Rafe at rc3.org linked to an article about how Oregonians aren’t allowed to pump their own gas. The article also mentions that my home state of New Jersey is the only other state with this archaic law. I believe it was put into practice a long time ago so that senior citizens would never have to face a situation where self-serve was the only option when they’ve run out of gas and in the middle of foul weather (the obvious rebuttal here is that anyone incapable of pumping their own gas probably isn’t fit to drive, and I’d agree).
I honestly don’t mind the restriction. Gas is relatively cheap in NJ compared to say NY or CT, so the few extra pennies for full-serve doesn’t hurt. Besides, when all you’ve ever known is some other poor soul hustling through the cold winter weather to pump your gas, you don’t exactly become incredibly eager to strike down this law.