FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES DEPARTMENT
INSPECTIONAL SERVICES DIVISION

 

What is a weighing and measuring device?

 

This is a term that we use to describe equipment or devices such as scales, gasoline pumps, or meters that measure commodities in the course of trade or business.  These devices are required by state law to be inspected annually.  A business is required to contact the weights and measures department and have that device tested and sealed before that device can be used for trade.

 

I’ve seen rectangular stickers on gasoline pumps and scales with the name of the town of Framingham on it and a date punched out.  What are they for and why are they there?

 

The “stickers” you mention are called “seals”.  These seals are required by state law and are placed there by a weights and measures official after the gasoline pump, scale, or other device has been tested and found to be accurate and in compliance with other state requirements.   The seal is an indication that customers are getting what they are paying for.   A green seal is used on even years and a red seal on odd years with the month and year punched out and the signature of the weights and measures official who approved the device.  In addition, a lead and wire, or plastic security seal is placed on the meter or scale, on the adjustment mechanism to prevent tampering.

 

Are there fees for testing and sealing of a weighing and measuring device, and for inspections?

 

Yes, when a weighing or measuring device is tested and sealed the inspector charges a fee approved by the Board of Selectmen.    There are “no” charges or fees for spot inspections.  However, if a violation occurs during an inspection, the inspector may issue a non-criminal ticket or request a criminal complaint in district court.

 

My owner’s manual says my car only holds 18 gallons of gasoline but I put 19 gallons into it.  What’s wrong?

 

There may be nothing wrong, as sometimes-automobile manufactures change the size of the tank in a particular car or truck and do not update the manual.  First check with the dealer.  If you are sure that the manual is correct, there may be a problem with the gasoline pump.  You should contact the Framingham weights and measures department and request that an inspector investigates that particular station.  It’s helpful to know the location of station, pump number, grade of gasoline, date and time of purchase.  This information will assist the inspector with the investigation.

 

When I got home from shopping I found out that I had been overcharged for several items at a local retail store.  The store-advertising flyer had lower prices than what the scanner charged me at the store.  What can I do?

 

First, contact the store manager and request that he correct the problem and reimburse you for any overcharges. .  Also, immediately inform the weights and measures department who will then inspect the store to determine the extent of the problem and take any necessary enforcement action against the store.

 

How can I be sure that I receive the proper amount of fuel oil that I ordered?

 

Every fuel oil truck has a meter that prints out the amount of gallons delivered.  These meters are tested and sealed by the weights and measures department and spot-checked on occasion.   The ticket must be left at the location at time of delivery unless otherwise requested.  The ticket must have the name and address of the buyer and sealer, amount of gallons delivered, date, price of fuel, and serial number on ticket.

 

When I buy a package of meat in a supermarket, do I pay for the plastic tray and all the wrappings?

 

No. You should only be charged for the product you are purchasing.  This is called “net weight”.  Anything other than the actual product is called a “tare” and its weight “must” be deducted from the total weight (gross weight) of the package.

 

Today, I filled up my car at a local gasoline station.  The large sign near the road said that Premium gasoline was $ 1.399 per gallon, but I was charged $ 1.449 per gallon.  What can I do?

 

Contact the weights and measures department.  An inspector will investigate the complaint and take immediate steps to rectify the problem.  This could be a warning, fine, or a court complaint.   In addition, the inspector would get a refund for any overpayments you made as long as you had saved the receipt and the inspector felt that an overcharge did indeed occur.

 

I recently went to a supermarket and had difficulty finding prices on food items.   Is this a local or state requirement?

 

Yes, it is a state law that food items, etc. must have individual prices on them.  Store are allowed exemptions on certain items such as milk, juices, some end displays, etc., but the vast majority of items “must” have individual prices on them.   Most “non-food” items are required to be individually marked.  These items, non-food, fall under the state Attorney General’s Office for enforcement.

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I recently purchased a pound of cheese at a deli and the scale started on .01 pounds.  Is that a problem?

 

Yes, all weighing and measuring devices, scales, meters, etc. “must” start on zero.   The deli manager should make sure that all of his/her scales always start on zero.   Advise the weights and measures department and they will send an inspector to investigate.