Georgia: Is it legal to pump your own gas?
Georgia allows self-service gas, but state law requires each self-service pump to have an attendant present and a local government license.
Under Georgia law, a self-service pump open to the public may run only if an attendant is present and the operator holds a license from the city or county. Local governments grant the license if they find self-service will not harm residents' health or welfare. Stations that charge less for self-service must have an employee pump gas at the self-service price for drivers with a disability permit, unless an able passenger aged 16 or older is along. In practice, self-service is common across Georgia.
Conditions
- Attendant present at the pump's location
- Station holds a city or county self-service license
What the law says
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to operate a self-service motor fuel dispensing pump unless an attendant is present at the pump's location and such person, firm, or corporation has obtained a valid license from the governing authority of the political jurisdiction affected.
Sources
- O.C.G.A. § 36-60-1 Mirror of official text · codes.findlaw.com
- O.C.G.A. § 10-1-164.1 Mirror of official text · codes.findlaw.com
- Georgia Consumer Ed: Help at gas pump for the disabled Official · consumered.georgia.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire
- Phone
- (404) 656-2070
- Website
- oci.georgia.gov
How bordering states compare
- Alabama Self-serve allowedAlabama has no law against pumping your own gas; its state fire code is the model code that allows attended self-service stations.
- Florida Self-serve allowedFlorida law expressly authorizes self-service gas stations, as long as an attendant is on duty to supervise.
- North Carolina Self-serve allowedNorth Carolina allows self-service gas; state law regulates self-service pumps, and its fire code allows attended self-service stations.
- South Carolina Self-serve allowedSouth Carolina allows self-service gas, and since 2006 also allows unattended stations whose pumps shut off at 30 gallons.
- Tennessee Self-serve allowedTennessee allows self-service gas; the State Fire Marshal enforces the International Fire Code, which permits self-service stations.