March 16, 2011
Help at gas pump for the disabled
Dear Consumer Ed:
My father can still drive his truck, but he cannot pump his own gas because of a disability. If the gas station does not offer full-service pumps, what options does he have?
Consumer Ed says:
Federal and State laws require gas stations to provide equal access for their customers with disabilities. If necessary, stations must provide refueling assistance upon the request of a customer with a disability, unless the station is operating on a remote control basis with a single employee. Stations are also required to let customers with disabilities know that if they need assistance, they can signal an employee by using the call button or honking their horn.
In addition, under Georgia law, if the gas station offers both full- and self-service pumps, a customer who holds a special disability permit and receives full-service must be charged the self-service price, unless he is accompanied by an able-bodied person of at least 16 years of age.