Newark Office of Weights and Measures - Newark, NJ

About Newark Weights and Measures

The Newark Office of Weights and Measures is a vital consumer protection agency operating within the city government, often under the umbrella of the Division of Environmental Health. Located at 920 Broad Street, this office is responsible for ensuring equity in the marketplace by strictly enforcing state and local laws regarding commercial weighing and measuring devices. Their work protects both consumers and businesses by guaranteeing that ”you get what you pay for” in every transaction involving weight, volume, or count.

Inspections and Enforcement

Inspectors from this office conduct unannounced visits to businesses throughout Newark to test and seal various commercial devices. Key areas of inspection include:

• Retail Scales: Testing deli, grocery, and supermarket scales to ensure accuracy.
• Gasoline Pumps: Verifying that fuel dispensers deliver the correct volume of fuel.
• Timing Devices: Inspecting laundromat dryers and air vacuums.
• Price Verification: Conducting scanning audits to ensure the price charged at the register matches the shelf price.
• Fuel Oil Trucks: Testing meters on home heating oil delivery trucks.

Compliance and Complaints

When a device passes inspection, it receives a blue state seal indicating it is accurate. If a device fails, it is ”condemned” (red tag) and removed from service until repaired. The office also investigates consumer complaints regarding short-weighting, false advertising of prices, or inaccurate gas pumps. Residents who suspect they have been overcharged due to faulty equipment are encouraged to report the issue to this office.

Office Information

The office is based in the Newark City Hall complex. While field inspectors spend most of their time off-site, administrative inquiries can be directed to the main office. As with all City Hall departments, visitors must undergo security screening. The location is easily accessible via public transportation, with stops for major bus routes directly outside the building.