Report Inaccurate Scales and Fuel Pumps - Longview

Business and Consumer Protection Texas 3 Minutes Read ยท published March 08, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Longview, Texas, consumers and businesses can report suspected inaccurate commercial weighing devices (scales) or retail motor fuel pumps so they can be inspected and, if necessary, repaired or removed from service. Local complaints often trigger an inspection by the state weights and measures program or by local code officers; provide the location, device type, date/time, and photos when possible. For state inspections and standards see the Texas Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures program Texas Department of Agriculture - Weights and Measures[1].

Report the device promptly and preserve any receipt showing the measured amount.

Who enforces device accuracy

The primary enforcement authority for commercial measuring devices used for trade in Texas is the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Weights and Measures program; local code or consumer protection offices may accept complaints and coordinate with TDA or take local action under the city code. For Longview municipal code text or local enforcement rules see the City of Longview code repository City of Longview Code of Ordinances[2].

How to report a suspected inaccurate scale or fuel pump

  • Contact the Texas Department of Agriculture weights and measures office to file a formal complaint online or by phone; include device location, business name, photos, and receipt if available.
  • Alternatively, contact Longview Code Compliance or the consumer protection unit to report a concern and request local follow-up.
  • Keep evidence: dated receipt, photos of the device, pump ID numbers, and witness statements where possible.
  • Report as soon as possible; delays can affect the ability to inspect and seize evidence.

Penalties & Enforcement

Penalties, fines, and remedies for inaccurate measuring devices may be set by state statute and enforced by TDA; local ordinance provisions may also apply for consumer protection violations. Specific fine amounts and escalation for first, repeat, or continuing offences are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the enforcing office cited below.

Fines and exact penalty schedules are not specified on the cited pages; contact the enforcing agency for current figures.
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited pages; check TDA or local code for amounts.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: devices may be condemned, sealed, removed from service, or ordered repaired by inspectors.
  • Enforcer: Texas Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures program; local Code Compliance offices may refer or assist with investigations.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: file with TDA or report to Longview Code Compliance (see Help and Support / Resources).
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and time limits for administrative orders are not specified on the cited pages; verify deadlines with the issuing office.
  • Defences/discretion: inspectors may consider accidental error, recent calibration, or valid permits/repair records; consult the inspector for relief options.

Applications & Forms

The Texas Department of Agriculture publishes contact and complaint forms for weights and measures issues on its program page; local municipalities may not publish a separate form and sometimes accept phone or email complaints. If no local form is listed, use the TDA complaint pathway or call the city code office to confirm submission method.

Common violations

  • Fuel pumps delivering short volumes for the price paid (under-dispensing).
  • Scales used in commerce that are not certified, calibrated, or sealed.
  • Altered or tampered seals, unauthorized adjustments, or missing device identification.

FAQ

Who inspects commercial scales and pumps in Longview?
The Texas Department of Agriculture weights and measures program is the primary inspector for commercial devices; local code compliance can accept complaints and coordinate inspections.
How do I submit evidence with my report?
Provide a clear photo of the device and serial/ID numbers, a dated receipt showing the transaction, the exact address, and the date and time of the incident.
Can a business be fined immediately?
Inspectors may condemn or remove a device from service; specific fine amounts and timing are not specified on the cited pages and depend on statutory or local code provisions.

How-To

  1. Document the issue: take photos of the device, pump numbers, and a dated receipt showing the suspected error.
  2. Contact the Texas Department of Agriculture weights and measures program to file a complaint or request an inspection.[1]
  3. Notify Longview Code Compliance to report the incident and ask for local follow-up.
  4. Preserve evidence and act quickly so inspectors can verify and, if necessary, seize devices before repair or tampering.

Key Takeaways

  • Report suspected inaccurate devices promptly with receipts and photos.
  • TDA handles device inspections in Texas; Longview Code Compliance can intake complaints and assist.

Help and Support / Resources

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

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