Frequently Asked Questions

 I filled up at the gas station yesterday and put 15 gallons of gas in my tank. However, when I got to the station, my fuel gauge still was on 1/4 of a tank and my owner's manual says the tank only holds 16 gallons. How can this be? Or, I bought a new gas can the other day at the local hardware store. It's supposed to be a five gallon can but I got 5 ½ gallons in it. I think the pump must be off.

The requirements may be found in subchapter 11 of the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM):   24.351.1101 through 24.351.1117 ARM

     MAR 24.351.1101

Yes

 For Scale and Meters:
There is a course and then you must take a test.  We offer the course and test in East Helena, MT and hold classes 3 to 4 times per year or when there are enough participants to warrant a class. 

 For Belt Scales, Railroad Track Scales and LPG:
 There is no class; you may arrange a test date with us that fits your schedule. 

To sign up for a class or schedule a test contact: Email weightsandmeasures@mt.govor call (406) 443-8065.

Scheduled Courses & Tests

There is a $25 fee for the course and the test is included.

Course Information

There is a 3-4 hour review class before the test and you are allowed to use your book and notes when you take the multiple choice & fill-in-the-blanks test.

No.

The tests are on the applicable sections of NIST Handbook 44, Specifications, Tolerances and other Technical Requirements of Weighing and Measuring Devices, and Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM):   24.351.1101 through 24.351.1117 ARM (see question 1).  We will provide the law.  You should study Section 1 and either Section 2 or 3, depending on whether you will be servicing meters or scales.  You do not need to memorize formulas because the test is “open book.”  However, you should be familiar with how the handbook is organized and how to find information.  You do not need to study parts of Sections 2 or 3 that apply to devices which you will not service.  For instance, you need not study about propane meters if you will be servicing only gasoline dispensers, or about belt scales if you will be working on grocery store scanner scales.  Finally, it’s a good idea to take a look at the appendices to see what they offer.

Yes, the annual fee is $25 for the agency (company) and $25 for each technician. The registration expires December 31^st and the fees can be paid with a check, cash or credit card.

You will fill out the registration forms after you pass the test.  You must also provide certification done within the past two years at any NIST lab for all standards that will or may be used in Montana. 

Registration Forms & Information

No.

Yes, a plastic or wire tamper resistant seal must be placed on the device after it is calibrated and it must have your assigned registration number on it.  A sticker is acceptable for devices which cannot be “sealed,” 30 pound scanner scales, for example.  Your sticker must identify you, your company, and the date of service.  See question 12.

Yes, all devices placed into service for the first time in Montana and manufactured after January 1, 1999 must have an active certificate of conformance.

Certificate Search

You must apply a company sticker identifying the technician, company, and date of service.

Is there a pre-notification to the state on when we will be placing the new scale/ systems into service?

No. 

A placed in service form must be submitted (or post marked) within 5 working days of the service date for all scales and meters.  A test report is required for any scale with a capacity of 8000 or more pounds.  We can furnish you with the placed in service form or you can develop your own.  If you use an alternate form, you must have it approved by us prior to use.  You can submit them by email, fax or mail for approval.

Placed in service forms:
Scale Placed in Service Form 

Meters Placed in Service Form

Mailing Address:
Weights and Measures Bureau
PO Box 200516
Helena, MT  59620-0516  

Email:  weightsandmeasures@mt.gov
Fax:      (406) 443-8163

Montana law requires all standards and equipment be calibrated/certified at least every two years.

Yes, call the metrology lab at (406) 461-4168 for an appointment.

We accept certificates of calibration from any NIST recognized laboratory.  You must provide copies of the certificates when you register. 

Yes, a certificate of registration can be revoked for good cause, which shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) taking unfair advantage of an owner of a device;
(b) failure to have test equipment or standards certified;
(c) failure to use adequate testing equipment;
(d) continued failure to submit, or to submit in a timely manner, properly completed placed-in service reports for new installations or repair of existing devices;
(e) failure to adjust commercial or law enforcement devices to comply with the regulations adopted by the bureau;
(f) nonpayment of calibration or registration fees; or
(g) continued failure to properly seal devices.