Arlington Weights and Measures: Scales and Pumps

Business and Consumer Protection Texas 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Arlington, Texas, businesses that sell or dispense goods by weight or volume — including grocery scales and fuel pumps — must comply with official weights and measures standards enforced by local and state authorities. This guide explains who enforces inspections, typical checks, how complaints are handled and what businesses should do to stay compliant. It summarizes applicable city code resources and the state weights and measures program for practical steps to verify accuracy and address violations.[1][2]

What are weights and measures checks?

Weights and measures checks verify that commercial devices used for trade, such as retail scales and fuel dispensers, register accurate quantities and prices. Inspections cover device calibration, seals, visible meters, labeling, tare use, and pump calibration against standards.

Who enforces standards

Primary enforcement can involve the City of Arlington through code or consumer-protection divisions and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) weights and measures program at the state level. Local inspectors will act on complaints and routine inspections; the state program provides standards, testing protocols, and certification for commercial devices.[1][2]

State and local inspectors both play roles; businesses should keep calibration records available for inspection.

Penalties & Enforcement

Exact fines and penalty schedules for weights and measures violations are not uniformly published in a single Arlington ordinance online; specific amounts are often set by state statute or administrative rule and by municipal adoption. Where numeric amounts or escalating fines are not shown on the cited municipal page, this guide indicates that they are not specified on the cited page and points to the enforcing agencies for details.[1][2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see enforcing agency materials for amounts and ranges.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence treatment not specified on the cited page; enforcement discretion typically applies.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to repair or replace devices, seizure of inaccurate meters, stop-sale notices, and referral to municipal court or administrative hearings may apply.
  • Enforcer: City of Arlington code/consumer protection divisions and the Texas Department of Agriculture weights and measures program; complaints accepted via official department contact pages.[1]
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: file a complaint with City of Arlington code/consumer protection or contact the TDA weights and measures program for statewide cases.[2]
  • Appeals and review: administrative review or municipal-court appeal routes exist; specific time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited municipal page and should be confirmed with the enforcing office.
If a device fails, stop using it for trade until repaired and reverified.

Applications & Forms

Some programs require device registration, testing certificates, or calibration records; the City of Arlington does not publish a single weights-and-measures permit form on its general code page. For state-level device testing, see the Texas Department of Agriculture for certification and testing procedures. If a named municipal form exists it is provided on the enforcing department page; otherwise no form is officially published on the cited municipal code page.[1][2]

Typical inspection checklist

  • Visible and legible markings and unit labels.
  • Calibration certificate or recent test record.
  • Seals intact on devices that require official seals.
  • Price and unit-display accuracy for retail devices and fuel pumps.

Common violations

  • Uncalibrated or out-of-tolerance scales.
  • Broken or missing seals on meters.
  • Incorrect tare practices and mislabeled units.

FAQ

Who inspects my store equipment?
The City of Arlington code or consumer-protection division conducts local inspections; the Texas Department of Agriculture oversees the state weights and measures program for certification and standards.[1][2]
What should I keep for an inspection?
Maintain calibration certificates, repair records, device model and serial numbers, and any current permits or registrations.
How do I report a suspected inaccurate device?
File a complaint with the City of Arlington code/consumer-protection office or contact the Texas Department of Agriculture weights and measures program for state-level complaints.[2]

How-To

  1. Gather device records: calibration certificates, last inspection date, device serial number.
  2. Perform a pre-check: verify visible labels, seals, and correct unit displays.
  3. If you suspect inaccuracy, stop using the device for trade and contact an approved calibration service.
  4. If unresolved, file a complaint with City of Arlington code/consumer protection or contact the TDA weights and measures program for assistance.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Keep calibration records on-site and current.
  • Respond promptly to inspection notices to avoid sanctions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Arlington Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] Texas Department of Agriculture - Weights and Measures

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