NEW: Griffo introduces bill allowing hands-free gas pumps

ALBANY, NY- New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo (R-C-Rome) has introduced legislation that would provide additional protections and conveniences to drivers at the gas pump.

New York's Fire Code, devised several decades ago, allowed for some but not all pumps at gas stations to be equipped with hold open latches. However, Griffo claims the way the regulation is written is confusing and outdated considering new technology and updated safety features at pumps.

“This bill would bring New York State in line with the rest of the country, would protect the elderly and other New Yorkers by limiting their exposure to harsh and potentially dangerous weather conditions when pumping gas and would rein in government overreach,” the Senator emphasized.

As of June 2025, 49 of 50 states in the nation allow for the use of these hold clips. Recently, Massachusetts lifted its last restrictions, which has left New York as the only state with a restrictive ban.

Griffo said his bill, which was motivated by the extreme winter weather in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley this past year and from hearing from concerned constituents, would authorize self-service gas stations to allow for hands-free gas dispensing by installing hold open clips on gasoline and diesel fuel dispensing nozzles.

Additionally, Sen. Griffo is inquiring into the difference in fuel prices between different regions of the state (for context, sources such as the AAA have said numerous times before the price gaps are caused by local competition from the volume of area gas pumps).

New York State Senator Joe Griffo image.