It's an old law from back in the 50s. It kinda stuck around because no politician wanted to be the one suggesting a legislative change that would instantly caus

It's an old law from back in the 50s. It kinda stuck around because no politician wanted to be the one suggesting a legislative change that would instantly cause a bunch of gas station attendants to lose their job. I guess. Trust me, everyone else in the United States thought it was odd as well! Funny story, though: the first time I drove down to Portland and stopped for gas just before the state border, there was a woman at the pump next to me with a very concerned look on her face. As I was getting gas for my own car, she turns to me and (slightly embarrassed) asks if I can show her how the pumps work. Of course, I did, but it definitely threw me for a loop until I remembered that law existed.