In Youngstown, Ohio, it is illegal to run out of gas, where it is considered a minor misdemeanor, particularly in congested areas, as reported by The Zebra and Trafficschoolonline.com. The ordinance aims to prevent traffic disruptions and hazards, say Amourgis & Associates and CarPro.
In Youngstown, Ohio, it's illegal to run out of gas, a quirky law designed to make sure drivers are always prepared and prevent traffic disruptions. While it's rarely enforced today, it reflects a time when such laws were more common to maintain smooth roadways.
In Germany, running out of fuel on the Autobahn is considered illegal and can result in fines or even a driving ban. This rule exists to ensure safety on the high-speed highway, as stopping unnecessarily poses significant risks to drivers and others.
As of 2025, New Jersey remains the only U.S. state where it's illegal for drivers to pump their own gas, with attendants required due to a long-standing law from 1949, although Oregon previously had a similar ban but legalized self-service in most areas in 2023. Drivers in New Jersey who pump their own gas can face fines, with gas stations potentially fined for allowing it, though labor shortages have led to ongoing debates about changing the law.
Oregon law now prohibits topping off vehicle fuel tanks during refueling. Topping off causes gasoline drips and spills that release harmful pollution, wastes fuel, and causes vapor recovery equipment in vehicles and at gas pumps to malfunction.
Which States Don't Allow You to Pump Your Own Gas
For decades, Oregon was one of only two states where drivers weren't allowed to pump their own gas. Attendants were required at every station, a rule first adopted in 1951 to improve safety and protect jobs.
You generally don't have to tip gas station attendants in the U.S., as it's not a strong cultural expectation like at restaurants, but you might tip a couple of dollars ($1-2) for going above and beyond (cleaning windshield, checking oil) or in states where full-service is mandated (like Oregon or New Jersey), especially in harsh weather, to show appreciation for service beyond just pumping gas, notes The Boston Globe and a Stack Exchange discussion. In places where it's required by law (like Oregon, New Jersey), many people don't tip if the attendant only pumps gas, but appreciate it if they do extra tasks or if conditions are tough, according to a Quora thread and Reddit users.
No, there isn't a 100 mph speed limit in the U.S.; the highest is 85 mph on a Texas toll road, but driving 100 mph is illegal everywhere and triggers severe penalties, often classified as reckless driving or under "Super Speeder" laws, leading to significant fines, license suspension, and even jail time, with California's FAST program targeting such extreme speeds for intervention, notes.
Yes, you can legally drive 200 mph (about 320 km/h) on certain unrestricted sections of Germany's Autobahn if your car is capable and conditions are safe, though a recommended speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) applies, and many parts have posted limits; however, reckless driving or exceeding your safe stopping distance at high speeds is illegal and results in liability for any accidents.
Believe it or not, it's illegal to honk your car horn at a sandwich shop after 9 pm in Little Rock, Arkansas. The reasons for this law are not completely clear, but it may have been established to preserve the peace and tranquility of dining establishments during the evening hours.
The average gas price per gallon in 2024 was $3.30, down 6.1% from $3.52 in 2023 and 16.4% from $3.95 in 2022. The highest average gas prices are in California ($4.45 per gallon), Hawaii ($4.44) and Washington ($4.08).
German traffic law prohibits avoidable exhaust emissions. This means if your car is not moving (exceptions are at traffic lights) you must shut off your engine.
As of 2025, New Jersey remains the only U.S. state where it's illegal for drivers to pump their own gas, with attendants required due to a long-standing law from 1949, although Oregon previously had a similar ban but legalized self-service in most areas in 2023. Drivers in New Jersey who pump their own gas can face fines, with gas stations potentially fined for allowing it, though labor shortages have led to ongoing debates about changing the law.
A violator of any provision of this act shall be liable for a penalty of not less than $50.00 and not more than $250.00 for a first offense and not more than $500.00 for each subsequent offense.
No, tipping gas station attendants in New Jersey is not required or customary, as full-service pumping is standard and they earn at least minimum wage, but some locals tip a dollar or two for exceptional service, like windshield cleaning, especially in bad weather. While most residents don't tip for gas alone, it's a nice gesture for extra help, not an obligation, and many attendants appreciate the rare gesture, notesHoboken Girl, Bergen Record, Reddit.
New Jersey remains the only state where it is illegal to pump your own gasoline. You are, however, allowed to pump your own diesel fuel in the state.
Fun Law of the Week: In (parts of) New Mexico, it is illegal for women to pump their own gas and/or change their own tire.
In fact, state and local police aren't authorized to enforce the law at all. According to the text of the statute, only the Oregon Fire Marshall can enforce the law, and only the gas station can be sanctioned with a fine not exceeding $500, which only happens if the gas station owner turns down an appeal.
Because convenience stores could sell unbranded gasoline from self-service pumps cheaper than the branded, full-service stations, customers flocked to convenience stores for their fill ups. “The public is interested in lower prices, and immediately went for self-service gasoline,” said Roscoe.