Back in December Massachusetts residents rejoiced at the news that gas stations will be allowed to implement hold-open clips that allow for hands-free pumping. This is a luxury enjoyed by every other state in the country, and one that could save Bay State fingers from having to grasp pumps during the cold winter months. But it may take a year before stations are outfitted with them.

On Jan. 1, 2015 a law went into effect lifting the ban on the gas clips. In place since the 1970s, the prohibition was intended as a safety measure to decrease the likelihood of static electricity igniting the gasoline as it was siphoned into one’s vehicle.

The Boston Globe reports that it could take as long as a year for gas station owners to widely adopt the clips. Many of them will have to replace their nozzles, or entire pumps, in order to provide the clips.

But it’s all contingent on the owners, some of whom the Globe noted either saved clips when they were banned back in the day or will replace the handles on a case-by-case basis, not necessarily all at once – for example, if one breaks and a replacement is needed.

The move to make these clips legal was part of a fire code overhaul. Advances in pump technology, along data compiled from the rest of the nation, convinced Bay State fire marshals to lift the ban.

According to AAA’s latest survey of gas prices in Massachusetts, the average cost of a gallon of gas is $2.25, down 11 cents from last week. This time last year, the average was $1.19 higher at $3.44.