TRENTON – The Senate approved legislation today sponsored by Senators Shirley K. Turner and Paul A. Sarlo that would require gas stations to clearly indicate both the cash and credit prices for any motor fuels they sell.
“When New Jersey drivers pull up to the pump at a gas station, they expect to pay the amount that is posted on the road sign,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. “They shouldn’t have to play a guessing game as to whether or not they will be charged an extra 10 or 12 cents because they’re using a credit card. Gas stations need to be up front with what they are charging drivers.”
The Senators bill, S-1431, would require all motor fuel retailers to clearly display the price they charge for credit card purchases if it differs from the price charged for cash purchases on all signs denoting fuel prices. Retailers found to be in violation of this requirement would face a $1000 fine per incident.
“It’s clear that skyrocketing gas prices are hurting retailers and drivers alike, but that’s no excuse for gas stations to use deceptive marketing practices to lure customers,” added Senator Sarlo, D-Bergen, Essex and Passaic. “Charging separate prices for paying by cash and credit is becoming increasingly common, but if drivers don’t have that information before they pull up to the pump, they feel like the victim of a bait-and-switch scam. That information needs to be readily available before a driver pulls into a gas station.”
The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 35-0 and now goes to the Assembly for their consideration.
