This Is Why Michigan Gas Stations Shock Some Out-of-State Visitors

There are a lot of things that probably shock some people visiting Michigan from other countries and, in one case, one other state. Some things are just normal to us but seem totally bizarre to anyone not from around here. We do things a little differently here, and honestly, we don’t think twice about it.

For example, as long as I’ve been driving, which has been a very long time, I’ve always had to get out of my car and pump my own gas. I do remember a few gas stations from back in the day that offered the full-service experience where someone would come to your window and do it all for you. But those places always charged a lot more.

These days, full-service gas stations are pretty rare in Michigan, if they even exist at all anymore. For the most part, it’s every driver for themselves.

I think most drivers would be shocked to pull up to a gas station and have some guy come running out to fill up their tank. However, in some parts of the world, that’s totally normal, including in New Jersey.

It’s Illegal to Pump Your Gas in New Jersey?

Did you know that it’s illegal to pump your own gas in New Jersey? Seriously, it’s the only state in the U.S. where self-service gas pumping is totally prohibited.

So when New Jersey residents visit Michigan, there’s a good chance they’ve never had to pump gas and have no idea what to do. Same goes for visitors from other countries, where it’s also the norm to have someone else fill up their tank.

It’s wild to think that something we do every day, like pumping our own gas, can be such a shock to visitors.

I sure wish they’d bring full-service gas stations back to Michigan, especially in the winter. Nothing beats staying warm and dry while someone else freezes for you.