OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- Gas prices are on the rise and are now averaging about $2.54 a gallon, but a North County company is offering to pay for your gasoline -- however, there's a catch.

All of us at one time or another get stuck in rush hour traffic, and when we are, we sometimes check out other cars and drivers.

"Oh yeah, you're sitting there looking at each other talking on the phone (and looking at) what's on their car and stuff like that," said Gashelp founder Mel Jacob.

With that in mind, a business was born.

Jacob owns a brightly painted van he uses for his other business of picking up stuff to sell on eBay.

"I don't know that many people read advertisements on cars -- that's when the light bulb actually went on," said Jacob.

If you're willing to advertise as you drive, then Jacob is willing to pay you for it in the form of cards to get free gasoline.

In order to qualify for the free gas, you have to meet a few conditions.

Your car can't be a klunker. It has to be in good shape and you have to drive at least 1,000 miles a month, 10News reported.

You also have to have insurance and meet other stipulations.

The larger the ad, the more you get on the gas card.

The idea is just a few weeks old, but Jacob can see the potential.

"(You could advertise for) car dealerships, real estate, mortgage companies, toner companies house cleaning services, air cleaning services -- all different types," said Jacob.

And with gas prices climbing, Jacob is hoping the lure of free fuel will have drivers lining up, too.

Jacob is looking for 75 cars to get the program off the ground.

To that end, a promotional event will be held Saturday, Jan. 28. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3800 Oceanic Dr. #108, Oceanside, CA 92056.

For more information, visit www.FreeGasHelp.com.