BP gas station deceptive sign, violation of Michigan House Bill 5596, tiny micro type St. Joseph, Michigan
Ok, gas prices spiked over night. At least four stations I passed earlier had prices of 3.95 and up. Then I saw this BP sign. 3.85 and pulled in. Only after I was nearly done filling did I notice the pump price did not match the huge sign. When I asked, I was told it's only with a car wash and it's on the sign.
really? I had the guy show me. OMG! I took a picture. here.
BP sign
After looking on line I found out this is ILLEGAL!
Michigan House Bill 5596
"The new Michigan law requires gas station owners to post conditions, such as the need to purchase a car wash or use cash, immediately next to the sale price. The difference here is that the conditions must be in the same lettering and at least half the font size of the sale price.
Clearly this one is NOT.
Also... most gas price signs have a price for REGULAR, then one for PREMIUM and sometimes DIESEL.
Apparently this station does not sell premium? I never even noticed regular is on there twice. Let alone that micro type about the "car wash."
So they got me. They can only get me once. I pass this station all the time too. So they made about 40.00 off of me. Never again! In fact I think I'll just drive by all BP stations from now on.
Surely BP is aware when they pay to have a huge sign made what will be on it!
This is no accident.
4 Updates & Rebuttals
The Outlaw Josey Wales
Golden Meadow,United States of America
ash is so smart
#5Consumer Comment
Sat, August 04, 2012
so much legal knowledge
TWSM
Southold,New York,
USA
You werent paying attention
#5Consumer Comment
Fri, August 03, 2012
Your pic is a bit small to read what is written but even at a distance I can tell there is some 'fine print' under the $3.85 pricing, enough that if i were shopping there I would certainly get in a position to read the terms before buying.
But obviously enough people in Michigan feel the same way about this 'dirty trick' they had the Michigan legislature pass a law to protect those who don't pay attention. The upshot of all this is the owner of the gas station, in fear of falling afoul of 'the law' will never post the cheaper price again, and those who enjoyed the cheaper fill up/car wash combination will be the ones who lose more of their free choices. But anything to make life safe for the lowest common denominator.
Enjoy living in a nanny state, Michigan big brother will certainly protect you from all harm.
Jenny
Hartford,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Did not know about the start date
#5Author of original report
Fri, August 03, 2012
I was unaware that law does not start until 2013. Thank you for posting that.
However, it's still not right. Clearly they are not trying to promote their car wash. It's barely visible. The sign below all the prices for sandwiches was much larger. That is where the car wash should have gone. And at that size. And most gas stations post reg and premium gas. Not regular twice with tiny fine print.
It's why this bill was signed in the first place.
Did I miss it? Yea. They got me. I didn't read. (Did not have binoculars in my car either.)
It's still a dirty trick. And because of it I'll never go to a BP again.
Ashley
springfield,Missouri,
U.S.A.
Missed one small detail
#5Consumer Comment
Fri, August 03, 2012
The section of that law you are quoting has not gone in to effect yet:
" Sec. 28e. Beginning 1 year after the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section, if motor fuel is sold at a roadside retail location, the advertising shall comply with all of the following:"
The law was passed and signed in on July 18, 2012. The signage regulations do not go in to effect until July 18, 2013.
This BP is perfectly legal until july of next year.
No ripoff here, just a customer unable to read a clearly marked sign.