Gas Stations Could Be Fined Without These In New York

Not only do gas stations have to have gas for you, but they need to provide at least one of these things.  If they don't have one, it could mean a fine.

For years, I've thought it was just a convenience to find an air pump at a gas station.  Did you know that it is actually a requirement for them?  It's the law in New York State that if a gas station has at least 4 pumps, they need to also provide "a functioning motor driven air compressor capable of inflating automobile tires for use by customers during hours in which such station is open for business."

In other words, they can't simply offer a foot pump that you would fill up bike tires with.  It actually has to be an air compressor style air pump.  If it's discovered that they don't have one, they face a fine of $25 per day.  Also, if, for any reason, the compressor goes down and needs repair, failure to do so could result in a similar fine.

Most of the gas stations in New York will charge you for air these days, but if you look hard, you can still find some that will provide it for free.

All these years, I've always just thought it was a convenience that "good gas stations" provide for their customers, but it's actually a requirement! Now I've been paying attention to see if there are any that don't have them.  It's one of those things that you don't really notice until someone points it out to you.