signal an employee that refueling assistance is needed.
Sources
- 6 Del. C. § 2912 Official · delcode.delaware.gov
- 76 Del. Laws c. 50 (2007) Official · legis.delaware.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal
- Phone
- 302-739-5665
- Website
- statefiremarshal.delaware.gov
How bordering states compare
- Maryland Self-serve allowedMaryland allows drivers to pump their own gas. Its fire code adopts NFPA 1 with added rules for unattended self-service stations.
- New Jersey Attendant must pumpNew Jersey bans self-service gas; only station attendants may pump gasoline into your car.
- Pennsylvania Self-serve allowedPennsylvania rules expressly allow attended self-service gas stations, with an attendant on duty at the controls.