Frequently Asked Weights & Measures Questions

Weights and measures affect many everyday purchases—from the fuel you put in your vehicle to products you buy by weight, measure, or package.

These frequently asked questions provide general information to help consumers understand weights and measures, marketplace transactions, and where to turn when they have a problem or concern.

Who Is Responsible for Weights & Measures Laws and Standards?

At the national level, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) play important roles in developing technical standards, model laws, regulations, and guidance used throughout the United States.

State and local jurisdictions are responsible for administering and enforcing applicable weights and measures laws and regulations.

Who Enforces Weights & Measures Laws in My Area?

Most states have statewide weights and measures programs responsible for administering and enforcing weights and measures laws and regulations.

Many cities and counties also operate local weights and measures programs. Local programs can provide regulatory services closer to the businesses and consumers they serve.

The agency responsible for your area depends on state and local law.

Can Weights & Measures Help Me Get My Money Back If I Was Overcharged?

Generally, no. If you believe you were overcharged, you should first contact the retailer and request reimbursement or an appropriate adjustment.

You may also contact your local or state weights and measures agency and file a complaint. The agency may investigate and take appropriate enforcement action if a violation of applicable weights and measures laws or regulations is found.

Always keep your receipt and other documentation related to the transaction.

Does a Store Have to Give Me an Item for Free If I Was Charged the Wrong Price?

Generally, no. A retailer is not automatically required to provide an item for free simply because it was priced incorrectly.

However, individual retailers may have customer-service or pricing policies that provide a free item, price adjustment, refund, or other remedy.

Can My Vehicle's Fuel Tank Hold More Fuel Than the Manufacturer's Stated Capacity?

Yes, it is possible.

The fuel-tank capacity listed in your vehicle owner's manual should generally be considered an approximate capacity. The actual amount a vehicle accepts can vary, and a vehicle may sometimes accept slightly more or less fuel than the stated capacity.

Does Weights & Measures Control the Price of Fuel?

No.

Weights and measures programs generally do not set or control the retail price of fuel.

Their responsibilities may include verifying that fuel prices are properly posted and that fuel dispensers accurately measure and deliver the amount of fuel purchased and operate according to applicable laws and standards.

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

Commercial fuel dispensers and weighing devices are generally required to be tested and approved for commercial use.

Where required by state or local law, a device may be required to display a current inspection or approval seal showing that it has been tested and meets applicable accuracy requirements.

Commercial weighing and measuring devices should also be inspected periodically. Inspection requirements and frequency can vary by jurisdiction and device type.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Water Contaminated My Fuel?

If you suspect that water contaminated your fuel after refueling, contact the appropriate state Petroleum Division or responsible state agency and file a complaint.

Provide as much information as possible, including:

• Fuel receipt

• Station name and location

• Date and time of purchase

• Type of fuel purchased

• Amount of fuel purchased

The state agency may inspect the station's fuel storage tanks for water or other contamination.

If your vehicle was damaged, document the agency's findings and contact the station's owner or management. If contamination is confirmed, provide the documentation and a written repair estimate or other evidence of your costs when requesting reimbursement.

Who Is Responsible for Fuel Octane Ratings and Fuel Quality?

The Petroleum Division or appropriate state agency is generally responsible for requirements concerning fuel octane ratings and fuel quality.

Weights and measures responsibilities generally focus on the accuracy of fuel measurement, dispenser operation, and related pricing and measurement requirements.

What Should I Do?

Have a Problem, Concern, or Question About a Business Transaction?

Call your local or state Weights & Measures officials.

Contact your local or state weights and measures agency if you:

• Have a problem with a scale, fuel dispenser, or other commercial measuring device.

• Believe you received less product than you paid for.

• Have a concern about a package's stated quantity.

• Believe you were charged an incorrect price.

• Have a question about how a product is weighed, measured, priced, or sold.

• Want to report a business for a potential weights and measures violation.

• Need information about weights and measures laws or consumer protections.

Before You Call

Whenever possible, keep and provide:

Receipt • Business Name • Location • Date & Time • Product • Quantity • Price • Photos or Other Documentation

Providing accurate information can help weights and measures officials understand your concern and determine whether an investigation is appropriate.

Remember

You do not have to know whether a violation occurred before contacting Weights & Measures.

If you have a problem, concern, or question—or simply believe something may not be right—contact your local or state Weights & Measures officials and let them determine whether further investigation is appropriate.

2Serve Many Consumer Education

Weights and measures are part of everyday commerce. Scales, fuel dispensers, packages, labels, prices, and methods of sale all affect what consumers receive and what they pay.

2Serve Many Weights & Measures Group is committed to helping consumers understand these systems while helping businesses understand their responsibilities.

Know What You Are Buying. Know What You Are Paying For. Know Your Rights.

2Serve Many — Serving Businesses. Educating Consumers. Strengthening the Marketplace.