Pre-Pay Gas Law Affecting Drivers’ Credit

A new British Columbia law requiring drivers to pre-pay for gasoline is creating credit headaches with days-long $100 holds on credit card accounts.

Since Feb. 1, Grants Law requires drivers to pre-pay with cash, credit or debit cards before pumps are turned on, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., reported from Vancouver Thursday.

The law was named for gas attendant Grant De Patie who was run over and killed in March 2005 trying to chase a driver who hadn’t paid.

Meanwhile, Chevron, Esso and Shell stations are placing $100 holds on credit cards for as long as five days until the transaction clears regardless of how much gas was purchased, the report said.

Esso gas station manager Mary Munroe called the practice a safety procedure, the CBC said.

If somebody used their credit card and they bought $100 worth of gas, then went all around town and used their credit card and exceeded it, then Esso wouldn’t be able to get their money, she said.