Handbook 130 – 2019 III. Uniform Laws

13

III. Uniform Laws

Section Page

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law...................................................................................................................15

B. Uniform Weighmaster Law..................................................................................................................................31

C. Uniform Engine Fuels and Automotive Lubricants Inspection Law ....................................................................61
III. Uniform Laws Handbook 130 – 2019

14

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Handbook 130 – 2019 III. Uniform Laws

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

15

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

as adopted by

The National Conference on Weights and Measures∗

1. Background 

Recognition of the need for uniformity in weights and measures laws and regulations among the states was first noted 

at the second Annual Meeting of the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) in April 1906. In the 

following year, basic outlines of a “Model State Weights and Measures Law” were developed. The first “Model Law,” 

as such, was formally adopted by the Conference in 1911.

Through the years, almost without exception, each state has relied upon the NCWM Weights and Measures Law when 

the state first enacted comprehensive weights and measures legislation. This has led to a greater degree of uniformity 

in the basic weights and measures requirements throughout the country.

The original Law was regularly amended to provide for new developments in commercial practices and technology. 

This resulted in a lengthy and cumbersome document and the need for a simplification of the basic weights and 

measures provisions. The 1971 NCWM adopted a thoroughly revised, simplified, modernized version of the “Model 

State Weights and Measures Law.” This Law now can serve as a framework for all the many concerns in weights and 

measures administration and enforcement.

The title of the Law was changed by the 1983 NCWM. Amendments or revisions to the Law since 1971 are noted at 

the end of each section.

Sections 4 through 10 of the Uniform Weights and Measures Law adopt NIST Handbook 44 and the Uniform 

Regulations in NIST Handbook 130 by citation. In addition, these sections adopt supplements to and revisions of 

Handbook 44 and the Uniform Regulations “except insofar as modified or rejected by regulation.” Some state laws 

may not permit enacting a statute that provides for automatic adoption of future supplements to or revisions of a 

Uniform Regulation covered by that statute. If this should be the case in a given state, two alternatives are available:

(a) Sections 4 through 10 may be enacted without the phrase “. . . and supplements thereto or revisions 

thereof . .”; or

(b) Sections 4 through 10 may be enacted by replacing “. . . except insofar as modified or rejected by 

regulation . . .” with the phrase “. . . as adopted, or amended and adopted, by rule of the director.”

Either alternative requires action on the part of the Director to adopt a current version of Handbook 44 and each 

Uniform Regulation each time a supplement or revision is made by the NCWM.

2. Status of Promulgation 

See the table beginning on page 8, Section II. Uniformity of Laws and Regulations of Handbook 130 for the status of 

adoption of the Uniform Weights and Measures Law.

 

∗The National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) is supported by National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (NIST) in partial implementation of its statutory responsibility for “cooperation with the states in securing 

uniformity in weights and measures laws and methods of inspection.”
III. Uniform Laws Handbook 130 – 2019

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

16

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Handbook 130 – 2019 III. Uniform Laws

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

17

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

Table of Contents 

Section Page

Section 1. Definitions.................................................................................................................................................19

1.1. Weight(s) and (or) Measure(s). .................................................................................................................19

1.2. Weight.......................................................................................................................................................19

1.3. Correct. .....................................................................................................................................................19

1.4. Director. ....................................................................................................................................................19

1.5. Person........................................................................................................................................................19

1.6. Sale from Bulk. .........................................................................................................................................19

1.7. Package. ....................................................................................................................................................19

1.8. Net “Mass” or Net “Weight.”....................................................................................................................19

1.9. Random Weight Package. .........................................................................................................................19

1.10. Standard Package. .....................................................................................................................................20

1.11. Commercial Weighing and Measuring Equipment. ..................................................................................20

1.12. Standard, Field. .........................................................................................................................................20

1.13. Accreditation.............................................................................................................................................20

1.14. Calibration.................................................................................................................................................20

1.15. Metrological Traceability..........................................................................................................................20

1.16. Measurement Uncertainty. ........................................................................................................................20

1.17. Verification. ..............................................................................................................................................20

1.18. Recognition. ..............................................................................................................................................20

1.19. Standard, Reference Measurement............................................................................................................21

1.20. Standard, Working Measurement..............................................................................................................21

1.21. Metrological Traceability Chain. ..............................................................................................................21

1.22. Metrological Traceability to a Measurement Unit. ...................................................................................21

Section 2. Systems of Weights and Measures ............................................................................................................21

Section 3. Physical Standards.....................................................................................................................................21

Section 4. Technical Requirements for Weighing ......................................................................................................22

Section 5. Requirements for Packaging and Labeling ................................................................................................22

Section 6. Requirements for the Method of Sale of Commodities .............................................................................22

Section 7. Requirements for Unit Pricing...................................................................................................................22

Section 8. Requirements for the Registration of Servicepersons and Service Agencies for Commercial Weighing 

and Measuring Devices.......................................................................................................................................23

Section 9. Requirements for Open Dating ..................................................................................................................23

Section 10. Requirements for Type Evaluation ..........................................................................................................23

Section 11. State Weights and Measures Division .....................................................................................................23

Section 12. Powers and Duties of the Director...........................................................................................................24

Section 13. Special Police Powers..............................................................................................................................25
III. Uniform Laws Handbook 130 – 2019

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

18

Section 14. Powers and Duties of Local Officials......................................................................................................26

Section 15. Misrepresentation of Quantity .................................................................................................................26

Section 16. Misrepresentation of Pricing....................................................................................................................26

Section 17. Method of Sale.........................................................................................................................................26

Section 18. Sale from Bulk.........................................................................................................................................27

Section 19. Information Required on Packages..........................................................................................................27

Section 20. Declarations of Unit Price on Random Weight Packages........................................................................27

Section 21. Advertising Packages for Sale .................................................................................................................28

Section 22. Prohibited Acts ........................................................................................................................................28

Section 23. Civil Penalties..........................................................................................................................................28

23.1. Assessment of Penalties. ...........................................................................................................................28

23.2. Administrative Hearing.............................................................................................................................28

23.3. Collection of Penalties. .............................................................................................................................28

Section 24. Criminal Penalties....................................................................................................................................29

24.1. Misdemeanors. ..........................................................................................................................................29

24.2. Felonies.....................................................................................................................................................29

Section 25. Restraining Order and Injunction.............................................................................................................29

Section 26. Presumptive Evidence .............................................................................................................................29

Section 27. Severability Provision..............................................................................................................................29

Section 28. Repeal of Conflicting Laws.....................................................................................................................29

Section 29. Regulations to be Unaffected by Repeal of Prior Enabling Statute .........................................................29

Section 30. Effective Date ..........................................................................................................................................30
Handbook 130 – 2019 III. Uniform Laws

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

19

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

Section 1. Definitions 

When used in this Act:

1.1. Weight(s) and (or) Measure(s). – The term “weight(s) and (or) measure(s)” means all weights and measures 

of every kind, instruments and devices for weighing and measuring, and any appliance and accessories associated with 

any or all such instruments and devices.

1.2. Weight. – The term “weight” as used in connection with any commodity or service means net weight. When a 

commodity is sold by drained weight, the term means net drained weight.

(Amended 1974 and 1990)

1.3. Correct. – The term “correct” as used in connection with weights and measures means conformance to all 

applicable requirements of this Act.

1.4. Director. – The term “director” means the __________ of the Department of __________.

1.5. Person. – The term “person” means both plural and the singular, as the case demands, and includes individuals, 

partnerships, corporations, companies, societies, and associations.

1.6. Sale from Bulk. – The term “sale from bulk” means the sale of commodities when the quantity is determined 

at the time of sale.

1.7. Package. – Except as modified by Section 1. Application of the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation, 

the term “package,” whether standard package or random package, means any commodity:

(a) enclosed in a container or wrapped in any manner in advance of wholesale or retail sale; or

(b) whose weight or measure has been determined in advance of wholesale or retail sale.

An individual item or lot of any commodity on which there is marked a selling price based on an established price per 

unit of weight or of measure shall be considered a package (or packages).

(Amended 1991)

1.8. Net “Mass” or Net “Weight.” – The term “net mass” or “net weight” means the weight [NOTE 1, page 19] of a 

commodity excluding any materials, substances, or items not considered to be part of the commodity. Materials, 

substances, or items not considered to be part of the commodity include, but are not limited to, containers, 

conveyances, bags, wrappers, packaging materials, labels, individual piece coverings, decorative accompaniments, 

and coupons, except that, depending on the type of service rendered, packaging materials may be considered to be 

part of the service. For example, the service of shipping includes the weight of packing materials.

(Added 1988) (Amended 1989, 1991, and 1993)

1.9. Random Weight Package. – A package that is one of a lot, shipment, or delivery of packages of the same 

commodity with no fixed pattern of weights.

(Added 1990)

NOTE 1: When used in this law (or regulation), the term “weight” means “mass.” (See paragraphs K. “Mass” and 

“Weight” and L. Use of the Terms “Mass” and “Weight” in Section I. Introduction of NIST Handbook 130 for an 

explanation of these terms.)

(Note Added 1993)
III. Uniform Laws Handbook 130 – 2019

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

20

1.10. Standard Package. – A package that is one of a lot, shipment, or delivery of packages of the same commodity 

with identical net contents declarations.

Examples: 

l L bottles or 12 fl oz cans of carbonated soda

500 g or 5 lb bags of sugar

100 m or 300 ft packages of rope

(Added 1991) (Amended 1993)

1.11. Commercial Weighing and Measuring Equipment. – The term “commercial weighing and measuring 

equipment” means weights and measures and weighing and measuring devices commercially used or employed in 

establishing the size, quantity, extent, area, or measurement of quantities, things, produce, or articles for distribution 

or consumption, purchased, offered, or submitted for sale, hire, or award, or in computing any basic charge or payment 

for services rendered on the basis of weight or measure.

(Added 1995)

1.12. Standard, Field. – A physical standard that meets specifications and tolerances in NIST Handbook 105-series 

standards (or other suitable and designated standards) and is traceable to the reference or working standards through 

comparisons, using acceptable laboratory procedures, and used in conjunction with commercial weighing and 

measuring equipment (1.13. Accreditation).

(Added 2005)

1.13. Accreditation. – A formal recognition by a recognized Accreditation Body that a laboratory is competent to 

carry out specific tests or calibrations or types of tests or calibrations. NOTE: Accreditation does not ensure 

compliance of standards to appropriate specifications.

(Added 2005)

1.14. Calibration. – An operation that, under specified conditions, in a first step, establishes a relation between the 

quantity values with measurement uncertainties provided by measurement standards and corresponding indications 

with associated measurement uncertainties and, in a second step, uses this information to establish a relation for 

obtaining a measurement result from an indication.

(Added 2005) (Amended 2013)

1.15. Metrological Traceability. – The property of a measurement result whereby the result can be related to a 

reference through a documented unbroken chain of calibrations, each contributing to the measurement uncertainty.

(Added 2005) (Amended 2013)

1.16. Measurement Uncertainty. – A non-negative parameter characterizing the dispersion of the quantity values 

being attributed to a measurand, based on the information used. 

(Added 2005) (Amended 2013)

1.17. Verification. – The formal evaluation of a standard or device against the specifications and tolerances for 

determining conformance.

(Added 2005)

1.18. Recognition. – A formal recognition by NIST Office of Weights and Measures that a laboratory has 

demonstrated the ability to provide traceable measurement results and is competent to carry out specific tests or 

calibrations or types of tests or calibrations.

(Added 2005)
Handbook 130 – 2019 III. Uniform Laws

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

21

1.19. Standard, Reference Measurement. – A measurement standard designated for the calibration of other 

measurement standards for quantities of a given kind in a given organization or at a given location. The term 

“reference measurement standards” usually means the physical standards of the state that serve as the legal reference 

from which all other standards for weights and measures within that state are derived.

(Added 2005) (Amended 2013)

1.20. Standard, Working Measurement. – A measurement standard that is used routinely to calibrate or verify 

measuring instruments or measuring systems. The term “working measurement standards” means the physical 

standards that are traceable to the reference standards through calibrations or verifications, using acceptable laboratory 

procedures, and used in the enforcement of weights and measures laws and regulations.

(Added 2005) (Amended 2013)

1.21. Metrological Traceability Chain. – Sequence of measurement standards and calibrations that is used to relate 

a measurement result to a reference.

(Added 2013)

1.22. Metrological Traceability to a Measurement Unit. – Metrological traceability where the reference is the 

definition of a measurement unit through its practical realization.

(Added 2013)

Section 2. Systems of Weights and Measures 

The International System of Units (SI) and the system of weights and measures in customary use in the United States 

are jointly recognized, and either one or both of these systems shall be used for all commercial purposes in the state.

The definitions of basic units of weight and measure, the tables of weight and measure, and weights and measures 

equivalents as published by NIST are recognized and shall govern weighing and measuring equipment and transactions 

in the state.

(Amended 1993)

NOTE 2: SI or SI Unit. – means the International System of Units as established in 1960 by the General Conference 

on Weights and Measures and interpreted or modified for the United States by the Secretary of Commerce. See 

“Interpretation of the International System of Units for the United States” in “Federal Register” (Volume 73, No. 96, 

pages 28432 to 28433) for May 16, 2008, and 15 United States Code, Section 205a - 205l “Metric Conversion.” See 

also NIST Special Publication 330, “The International System of Units (SI),” 2008 edition and NIST Special 

Publication 811, “Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI),” 2008 edition that are available at 

www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/publications/metric-publications or by contacting TheSI@nist.gov.

(Added 1993)

Section 3. Physical Standards

Weights and measures that are traceable to the U.S. prototype standards supplied by the Federal Government, or 

approved as being satisfactory by NIST, shall be the state reference and working standards of weights and measures, 

and shall be maintained in such calibration as prescribed by the NIST as demonstrated through laboratory accreditation

or recognition. All field standards may be prescribed by the Director and shall be verified upon their initial receipt

and as often thereafter as deemed necessary by the Director.

(Amended 2005)
III. Uniform Laws Handbook 130 – 2019

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

22

Section 4. Technical Requirements for Weighing [NOTE 3, page 22] 

The specifications, tolerances, and other technical requirements for commercial, law enforcement, data gathering, and 

other weighing and measuring devices as adopted by the NCWM, published in the National Institute of Standards and 

Technology Handbook 44, “Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and 

Measuring Devices,” and supplements thereto or revisions thereof, shall apply to weighing and measuring devices in 

the state, except insofar as modified or rejected by regulation.

(Amended 1975)

NOTE 3: Sections 4 through 10 of the Uniform Weights and Measures Law adopt NIST Handbook 44 and Uniform 

Regulations in NIST Handbook 130 by citation. In addition, these sections adopt supplements to and revisions of 

NIST Handbook 44 and the Uniform Regulations “except insofar as modified or rejected by regulation.” Some state 

laws may not permit enacting a statute that provides for automatic adoption of future supplements to or revisions of 

a regulation covered by that statute. If this should be the case in a given state, two alternatives are available:

(a) Sections 4 through 10 may be enacted without the phrase “. . . and supplements thereto or revisions thereof 

. . .”; or

(b) Sections 4 through 10 may be enacted by replacing “. . . except insofar as modified or rejected by regulation 

. . .” with the phrase “. . . as adopted, or amended and adopted, by rule of the director.”

Either alternative requires action on the part of the Director to adopt a current version of Handbook 44 and Uniform 

Laws or Regulations each time a supplement is added or revision is made by the NCWM. 

Section 5. Requirements for Packaging and Labeling [NOTE 3, page 22] 

The Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation as adopted by the NCWM and published in the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology Handbook 130, “Uniform Laws and Regulations,” and supplements thereto or revisions 

thereof, shall apply to packaging and labeling in the state, except insofar as modified or rejected by regulation.

(Added 1983)

Section 6. Requirements for the Method of Sale of Commodities [NOTE 3, page 22] 

The Uniform Regulation for the Method of Sale of Commodities as adopted by the NCWM and published in National 

Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 130, “Uniform Laws and Regulations,” and supplements thereto or 

revisions thereof, shall apply to the method of sale of commodities in the state, except insofar as modified or rejected 

by regulation.

(Added 1983)

Section 7. Requirements for Unit Pricing [NOTE 3, page 22] 

The Uniform Unit Pricing Regulation as adopted by the NCWM and published in the National Institute of Standards 

and Technology Handbook 130, “Uniform Laws and Regulations,” and supplements thereto or revisions thereof, shall 

apply to unit pricing in the state, except insofar as modified or rejected by regulation.

(Added 1983)
Handbook 130 – 2019 III. Uniform Laws

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

23

Section 8. Requirements for the Registration of Servicepersons and Service Agencies for 

Commercial Weighing and Measuring Devices [NOTE 3, page 22] 

The Uniform Regulation for the Voluntary Registration of Servicepersons and Service Agencies for Commercial 

Weighing and Measuring Devices as adopted by the National NCWM and published in the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology Handbook 130, “Uniform Laws and Regulations,” and supplements thereto or revisions 

thereof, shall apply to the registration of servicepersons and service agencies in the state, except insofar as modified 

or rejected by regulation.

(Added 1983)

Section 9. Requirements for Open Dating [NOTE 3, page 22] 

The Uniform Open Dating Regulation as adopted by the NCWM and published in the National Institute of Standards 

and Technology Handbook 130, “Uniform Laws and Regulations,” and supplements thereto or revisions thereof, shall 

apply to open dating in the state, except insofar as modified or rejected by regulation.

(Added 1983)

Section 10. Requirements for Type Evaluation [NOTE 3, page 22] 

The Uniform Regulation for National Type Evaluation as adopted by the NCWM and published in National Institute 

of Standards and Technology Handbook 130, “Uniform Laws and Regulations,” and supplements thereto or revisions 

thereof, shall apply to type evaluation in the state, except insofar as modified or rejected by regulation.

(Added 1985)

Section 11. State Weights and Measures Division

There shall be a State Division of Weights and Measures located for administrative purposes within the Department 

of _________ (agency, etc.). The Division is charged with, but not limited to, performing the following functions on 

behalf of the citizens of the state:

(a) Assuring that weights and measures in commercial services within the state are suitable for their intended 

use, properly installed, and accurate, and are so maintained by their owner or user.

(b) Preventing unfair or deceptive dealing by weight or measure in any commodity or service advertised, 

packaged, sold, or purchased within the state.

(c) Making available to all users of physical standards or weighing and measuring equipment the precision 

calibration and related metrological certification capabilities of the weights and measures facilities of the 

Division.

(d) Promoting uniformity, to the extent practicable and desirable, between weights and measures requirements 

of this state and those of other states and federal agencies.

(e) Encouraging desirable economic growth while protecting the consumer through the adoption by rule of 

weights and measures requirements as necessary to assure equity among buyers and sellers.

(Added 1976)
III. Uniform Laws Handbook 130 – 2019

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

24

Section 12. Powers and Duties of the Director

The Director shall:

(a) maintain traceability of the state standards as demonstrated through laboratory accreditation or recognition;

(Amended 2005)

(b) enforce the provisions of this Act;

(c) issue reasonable regulations for the enforcement of this Act, which regulations shall have the force and effect 

of law;

(d) establish labeling requirements, establish requirements for the presentation of cost per unit information, 

establish standards of weight, measure, or count, and reasonable standards of fill for any packaged 

commodity; and establish requirements for open dating information;

(Added 1973)

(e) grant any exemptions from the provisions of this Act or any regulations promulgated pursuant thereto when 

appropriate to the maintenance of good commercial practices within the state;

(f) conduct investigations to ensure compliance with this Act;

(g) delegate to appropriate personnel any of these responsibilities for the proper administration of this office;

(h) verify the field standards for weights and measures used by any jurisdiction within the state, before being put 

into service, tested annually or as often thereafter as deemed necessary by the Director based on statistically 

evaluated data, and approve the same when found to be correct;

(Amended 2005)

(i) have the authority to inspect and test commercial weights and measures kept, offered, or exposed for sale;

(Amended 1995)

(j) inspect and test, to ascertain if they are correct, weights and measures commercially used:

(1) in determining the weight, measure, or count of commodities or things sold, or offered or exposed for 

sale, on the basis of weight, measure, or count; or

(2) in computing the basic charge or payment for services rendered on the basis of weight, measure, or count. 

(k) test all weights and measures used in checking the receipt or disbursement of supplies in every institution, 

the maintenance of which funds are appropriated by the legislature of the state;

(l) approve for use, and may mark, such commercial weights and measures as are found to be correct, and shall 

reject and order to be corrected, replaced, or removed such commercial weights and measures as are found 

to be incorrect. Weights and measures that have been rejected may be seized if not corrected within the time 

specified or if used or disposed of in a manner not specifically authorized. The Director shall remove from 

service and may seize the weights and measures found to be incorrect that are not capable of being made 

correct;

(Amended 1995)

(m) weigh, measure, or inspect packaged commodities kept, offered, or exposed for sale, sold, or in the process 

of delivery, to determine whether they contain the amounts represented and whether they are kept, offered, 

or exposed for sale in accordance with this Act or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. In carrying out 
Handbook 130 – 2019 III. Uniform Laws

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

25

the provisions of this section, the Director shall employ recognized sampling procedures, such as are adopted 

by the NCWM and are published in the National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 133, 

“Checking the Net Contents of Packaged Goods;”

(Amended 1984, 1988, and 2000)

(n) prescribe, by regulation, the appropriate term or unit of weight or measure to be used, whenever the Director 

determines that an existing practice of declaring the quantity of a commodity or setting charges for a service 

by weight, measure, numerical count, time, or combination thereof, does not facilitate value comparisons by 

consumers, or offers an opportunity for consumer confusion;

(Amended 1991)

(o) allow reasonable variations from the stated quantity of contents, which shall include those caused by loss or 

gain of moisture during the course of good distribution practice or by unavoidable deviations in good 

manufacturing practice only after the commodity has entered intrastate commerce; 

(p) provide for the training of weights and measures personnel, and may establish minimum training and 

performance requirements, which shall then be met by all weights and measures personnel, whether county, 

municipal, or state. The Director may adopt the training standards of the National Conference on Weights 

and Measures’ National Training Program and the laboratory metrology standards specified by the NIST 

accreditation and/or recognition requirements; and

(Added 1991) (Amended 2005)

(q) verify advertised prices, price representations, and point-of-sale systems, as deemed necessary, to determine:

(1) the accuracy of prices and computations and the correct use of the equipment; and

(2) if such system utilizes scanning or coding means in lieu of manual entry, the accuracy of prices printed 

or recalled from a database. In carrying out the provisions of this section, the Director shall:

i. employ recognized procedures, such as are designated in National Institute of Standards and 

Technology Handbook 130, Uniform Laws and Regulations in the Areas of Legal Metrology and 

Fuel Quality, “Examination Procedures for Price Verification;”

ii. issue necessary rules and regulations regarding the accuracy of advertised prices and automated 

systems for retail price charging (referred to as “point-of-sale systems”) for the enforcement of this 

section, which rules shall have the force and effect of law; and

iii. conduct investigations to ensure compliance.

(Added 1995)

Section 13. Special Police Powers

When necessary for the enforcement of this Act or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, the Director is:

(a) Authorized to enter any commercial premises during normal business hours, except that in the event such 

premises are not open to the public, he/she shall first present his/her credentials and obtain consent before 

making entry thereto, unless a search warrant has previously been obtained.

(b) Empowered to issue stop use, hold, and removal orders with respect to any weights and measures 

commercially used, stop sale, hold, and removal orders with respect to any packaged commodities or bulk 

commodities kept, offered, or exposed for sale.
III. Uniform Laws Handbook 130 – 2019

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

26

(c) Empowered to seize, for use as evidence, without formal warrant, any incorrect or unapproved weight, 

measure, package, or commodity found to be used, retained, offered, or exposed for sale or sold in violation 

of the provisions of this Act or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

(d) Empowered to stop any commercial vehicle and, after presentation of his credentials, inspect the contents, 

require the person in charge of that vehicle to produce any documents in his possession concerning the 

contents, and require him to proceed with the vehicle to some specified place for inspection.

(e) With respect to the enforcement of this Act, the Director is hereby vested with special police powers, and is 

authorized to arrest, without formal warrant, any violator of this Act.

Section 14. Powers and Duties of Local Officials 

Any weights and measures official appointed for a county or city shall have the duties and powers enumerated in this 

Act, excepting those duties reserved to the state by law or regulation. These powers and duties shall extend to their 

respective jurisdictions, except that the jurisdiction of a county official shall not extend to any city for which a weights 

and measures official has been appointed. No requirement set forth by local agencies may be less stringent than or 

conflict with the requirements of the state.

(Amended 1984)

Section 15. Misrepresentation of Quantity 

No person shall:

(a) sell, offer, or expose for sale a quantity less than the quantity represented; nor

(b) take more than the represented quantity when, as buyer, he/she furnishes the weight or measure by means of 

which the quantity is determined; nor

(c) represent the quantity in any manner calculated or tending to mislead or in any way deceive another person.

(Amended 1975 and 1990)

Section 16. Misrepresentation of Pricing

No person shall misrepresent the price of any commodity or service sold, offered, exposed, or advertised for sale by 

weight, measure, or count, nor represent the price in any manner calculated or tending to mislead or in any way deceive 

a person.

Section 17. Method of Sale 

Except as otherwise provided by the Director or by firmly established trade custom and practice,

(a) commodities in liquid form shall be sold by liquid measure or by weight; and

(b) commodities not in liquid form shall be sold by weight, by measure, or by count. 

The method of sale shall provide accurate and adequate quantity information that permits the buyer to make price and 

quantity comparisons.

(Amended 1989)
Handbook 130 – 2019 III. Uniform Laws

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

27

Section 18. Sale from Bulk 

All bulk sales in which the buyer and seller are not both present to witness the measurement, all bulk deliveries of 

heating fuel, and all other bulk sales specified by rule or regulation of the director shall be accompanied by a delivery 

ticket containing the following information:

(a) the name and address of the buyer and seller;

(b) the date delivered;

(c) the quantity delivered and the quantity upon which the price is based, if this differs from the delivered 

quantity for example, when temperature compensated sales are made;

(Amended 1991)

(d) the unit price, unless otherwise agreed upon by both buyer and seller;

(Added 1991)

(e) the identity in the most descriptive terms commercially practicable, including any quality representation

made in connection with the sale; and

(f) the count of individually wrapped packages, if more than one, in the instance of commodities bought from 

bulk but delivered in packages.

(Amended 1983 and 1991)

Section 19. Information Required on Packages 

Except as otherwise provided in this Act or by regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, any package, whether a 

random package or a standard package, kept for the purpose of sale, or offered or exposed for sale, shall bear on the 

outside of the package a definite, plain, and conspicuous declaration of:

(a) the identity of the commodity in the package, unless the commodity is a food, other than meat or poultry, 

that was repackaged in a retail establishment and the food is displayed to the purchaser under either of the 

following circumstances: 

(1) its interstate labeling is clearly in view or with a counter card, sign or other appropriate device bearing 

prominently and conspicuously the common or usual name of the food; or 

(2) the common or usual name of the food is clearly revealed by its appearance.

(Amended 2001)

(b) the quantity of contents in terms of weight, measure, or count; and,

(c) the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor, in the case of any package kept, 

offered, or exposed for sale, or sold in any place other than on the premises where packed.

(Amended 1991)

Section 20. Declarations of Unit Price on Random Weight Packages 

In addition to the declarations required by Section 19. Information Required on Packages of this Act, any package 

being one of a lot containing random weights of the same commodity, at the time it is offered or exposed for sale at 
III. Uniform Laws Handbook 130 – 2019

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

28

retail, shall bear on the outside of the package a plain and conspicuous declaration of the price per kilogram or pound 

and the total selling price of the package.

(Amended 1986)

Section 21. Advertising Packages for Sale 

Whenever a packaged commodity is advertised in any manner with the retail price stated, there shall be closely and 

conspicuously associated with the retail price a declaration of quantity as is required by law or regulation to appear 

on the package.

(Amended 1993)

Section 22. Prohibited Acts

No person shall:

(a) use or have in possession for use in commerce any incorrect weight or measure;

(b) sell or offer for sale for use in commerce any incorrect weight or measure;

(c) remove any tag, seal, or mark from any weight or measure without specific written authorization from the 

proper authority;

(d) hinder or obstruct any weights and measures official in the performance of his or her duties; or

(e) violate any provisions of this Act or regulations promulgated under it.

Section 23. Civil Penalties

23.1. Assessment of Penalties. – Any person who by himself or herself, by his or her servant or agent, or as the 

servant or agent of another person, commits any of the acts enumerated in Section 22. Prohibited Acts may be assessed 

by the __________ a civil penalty of:

(a) not less than $__________ nor more than $__________ for a first violation;

(b) not less than $__________ nor more than $__________ for a second violation within __________ from the 

date of the first violation; and

(c) not less than $__________ nor more than $__________ for a third violation within __________ from the 

date of the first violation.

23.2. Administrative Hearing. – Any person subject to a civil penalty shall have a right to request an administrative 

hearing within __________ days of receipt of the notice of the penalty. The Director or his/her designee shall be 

authorized to conduct the hearing after giving appropriate notice to the respondent. The decision of the Director shall 

be subject to appropriate judicial review.

23.3. Collection of Penalties. – If the respondent has exhausted his or her administrative appeals and the civil penalty

has been upheld, he or she shall pay the civil penalty within __________ days after the effective date of the final 

decision. If the respondent fails to pay the penalty, a civil action may be brought by the Director in any court of 

competent jurisdiction to recover the penalty. Any civil penalty collected under this Act shall be transmitted 

to __________.

(Added 1989) (Amended 1995)
Handbook 130 – 2019 III. Uniform Laws

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

29

Section 24. Criminal Penalties 

24.1. Misdemeanors. – Any person who commits any of the acts enumerated in Section 22. Prohibited Acts shall be 

guilty of a Class __________ misdemeanor and upon a first conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less 

than $__________ nor more than $__________ or by imprisonment for not more than __________ months, or both. 

Upon a subsequent conviction thereof, he or she shall be punished by a fine of not less than $__________ nor more 

than $__________ or by imprisonment for up to __________, or both.

24.2. Felonies. – Any person who:

(a) intentionally violates any provisions of this Act or regulations under it;

(b) is convicted under the misdemeanor provisions of Section 24(a) more than three times in a two-year period;

or

(c) uses or has in his or her possession a device which has been altered to facilitate fraud shall be guilty of a 

Class __________ felony and upon a first offense shall be punished by a fine of not less than $__________, 

or by imprisonment for not more than __________, or both.

(Added 1989)

Section 25. Restraining Order and Injunction

The Director is authorized to apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for a restraining order, or a temporary or 

permanent injunction, restraining any person from violating any provision of this Act.

(Retitled 1989)

Section 26. Presumptive Evidence

Whenever there shall exist a weight or measure or weighing or measuring device in or about any place in which or 

from which buying or selling is commonly carried on, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that such weight or 

measure or weighing or measuring device is regularly used for the business purposes of that place.

Section 27. Severability Provision 

If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, or the applicability thereof to any person or circumstance is 

held invalid, the constitutionality of the remainder of the Act and the applicability thereof to other persons and 

circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Section 28. Repeal of Conflicting Laws 

All laws and parts of laws contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are repealed except as to offenses 

committed, liabilities incurred, and claims made there under prior to the effective date of this Act.

Section 29. Regulations to be Unaffected by Repeal of Prior Enabling Statute 

The adoption of this Act or any of its provisions shall not affect any regulations promulgated pursuant to the authority 

of any earlier enabling statute unless inconsistent with this Act or modified or revoked by the Director.
III. Uniform Laws Handbook 130 – 2019

A. Uniform Weights and Measures Law

30

Section 30. Effective Date 

This Act shall become effective on __________.