Illegal to pump gas when tank hole is on left and pump is on right?

Question

today i was yelled at and told to stop pumping gas. i parked my car with the gas hole on the side of the car away from the pump. ie- the gas hole was on the left of the car, and the pump was on the right.

the gas hose was long enough to reach, and i've done it many times before. why would this be illegal? i'm in vermont.

Answer 1

no.  ok, honestly I don't know all the Vermont laws, so I'm just guessing.  In my jurisdiction it's not illegal.

who yelled at you and told you to stop?  did you obey?  why?

If it was the gas station attendant, then they certainly have the right to deny the use of their equipment to you if you don't comply with their instructions.

If you're under 18 and it was a parent or guardian, they have the right to compel you to comply with their instuctions.

If it was a cop, might as well do what they say, even if they're wrong, getting out of jail is such a hassle..................

Answer 2

Some gas pumps are designed with longer hoses, suspended from up high, for the specific purpose of being able to pump to either side of the car.

So, unless Vermont has specific laws against this, it is not,either unsafe, or illegal.

Answer 3

It's best to pull up to the pump so that your gas filler cap is closest to the gas pump.

There are laws in some areas requiring you to be 18 in order to use the pumps.

It is hard on the equipment when you pull the hose from the pump.

You can check with your local authorities about any laws regarding the use of gas pumps.

Answer 4

Just the attendant being nervous about stretching the hose, probably. It's dangerous if it somehow spills or breaks open.

Answer 5

it is not illegal.  you cannot get arrested or receive a ticket for this.

however, since gas stations are private property, they can set their own rules and regulations, as long as they don't conflict with actual laws (i.e. allowing something that is illegal).

so, they can make a rule saying that you can only pump gas if your tank is facing the pump.  If you don't comply with their regulations, they can refuse service.

next time, just remember what side its on :)

Answer 6

No it is not illegal it is just a safety issue......

Answer 7

Not illegal, but causes added stress on the components (the breakaway device on the hose, the filler nozzle, pump handle assembly) because it is being pulled away from the pump versus it hanging in a natural state near the pump. Plus you could end up scratching your car, placing more stress on your filler point.

And I think your a dork for doing it more than once, you know where your filler is, put that side of the vehicle at the pump. Turn around, back in, select a different pump. It isn't often I see a hose long enough to reach to the opposite side of a fullsize vehicle.

Answer 8

it is most deffinately not illegal however if you are particuarly anal it is not the most efficeient way to pump petrol (sorry english) as you cannot get the last little bit out of the pump.

Answer 9

I've never heard of that being illegal.  Inconvenient maybe, but not illegal.

Answer 10

I don't think that would be illegal.