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1. How often do you check gas stations?

Gas stations are inspected every year. Gas stations that do not pass an initial inspection are placed on an increased frequency of inspection. Increased frequency of inspection can be every 6 months depending on the number of meters that failed on the 1st visit.

2. Do you call businesses before you inspect them to let them know you are coming?

No, all visits are unannounced to verify the business practices being inspected are representative of standard operating procedure.

3. Do you check the quality of the fuel, too?

Yes, we check the quality of fuel at every station in the county. Each tank is tested for the presence of water. Samples of fuel are sent to the Division of Measurement Standards Petroleum Lab for octane and quality analysis. Petroleum and automotive products must meet SAE and ASTM Standards. Those jurisdictions that have a portable spectrometer can determine the octane content at the time of initial inspection.

4. What happens if a gasoline or diesel meter is found to be in error?

If any meter or other commercial device is found out of tolerance, or is overcharging the customer, it is placed out of order (red tagged) until repaired by a certified device repairman. After the device has been repaired, we recheck it to verify that it is in compliance.

5. Have you ever found anyone deliberately cheating?

Intent is hard to prove. We prosecute violations civilly or criminally. We hold civil penalty hearings to resolve serious or repeated violations, or refer cases to the District Attorney. Several of our statues are strict liability, meaning that intent does not have to be proven.

6. Have you ever closed a whole station?

Yes, there have been several instances of contaminated fuel being sold, which resulted in station closure. Also if more than 40% of devices are out of tolerance the inspector may close the station until compliance is achieved.

7. If there is no certification sticker on the device, how do I know if it is accurate?

All commercial devices should have a colored certification sticker showing the date it was tested by our department. If it does not have a sticker, call our department at 317-776-8407.

8. Can any scale be used or does it have to be a special scale?

Only scales that have been approved for commercial use (type approved) and sealed by the department may be used for a commercial transaction. A licensed service agent may place a device into service before our inspectors conduct their tests.

9. What is "tare?"

Tare, or tare weight, is the weight of a bag, soaker, ice, packaging, wrapping, box, bin, pallet, truck, or any material not considered product or part of the net weight. Tare weight plus net weight equals gross weight. Selling by gross weight or measure is a misdemeanor (Business and Professions Code 12023).

10. Do you investigate complaints?

Investigation of consumer complaints is a high priority in our department. All complaints are assigned to a deputy inspector and investigated within 3 working days. When a complaint is outside our jurisdiction we direct the consumer to the appropriate agency.

11. Do you test utility meters?

No. These are tested by the state utility regulatory commission, which can be called at 317-232-2701 or visit their website.