Categories: Uncategorized

Gas rationing goes into effect

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

Brian Corey

Recent Posts

October 31, 1957 – The Chevrolet Impala is announced

After debuting an Impala show car at the 1956 GM Motorama, Chevrolet used the name…

5 days ago

October 30, 1911 – Little Motor Car Company is founded, later becomes part of Chevrolet

The Little Motor Car Company, founded on October 30, 1911, in Flint, Michigan, is a…

5 days ago

October 29, 1932 – Safarikar builder Bruce Mohs is born

Bruce Mohs with his Opera Sedan following its restoration. (autobild.de) Perhaps you've heard of the…

7 days ago

October 28, 1977 – Tokyo Motor Show opens

First generation Daihatsu Charade. By Charles01 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 The annual Tokyo…

1 week ago

October 27, 1937 – Second generation Cadillac V-16 is introduced

1940 Cadillac V16 90 Town Car To build the ultimate automobile, Cadillac began development of…

1 week ago

October 26, 1966 – Toyota introduces what will become the best selling car ever, the Toyota Corolla

1966 Toyota Corolla debut (Toyota) The Toyota Corolla, one of the most iconic and enduring…

1 week ago