Gas Drive-Off Program

Most - if not all - gas drive-off incidents could be avoided if retailers opted to require “pay before you pump” policies.

Minnesota Statute 604.15 provides a civil process for service stations and convenience stores to recover losses and fees associated with gas drive-offs prior to involving law enforcement. For businesses wishing to continue their policy of “pump before you pay,” the Minnesota Service Station & Convenience Store Association (MSSA) has adopted a procedure to help recover the costs associated with these gas drive-offs. For more information on the MSSA Drive Off Program please visit https://mnssa.com/formstools/.

Faribault businesses wishing to submit a gas drive-off for criminal investigation by the Faribault Police Department must first complete the notice of nonpayment process laid out in MN Statute 604.15 or in the MSSA Gas Drive-Off Program. If there has been no resolution during the 30-day notice period, the business may then request a criminal investigation. 

The following criteria must be submitted to our office prior to an investigation being initiated:

• The retailer must provide an accurate description of the vehicle, license plate number, and description of the suspect.

• The retailer must provide video/digital imaging which captures the suspect vehicle license plate number as well as the suspect dispensing the fuel.

• The retailer must complete a Faribault Police Department Motor Vehicle Fuel Theft Report.

• The retailer must provide a copy of the Notice and Demand of Payment for Motor Fuel along with the certified mail receipt showing the 30-day waiting period has passed.

• The retailer must provide a copy of a signed statement by the employee who reported the act describing what the employee observed.

• This information should be sent to the Faribault Police Department Gas Drive-Off Program, 25 4th Street NW, Faribault MN 55021.

Retailers are still encouraged to call police for in progress gas drive-offs. If an officer is available, they will check the area in an attempt to locate and stop the offender. It is important that an accurate description of the vehicle, license plate, suspect, and last known direction of travel are given to the 911 operator, so this information can be passed on to responding officers.