Proper Gas Pump Etiquette in Upstate New York

We've all been in a situation where we've gotten gas and then need to run into the store, but if the gas pumps are busy you should not just leave your car there while others are forced to wait for you to buy things. 

I know that this is going to be a sore subject for many of you. This happens to be a major pet peeve of mine and I think it's time that we discuss this practice of leaving your car at the gas pump and then heading into the store to buy things afterwards. I know that it is bound to happen, that's just a fact of life. I do think we all need to follow certain gas pump etiquette, especially during high traffic times.

Let me go back. Earlier this week I pulled into a Capital Region Stewart's to get gas. When I got there every single pump was occupied. Not the first time I've seen that, but what I did notice were the amount of cars sitting at the pumps with no one in them and no one pumping gas. Several people walked out of the stores with items in their hands like coffee or food and then got back into their cars and casually left. In the meantime myself and several other cars were just left waiting for a spot to open to be able to get some gas.

This should not happen

At this particular time that all the gas pumps were occupied, almost every single available parking space was open. There was plenty of space for folks to move their cars from the pumps to the parking spaces and then go inside to shop.

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I know what you're saying right now "But BJ sometimes it's easier to just run in" and yes I agree. This, however, is just being courteous to your fellow gas pumpers who may or may not be un a hurry. Move your car after you pump gas. 

When is an acceptable time to leave your car at the gas pump?

• If you need to pay inside before pumping the gas
• If it is clearly not busy and many pumps are available for others to use
• If there is the problem with the gas pump and you have to consult the clerk
• Your car is broken down and unable to move

There are no other exceptions to this. This is just gas pump etiquette 101. People who leave their cars at the pumps are the same people who waste everyone else's time by packing into parking spaces. This is a hill I will die on.