State Weights & Measures Laws Flashcards

A state statute provides that 'all weights and measures used commercially shall be in terms of the system of measurement defined by the International System of Units (SI) or the US customary system.' What does this primarily regulate?

Answer: The units of measurement that may legally appear on commercial transactions and packages

This type of provision controls which units of measurement (pounds, kilograms, ounces, etc.) are legally recognized for commercial transactions and package labeling.

Under most state weights and measures laws, what is required before a scale technician may remove an official rejection tag from a device?

Answer: The device must be repaired and re-inspected by a weights and measures official, who then removes the tag

Only an authorized weights and measures official may remove an official rejection (condemnation) tag after verifying through re-inspection that the device has been properly repaired and now meets standards.

State weights and measures laws typically define 'short weight' as a situation where the actual quantity delivered is:

Answer: Less than the quantity represented on the label or stated in the transaction

Short weight occurs when a customer receives less product by weight than was advertised, labeled, or agreed upon in the transaction.

A state law requires that vehicle scales at public weigh stations be tested at least annually. Which test weight method is typically specified for large-capacity vehicle scales?

Answer: Calibrated test vehicles or test cars with known load

Vehicle scales are typically tested using calibrated test cars or trucks with known, certified loads because individual NIST-class weights cannot practically span the full capacity of a vehicle scale.

A state inspector samples 25 packages of ground beef at a grocery store and finds the average net weight is accurate, but 6 individual packages are underweight. Under state law using the NIST Handbook 133 sampling approach, what is the likely finding?

Answer: The lot fails if the number of unreasonable minus packages exceeds the allowable maximum for the sample size

NIST Handbook 133 uses statistical sampling where both the average and the number of 'unreasonable minus' packages must be within limits — exceeding the allowable count of underweight packages can cause a lot to fail even if the average is acceptable.

Which of the following best describes the relationship between state weights and measures law and NIST Handbook 44?

Answer: States adopt Handbook 44 by reference in their statutes, making its requirements part of state law

NIST Handbook 44 is a model document that becomes legally binding when a state legislature or agency formally adopts it by reference into state statute or regulation.

Under state law, a business that operates a scale without a current inspection approval may be ordered to do which of the following as a condition of continued operation?

Answer: Submit the device for immediate inspection and obtain approval before resuming commercial use

The standard regulatory remedy for operating an uninspected commercial scale is to require the device to undergo inspection and receive official approval before it may be used again in commerce.