The petroleum program requires weights and measures officials to inspect and verify that all gasoline service stations are compliant with California laws and regulations governing petroleum and automotive products. 

County officials regularly test dispensers for accuracy to assure they are dispensing the full measure of fuel charged for.  Tests are performed unannounced on an annual or complaint basis.  Weights and measures officials collect random samples of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, motor oil, and automatic transmission fluid for submission to California Division of Measurement Standards petroleum laboratory for testing to determine if the products meet established minimum standards.  If you believe you have been sold contaminated gasoline, please contact our department immediately for us to obtain a sample for testing.  The official lab results will determine the appropriate level of enforcement against the seller or supplier if the gasoline is found to be contaminated.  Since some service stations receive multiple fuel deliveries in a given day, it is important to contact our official immediately to report any suspicion of contaminated fuel.

Besides ensuring accuracy of fuel dispenser, weights and measures officials also conduct inspections of gasoline service stations for compliance with the following:

• Street sign advertisements (dual pricing, discounted pricing, etc.)
• Fuel dispenser labeling (brand, product, grade, and octane designation)
• Fuel storage tank labeling
• Petroleum product labeling (motor oil, transmission oil, engine coolant)
• Air and water service requirements for customers who have purchased fuel
• Disabled driver assistance policy posting

While inspecting fuel dispensers for accuracy and labeling, weights and measures officials are trained to identify and record observations of payment card skimming devices attached to or associated with the operation of motor fuel dispensers.

Did You Know?

By law, California service stations must provide free air and water to those customers who purchase gasoline or diesel fuel at that location. However, if no fuel was purchased, then the station operator has no legal obligation to provide free air and water.

If you experienced any of the following, then you have a valid complaint:

• A charge was imposed for air and water after a fuel purchase was made at the station.
• Air and water equipment was inoperative at the station.
• Air and water equipment was not available at the station.

You can file a complaint with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Division of Measurement Standards by completing their Air and Water Complaint Form.

What is Biodiesel?

You may have noticed some gasoline service stations have been switching over to selling forms of biodiesel.  Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable fuel manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease.  There are three common forms:

• Renewable Diesel #2
• Biodiesel B20
• Biodiesel B20 blended with Renewable Diesel #2

Before dispensing biodiesel into your motor vehicle, please check your owner’s manual or with your engine manufacturer before using.  Not all motor vehicles are built to run on biodiesel.