Virginia: Is it legal to pump your own gas?
Virginia allows self-service gas; its Statewide Fire Prevention Code adopts the International Fire Code's self-service fueling rules with minor changes.
Virginia's Statewide Fire Prevention Code, effective January 18, 2024, adopts the 2021 International Fire Code. That code allows self-service stations with an attendant on duty, and unattended stations where the fire official approves them. Virginia's changes to the dispensing section cover emergency controls, signs and coin-operated pumps, not who may pump. No Virginia law found requires an attendant to pump.
What the law says
C. The following changes shall be made to Section 2304, Dispensing Operations: ... 2304.3.2 Dispensers. Dispensing devices shall be maintained in accordance with Section 2306.7. Dispensing devices operated by the insertion of coins or currency shall not be used unless approved in accordance with the applicable building code.
Sources
- 13VAC5-52-280 (IFC Chapter 23 amendments) Official · law.lis.virginia.gov
- 13VAC5-52 (Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code) Official · law.lis.virginia.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Virginia Department of Fire Programs, State Fire Marshal's Office
- Phone
- 804-371-0220
- Website
- vdfp.virginia.gov
How bordering states compare
- Kentucky Self-serve allowedKentucky allows drivers to pump their own gas. Its fire code adopts NFPA 1, which permits self-service stations.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tennessee Self-serve allowedTennessee allows self-service gas; the State Fire Marshal enforces the International Fire Code, which permits self-service stations.
- West Virginia Self-serve allowedWest Virginia has no ban on self-service gas; its state fire code adopts the national code that covers self-service fueling.