New Law Makes Air Free At Hempstead Gas Stations

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Air is now free in one Nassau County town.

The Town of Hempstead has prohibited area gas stations from charging motorists a fee to fill up their tires with air, amending a nearly 40-year-old loophole that officials say allowed gas station owners to exploit incoming drivers.

According to officials, the prior statue --established in the township in 1978 -- allowed gas station owners to sell air to drivers as long as it was also provided for free "upon request."

Officials say in many instances, the free air was not advertised or advertised poorly at area stations, leaving motorists unaware they didn't have to pay at the pump.

Now, the Town of Hempstead is cracking down, asking residents to report gas stations who do not make it clear that air is, indeed, free.

"We expect no more excuses or evasive answers when motorists request air to properly inflate their tires," Town of Hempstead supervisor Anthony Sabatino said in a statement Wednesday.

Officials say station owners who do not abide by the new ruling could face a summonses.