On this day in 1942 17 states in the eastern United States began gas rationing as the war effort went into full effect. By the end of the year President Roosevelt would ensure that all 50 states (then 48 states plus Alaska and Hawaii as territories) were participating in gas rationing. Gas wasn’t the only commodity being rationed. Rubber was the first material to have a rationing program initiated since a Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies cut off rubber supplies to the US, making it difficult to produce tires needed for wartime vehicles. Gas stamps were issued by local boards and placed on the windshield of vehicles. There were different levels for different means. Black stamps were deemed vehicles that utilized non-essential travel, and were allotted just three gallons per week. Working vehicles, such as mail carriers and police vehicles received red stamps. Other efforts to reduce fuel consumption included the passing of a national speed limit of 35 mph, which became known as the Victory Speed. By December 1, 1942 mandatory gas rationing was in effect across the whole nation. Photos:A gas rationing stampA WWII Texaco advertisementGas station featuring gas rationing info
The best way to support This Day in Automotive History is to become a monthly subscriber on Facebook.
Subscriber benefits include:
- Most importantly, you’re supporting great content about Automotive History
- Early access to content on Facebook
- Discounts on our store
- Special live videos
If you learned something today, please buy me a beer!
POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE

August 10, 1978 – 3 teenage girls die in fiery Ford Pinto crash
August 10, 2024


March 27, 1998 – Ferry Porsche dies
March 27, 2023
February 09, 1846 – Wilhelm Maybach is born
February 9, 2017

RECENT POSTS

May 27, 1937 – The Golden Gate Bridge opens
May 27, 2025

What are the Essential Parts of a Car?
May 27, 2025



This Day in Automotive History - the book!

This Day In Automotive History
By Brian Corey
This book tells fascinating tales, bringing individual days to life with short stories, photographs and illustrations.

This Day in Automotive History
This Day in Automotive History is a transportation history, car history and general automotive history website dedicated to providing informative and entertaining content.
We encourage you to share our page and connect with us on Facebook or sign up for our automotive history newsletter. If you’d like your car featured, reach out to us!
We encourage you to share our page and connect with us on Facebook or sign up for our automotive history newsletter. If you’d like your car featured, reach out to us!
Related Posts

May 27, 1937 – The Golden Gate Bridge opens
May 27, 2025

What are the Essential Parts of a Car?
May 27, 2025


SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!
Connect with us on Facebook or sign up for our automotive history newsletter to keep in touch.