Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 581 - Weights and Measures
Nevada Administrative Code – Chapter 581: Weights and Measures
1. Purpose and Scope
NAC Chapter 581 establishes the rules, standards, and enforcement mechanisms for weights and measures in the state of Nevada. Its main purpose is to:
Ensure accuracy in commercial transactions involving goods sold by weight or measure.
Protect consumers from fraudulent or inaccurate measurement practices.
Regulate devices and instruments used for weighing and measuring, such as scales, meters, and scanners.
This chapter operates under the authority of the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 581, which gives the Director of the Department of Agriculture (Weights and Measures Division) the power to enforce regulations.
2. Key Provisions
A. Licensing and Registration
Businesses using weighing or measuring devices for commercial purposes must register their devices with the Division of Weights and Measures.
Certain devices require periodic inspection and certification to ensure accuracy.
License renewal is mandatory, and operating without proper certification can result in fines or penalties.
B. Standards of Accuracy
Scales, fuel dispensers, grocery scanners, and other measurement devices must meet national or state-approved standards.
Devices must be tested periodically for accuracy and consistency.
Devices found inaccurate or tampered with are subject to removal from service until corrected.
C. Inspection and Enforcement
Inspectors have the authority to:
Enter premises to test and inspect devices.
Seize, tag, or condemn equipment that fails inspection.
Issue orders for correction or require recalibration.
Businesses must cooperate with inspections, and obstruction can result in civil or criminal penalties.
D. Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Products sold by weight or measure must have clear, accurate labels indicating quantity.
Mislabeling or misleading packaging is considered a violation.
E. Penalties
Violations of NAC 581 can result in:
Fines for businesses or individuals.
Orders to repair or replace defective equipment.
Potential criminal liability if the violation is intentional fraud.
3. Examples of Devices Regulated
Scales: Grocery scales, shipping scales, and industrial weighing devices.
Fuel dispensers: Gas pumps must be accurate and properly calibrated.
Measuring instruments: Liquid meters, grain meters, and meters for prepackaged goods.
Scanner systems: Point-of-sale systems that calculate price based on weight or quantity.
4. Responsibilities of Businesses
Ensure all measuring devices are accurate and certified.
Train staff to use equipment properly.
Maintain records of calibration and inspection for each device.
Correct any errors promptly once detected.
5. Importance of Chapter 581
Protects consumers: Ensures they receive the correct quantity of goods purchased.
Maintains fair trade: Prevents dishonest practices in commerce.
Regulates technology: Covers modern devices like electronic scanners and fuel meters.
Legal compliance: Failure to comply may lead to fines, civil liability, or criminal penalties.
6. Summary
NAC Chapter 581 establishes the framework for fair, accurate, and standardized commercial measurement in Nevada. It applies to all businesses using weighing and measuring devices in transactions, requires registration and certification, sets accuracy standards, allows inspections, and imposes penalties for non-compliance.
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