Hands-Free Gas Pumping Is Illegal In These US States

Getting gas is one of those things you experience a bit on autopilot. You’re so used to it that you’ve developed muscle memory — a routine — while you’re at the pump. You pop the cap, select your fuel grade, put in the nozzle, clip it in place, and start checking your emails. However, there are actually two states left that don’t allow hands-free fueling and don’t have those gas pump clips: Rhode Island and New York. 

The clips have been banned in Rhode Island since 1976. “They were worried about the nozzles not shutting off and the gas spilling out once the tank is full,” Chief Deputy Fire Marshal David Pastore told The Providence Journal, noting that this would cause a fire hazard. A bill in 2015 aimed to amend this since other states allowed it, but most gas stations have been hesitant to add the clips. 

New York is also attempting to change its laws on hands-free fueling. Senate Bill 7418 was introduced in June 2025, stating that clips would be provided for fuel dispensing nozzles. According to Senator Joseph Griffo, hands-free fueling would make life easier, allow New Yorkers — especially the elderly — to be protected from harsh winter weather, and offer more accessibility for handicapped drivers.

With the majority of states allowing hands-free gas pumping, that doesn’t mean you are free to go back on your phone. It seems like the go-to time killer while waiting for the tank to fill, especially since it helps you ignore the price as it rapidly climbs. However, many sources warn you against it. 

There have been dramatic claims that using your phone at the pump could cause a fire — but this is not a proven concern, with no incidents reported. So, phones cannot create a static electric charge that causes an explosion, but that’s not why there are signs at gas stations warning you not to use electronics.

The real reason is that phones are a distraction that could lead to over-filling your gas tank or even driving away with the pump still in the fuel tank. It is dangerous to not pay attention while handling something flammable like gasoline, so using your phone is still considered a mistake at the gas station. Maybe you can wash your windows while you wait instead.