Consumer Protection

The purpose of the Weights and Measures program is to promote value comparison and fair competition in the marketplace.

Weighing Device Inspections

All weighing devices used in commercial transactions are inspected annually including scales used to weigh livestock, vehicles, produce, grain and gravel. Failure to have weighing devices inspected and sealed prior to commercial use is a violation of State laws and regulations.

Measuring Device Inspections

Agricultural and Standards Inspectors test, inspect and seal all commercial measuring devices including:

• Cordage Meters
• Fabric Yardage Meters
• Gas Pumps
• Privately-Owned Utility Sub-Meters (Electric, Vapor and Water)
• Propane Delivery Trucks
• Stationary Dispensers
• Water Vending Machines

Failure to have measuring devices inspected and sealed prior to commercial use is a violation of State laws and regulations. Other jurisdictional responsibilities include the quality testing and advertisement compliance of petroleum products, package inspections to verify net content statements, including quantity inspection of products sold by volume or count and price verification (scanner) inspections. The program includes ongoing undercover sales and purchases to supplement other primary testing procedures.

Weighmaster Inspections

Weighmasters are licensed people who weigh products for commercial transactions and issue certificates for the weight for verification by a third party. Buyers and sellers both rely on the use of weighmaster certificates for honest transactions. Staff inspects the records weighmasters are required by law to maintain for compliance. Failure to maintain accurate records is a violation of State laws and regulations.