Massachusetts: Is it legal to pump your own gas?
Massachusetts allows self-service gas stations, as long as the station's setup is approved by the State Fire Marshal.
The state fire code says self-service motor fuel dispensing is permitted once the station's plans are approved by the State Fire Marshal. An owner, operator or employee must be on duty and watching the control console the whole time fuel is being dispensed. The rule also says fuel may be pumped only by a competent licensed driver or by the station attendant.
Conditions
- Station plans must be approved by the State Fire Marshal
- An owner, operator or employee must be on duty while fuel is dispensed
- Fuel may be pumped only by a licensed driver or the attendant
What the law says
The dispensing of motor fuel by means of self-service automated dispensing systems shall be permitted, provided that the applicant for such a system has submitted complete plans and specifications of the proposed installation to the State Fire Marshal, accompanied by the required examination fee as authorized in M.G.L. c. 7, § 3B and has obtained approval of such plans, and further provided that there is compliance with the following: ... (b) The motor fuel shall be dispensed only by a competent licensed motor vehicle operator or by the service station attendant.
Sources
- 527 CMR 1.05, Section 42.7.4.5 (Massachusetts amendments to NFPA 1) Mirror of official text · law.cornell.edu
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, Office of the State Fire Marshal
- Website
- mass.gov
How bordering states compare
- Connecticut Self-serve allowedConnecticut allows self-service gas; state law refers to self-service pumps and requires help for drivers with disabilities.
- New Hampshire Self-serve allowedNew Hampshire has no ban on self-service gas; its fire code adopts the national code that covers self-service fueling.
- New York Self-serve allowedNew York allows self-service gas; state law regulates stations that offer both self-service and full-service pumps.
- Rhode Island Self-serve allowedRhode Island law sets rules for self-service gas stations, including a qualified attendant on duty and a minimum age of 16 to pump.
- Vermont Self-serve allowedVermont allows self-service gas; state law regulates self-service stations and requires them to help drivers with disabilities.
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