SALEM, Ore. – Today, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed the consumer choice fueling bill, House Bill 2426, into law after it passed the state House and Senate with bipartisan support during the 2023 Legislative Session. The new law takes effect immediately.
House Bill 2426 strikes a balance between the needs of consumers, businesses and gas station employees. It provides critical relief by easing staffing shortages, ensures access for elderly and disabled customers, as well as for those who simply prefer for an attendant to pump their gas, and simplifies a complicated patchwork of rules that have long existed statewide.
The new law maintains differences between rural counties (where self-service was already allowed) and nonrural counties (where it was previously prohibited). A map highlighting the rules is available at this link.
In rural counties, where self-service was already allowed, gas stations will be allowed to offer self-serve gas at all hours. Rural counties are defined in the law to include Baker, Clatsop, Crook, Curry, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco and Wheeler.
In nonrural counties, gas stations must offer attended service but may also offer self-serve gas at no more than half of their pumps during operating hours. If offering a self-serve option, gas stations must provide signage so customers can identify which pumps allow self-service and which are attended. Nonrural counties include Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill.
Gas stations are required to charge the same price for self-service and attended service, and all gas stations remain subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Oregon law, which require equal access to fuel for people with disabilities. This means that any gas station with an attendant or other employee on duty must provide refueling assistance to customers with disabilities. Drivers who need help should notify someone at the gas station to receive assistance.
A coalition including the Oregon Fuels Association and Northwest Grocery Association has developed resources to help Oregon drivers navigate these changes. Frequently asked questions, a video tutorial and other educational resources are available at ChoiceAtThePump.com.
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