On July 22, 1942, the United States government began rationing gasoline consumption as a measure to conserve both gasoline and rubber during World War II.

At the beginning of World War II, the United States actually had an abundance of petroleum, but lacked the ability to transport that petroleum to all parts of the country. Gasoline shortages were especially bad in the Eastern states, because most petroleum was carried over water by oil tanker, which became dangerous with German U-Boats operating off the coast of the United States. Further, there was a shortage of rubber for tires, since the Japanese quickly conquered the rubber-producing regions of Southeast Asia. Although synthetic rubber had been invented in the years preceding the war, the United States did not have enough manufacturing capacity at the start of the war to make synthetic rubber. Thus, the government decided to being rationing gasoline on July 22, 1942.

A national speed limit of 35 miles per hour was imposed to save fuel and rubber for tires. Depending on need, civilians were issued gasoline cards entitling them to a set quantity of gasoline each week. People had to present their gasoline card and a vehicle sticker when purchasing gasoline. The gas cards were only valid for a set period of time, in order to prevent hoarding. To receive a gasoline ration card, a person had to show a need for gasoline, and ownership of no more than five tires. The classifications of gasoline cars ranged from an A sticker for most civilians (3 to 4 gallons per week) to an X sticker (unlimited gas) for police, firemen, and civil defense workers.

Gasoline was only one of several items to be rationed during the war. Also rationed were sugar, bicycles, shoes, coffee, stoves, meat, lard, cheese, butter, processed foods, dried fruits, canned milk, firewood, coal, and several other commodities. Some medicines, such as penicillin, were also rationed.