Massachusetts § 56 - Fees of sealers and inspectors

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 56 — Fees of sealers and inspectors, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 56. Fees of sealers and inspectors

Section 56. Except as otherwise established in a town by town meeting action and in a city by city council action, by adoptions of the appropriate by-laws and ordinances to set such fees, sealers shall receive and inspectors may demand the following fees for sealing and inspecting the following weighing or measuring devices:

(a) Each scale with a weighing capacity of more than ten thousand pounds, twenty-five dollars.

(b) Each scale with a weighing capacity of five thousand to ten thousand pounds, fifteen dollars.

(c) Each scale with a weighing capacity of one thousand to five thousand pounds, ten dollars.

(d) Each scale with a weighing capacity of one hundred to one thousand pounds, five dollars.

(e) Scales and balances with a weighing capacity of more than ten pounds and less than one hundred pounds, three dollars.

(f) Scales and balances with a weighing capacity of ten pounds or less, two dollars.

(g) Each liquid capacity measure, except vehicle tanks, of the capacity of more than one gallon and measures on pumps, fifty cents.

(h) Each liquid measuring meter, except water meters, the diameter of the inlet pipe of which is one half inch or less, two dollars, more than one half inch but not more than one inch, four dollars; for each such type of liquid measuring meter, the diameter of the inlet pipe of which is more than one inch, the following shall apply, vehicle-tank pump eight dollars, vehicle-tank gravity ten dollars, bulk storage twenty dollars, bulk storage user furnishes certified prover ten dollars.

(i) Each taximeter or measuring device used upon vehicles to determine the cost of transportation, four dollars.

(j) Each machine or other mechanical device used for determining linear or area measurement, two dollars.

(k) Milk bottle or jars, four dollars per gross.

(l) Vehicle tanks used in the sale of commodities by liquid measures shall be charged for each hundred gallons or fraction thereof, one dollar. An additional fee of two dollars per sealed indicator shall be received.

(m) All weights and other measures, twenty cents each.

(n) Each automated electronic retail checkout system with fewer than four cash registers or computer terminals, not more than $75.

(o) Each automated electronic retail checkout system with no less than four and no more than 11 cash registers or computer terminals, not more than $150.

(p) Each automated electronic retail checkout system with greater than 11 cash registers or computer terminals, not more than $250.

They shall also receive reasonable compensation for the use of special facilities, necessary repairs, alterations and adjustments made by them.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 56

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 56 cover?

Section 56 ("Fees of sealers and inspectors") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 56?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 56" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 56 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.