FAQs

Frequently Asked  Weights and Measures Questions

Question:  Who Is Responsible for Weights and Measures Laws, Standards, Policies, and Regulations in the United States? 

Answer:     National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM)

Question:   Which Agency Enforces Weights and Measures Laws in My Area? 

Answer:      Most states have statewide weights and measures programs responsible for administering and enforcing weights and measures laws and regulations. However, many cities and counties also operate their own local weights and measures programs. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, locally administered programs can provide greater effectiveness, efficiency, and responsiveness by placing regulatory services closer to the businesses and consumers they serve. 

Question:  Can the Weights and Measures Program Help Me Recover Money if I Am Overcharged? 

Answer:      No. Generally, you must seek reimbursement directly from the retailer. However, you can file a complaint with your local or state Weights and Measures program. The agency may investigate the complaint and take appropriate enforcement action if a violation of weights and measures laws or regulations is found.

Question:   Are Stores Required to Give Me an Item for Free if I Am Charged the Wrong Price? 

Answer:     No. Stores are generally not required to give you an item for free simply because it was priced incorrectly. However, some retailers may choose to provide the item for free or offer another price adjustment as part of their customer-service or pricing policies. 

Question: Can a Fuel Tank Hold More Fuel Than the Manufacturer’s Stated Capacity? 

Answer:   The fuel tank capacity listed in your vehicle owner’s manual should be considered an approximate capacity, not necessarily the exact amount of fuel a vehicle can accept under every circumstance. A vehicle may sometimes accept slightly more or less fuel than the stated capacity. 

Question:   Does the Weights and Measures Program Control the Price of Fuel? 

Answer:     No. The Weights and Measures Program does not set or control the price of fuel. Its responsibilities generally include ensuring that fuel prices are properly posted and that fuel dispensers accurately measure and deliver the amount of fuel purchased and operate as required by law and applicable standards. 

Question:   Are Fuel Dispensers Required to Have an Official Approval or Inspection Seal? 

Answer:     Yes. Commercial fuel dispensers and weighing devices are generally required to be tested and approved for use before being placed into commercial service. When required by state or local law, the device must display a current inspection or approval seal indicating that it has been tested and found to meet applicable accuracy requirements.

Commercial weighing and measuring devices should also be inspected and tested periodically, with annual inspection generally considered a best practice, although the required inspection frequency may vary by jurisdiction and type of device.

Question:  What Should I Do If I Suspect Water Contaminated My Fuel After Refueling? 

Answer:   If you suspect that water contaminated your fuel after refueling, contact the appropriate Petroleum Division or state agency and file a complaint. Explain what happened and provide as much information as possible, including a receipt with the station location, date and time of purchase, type of fuel, and the amount purchased.

The state agency may inspect the station’s fuel storage tanks for water or other contamination and provide you with its findings.

If your vehicle was damaged, contact the station’s management or owner and provide documentation of the agency’s findings, particularly if water was found in the fuel. You should also obtain a written estimate or other documentation of the cost of repairing the vehicle and request reimbursement from the station.

Question:    Who Is Responsible for Verifying Fuel Octane Ratings and Quality? 

Answer:        The Petroleum Division in your state.