New Hampshire § 438-40 - Section 438:40 Offenses and Penalties.
Full text of New Hampshire New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 438-40 — Section 438:40 Offenses and Penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 438-40. Section 438:40 Offenses and Penalties.
I. It shall be unlawful for any person to: (a) Use or have in possession for the purpose of using for any commercial purpose specified in RSA 438:10, sell, offer, or expose for sale or hire, or have in possession for the purpose of selling or hiring, an incorrect weight or measure or any device or instrument used to or calculated to falsify any weight or measure. (b) Use or have in possession for the purpose of current use for any commercial purpose specified in RSA 438:10, a weight or measure that does not bear a seal or mark such as is specified in RSA 438:14, unless such weight or measure has been exempted from testing by the provisions of RSA 438:10 or by a rule of the commissioner adopted under the authority of RSA 438:8 or unless the device has been replaced in service as provided by a rule of the commissioner adopted under the authority of RSA 438:8. (c) Dispose of any rejected or condemned weight or measure in a manner contrary to law or rule. (d) Remove from any weight or measure, contrary to law or rule, any tag, seal, or mark placed thereon by the appropriate authority. (e) Sell, or offer or expose for sale, less than the quantity represented of any commodity, thing, or service. (f) Take more than the quantity he represents of any commodity, thing, or service, when, as buyer, he furnishes the weight or measure by means of which the amount of the commodity, thing, or service is determined. (g) Keep for the purpose of sale, advertise, or offer or expose for sale, or sell any commodity, thing, or service in a condition or manner contrary to law or rule. (h) Use in retail trade, except in the preparation of packages put up in advance of sale and of medical prescriptions, a weight or measure that is not so positioned that its indications may be accurately read and the weighing or measuring operation observed from some position which may reasonably be assumed by a customer. (i) Use commercially any device which has not been licensed in accordance with RSA 438:7, VI. (j) Violate any provision of RSA 438 or of the rules adopted under the provisions of RSA 438. II. Any person who, by himself or by his servant or agent, recklessly performs any act prohibited, other than by rule, under this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any individual, acting as the servant or agent of another person, who knowingly performs any act prohibited, other than by rule, under this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. A subsequent violation of this chapter perpetrated by anyone other than a natural person shall be a felony. III. Any person who, by himself or by his servant or agent, or as the servant or agent of another person violates any rule adopted under RSA 438:8 shall be guilty of a violation. IV. In addition to any other penalty imposed under this chapter, any person who violates any provision of RSA 438, or any rule or order of the commissioner, may be subject to the imposition of an administrative fine levied by the commissioner, not to exceed $1,000 for each violation.
Source: official New Hampshire text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire § 438-40
What does New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 438-40 cover?
Section 438-40 ("Section 438:40 Offenses and Penalties.") is part of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire § 438-40?
A common citation format is "New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 438-40" (New Hampshire). 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 New Hampshire law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Hampshire official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney.
How does New Hampshire § 438-40 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire.