Richardson Fuel Pump and Franchise Rules

Business and Consumer Protection Texas 4 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Richardson, Texas the regulation of fuel pump accuracy and municipal franchise rates involves both state regulatory programs and city authorities. Fuel pump calibration, testing, and complaints are administered by the Texas Weights and Measures program, while franchise agreements and franchise fee practices are controlled through the City of Richardson's municipal code and franchise agreements administered by city departments and the city council. This guide explains which offices enforce rules, how complaints and appeals work, where to find official rules and forms, and practical action steps for businesses and consumers in Richardson.

Scope & Who Enforces

Fuel pump accuracy (measuring devices at retail motor fuel outlets) is enforced under Texas weights-and-measures law and administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Weights and Measures program [1]. For municipal franchise rates and franchise agreements (utilities, cable, rights-of-way fees), the City of Richardson implements and enforces terms through its municipal code and through franchise agreements approved by the city council [2]. Local compliance, inspection referrals, and consumer complaints are handled by the City’s Code Compliance or Finance departments depending on the issue [3].

Fuel pump accuracy is primarily a state-regulated enforcement area, with local offices assisting complaints.

Penalties & Enforcement

Penalties and enforcement measures for inaccurate fuel pumps or franchise violations depend on the controlling statute or contract. The primary official sources specify enforcement authorities but do not list uniform fine tables for every case; where numeric penalties are not shown on the cited pages this text notes that explicitly and points to the enforcing authority for specifics.

  • Enforcers: Texas Dept. of Agriculture, Weights and Measures (fuel pumps) and City of Richardson Code Compliance/Finance or City Council (franchise terms). [1][2]
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for general franchise-rate violations; specific monetary penalties for device inaccuracies or regulatory violations are listed by the enforcing agency. [2][1]
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing-offence treatment is not uniformly listed on a single municipal page and must be confirmed in the cited code or franchise agreement. [2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include orders to repair, calibration notices, revocation/suspension of permits, withholding of municipal privileges, or legal action; specific remedies are set in statute or the franchise agreement and are not comprehensively listed on the cited summary pages. [1][2]

Inspection and complaint pathways: Consumers suspecting an inaccurate pump should report to the Texas Weights and Measures program for testing; local complaints about franchise terms, billing, or franchise fee application should be submitted to City of Richardson Code Compliance or the Finance/Utilities office as appropriate. [1][3]

When in doubt, document date, time, pump number, transaction amount and preserve the receipt before filing a complaint.

Applications & Forms

Official forms and application portals vary by agency:

  • Texas Weights and Measures: procedures for testing and complaint submission are administered by the department; specific online complaint or test-request forms are located on the department site. [1]
  • City of Richardson: franchise agreements, municipal code provisions, and permit or licensing forms (when required) are published or linked on the municipal code repository and City webpages. If no city form is required for a particular franchise matter, that is noted on the controlling document. [2]
  • Code Compliance complaints and customer assistance contact details are available on the City of Richardson site; specific submission methods are described there. [3]
Some enforcement actions begin with a state-device inspection request while franchise-rate disputes often begin with the city’s administrative offices.

Common Violations and Typical Remedies

  • Fuel pump under-registration or over-registration: reported to state weights and measures for test; remedy may be repair, calibration, or removal from service. [1]
  • Failure to comply with franchise agreement terms (use of ROW, fee remittance): administrative notices, cure periods, and contractual remedies in the franchise agreement. [2]
  • Licensing or permit lapses for retail fuel operators: administrative penalties or stop-sale orders until compliance. [3]

FAQ

Who inspects and enforces fuel pump accuracy in Richardson?
The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Weights and Measures program enforces device accuracy and conducts inspections and tests for retail motor-fuel dispensers; local city offices can assist with complaint intake. [1]
Who sets municipal franchise rates in Richardson?
Franchise rates and fees are set through franchise agreements and municipal code provisions administered by the City of Richardson and approved by the city council; specific terms are in the controlling agreement or ordinance. [2]
How do I report an inaccurate pump?
Document the transaction, keep the receipt, then submit a complaint or request for inspection to the Texas Weights and Measures program; the City of Richardson’s Code Compliance office can help with local follow-up. [1][3]
How can a business dispute a franchise fee or seek a variance?
Businesses should review the franchise agreement terms and submit formal correspondence to the City’s Finance or Utilities department; appeals and contract disputes follow the administrative or contractual procedures described in the agreement or municipal code. [2]

How-To

  1. Collect evidence: pump number, time, receipt, odometer and fuel amount, photos if possible.
  2. Contact Texas Weights and Measures to request a test or file a complaint; note any reference or case number.
  3. Notify City of Richardson Code Compliance if the issue involves local licensing, signage, or repeated problems at the same location.
  4. If unsatisfied with administrative response on franchise matters, follow the appeal or dispute resolution clauses in the franchise agreement or the municipal code provision cited in the controlling ordinance.

Key Takeaways

  • Fuel pump accuracy is primarily enforced by the Texas Weights and Measures program, not the city. [1]
  • Franchise rates are governed by city-approved franchise agreements and the municipal code. [2]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Texas Department of Agriculture - Weights and Measures
  2. [2] City of Richardson Municipal Code (Municode)
  3. [3] City of Richardson - Code Compliance

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