Two states ban hands free gas clips

By Organ Ashley 19/06/2026 2 min read 8 views

In most of the United States, gas pump clips are a common find at your local gas station, making life easier for drivers who can fill up their tank while washing their windows or running inside the store to grab a snack.

Reporters note that two states, Rhode Island and New York, do not allow these clips due to fire safety concerns, although the specific considerations vary by state.

New York has complex codes that, while no longer outright banning clips, still discourage gas station owners from installing them even when permitted.

They have figured out how to mitigate safety concerns in other states.

With only two holdouts, it seems that if other states have found solutions, then Rhode Island and New York can one day remove their bans, but changing a law is a convoluted process that involves multiple steps and stakeholders.

As of now, Rhode Island does not have a set timeline for updating the law, although the state has carved out an exception to its ban, allowing gas clips on stage II vapor recovery nozzles, which are designed to collect vapors that might otherwise escape the gas tank, thus reducing the risk of fires and explosions.

Vapor recovery systems have been changing the way gas stations operate, and in 1993, Rhode Island required all gas stations to have these nozzles, which were seen as a major improvement in terms of safety and environmental protection.

In 1993, Rhode Island required all gas stations to have stage II vapor recovery nozzles.

The outlet notes that there are no current plans to change the laws in Rhode Island or New York, but with the advancement of safety technology, it is possible that these laws may be revisited in the future.

For now, residents of Rhode Island and New York will have to continue to fill up their gas tanks without the convenience of hands-free gas pump clips, and may also consider a truck bed upgrade to protect their vehicles.