Pay Before You Pump Gas

About a year ago in British Columbia, Canada they implemented a new law. Pay for your gas before you pump it. This law was put into effect after a young gas attendant was killed trying to prevent a robbery.  Although we wholeheartedly want to protect gas attendants and not see them risking their lives , this new law has turned out to be a major pain in the butt for the gas consumer.

For those not paying with a credit card, you must go inside the station and pre-pay for your gas. This means you must estimate how much gas you’re going to need.  If you end up not using up the funds you have already put down, you must then go back inside and get some of your money back.  On the flip side if you think you need $40 to fill your tank and you needed $60, you end up driving away without a filled gas tank unless you’re willing to go in and put down another $20.

I know this law has been implemented to protect the gas attendants and I agree they shouldn’t have to go chasing after those that pump and run, but this law has become nothing but a hassle.