Can anyone stop the number of gas stations becoming self-serve? In Nassau County, NY, many gas stations are converting to self-serve, some maintaining full-serve as well, but at higher prices. It is discriminatory for a disabled driver to have to pay higher prices for the same gas, at the same station, only because he/she is not physically fit to pump gas. I have watched elderly, infirm people struggle with the process of pumping their own gas just to save some money. Not to mention, that other drivers become annoyed when they are waiting to use the same pump. I emphasize, it is discriminatory for the disabled and elderly to pay higher prices for gas.

September 26, 2013 by Brad Gaskins

— Bill S. – Philadelphia, PA

ANSWER: There is no requirement under the ADA to prevent gas stations from becoming self-serve and it would not be considered to be discriminatory to do so unless accessible self-serve fueling dispensers are not provided. However, a facility with attendants must provide refueling assistance when requested for a patron with disabilities when there is more than one attendant on duty and it would be safe to do so. This must be provided at the self-serve pricing even when full service is available.