§ 119-1. Unlawful substitution.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to fill any order for lubricating oil, designated by a trademark or distinctive trade name for an automobile or other internal combustion engine with a spurious or substitute oil unless and until it is explained to the person giving the order that the oil offered is not the oil that he has ordered, and the purchaser shall thereupon elect to take the substitute article that is being offered to him.

History

(1927, c. 174, s. 1.)

§ 119-2. Brand or trade name of lubricating oil to be displayed.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to sell, offer for sale or delivery, or to cause or permit to be sold, offered for sale or delivery, any oil represented as lubricating oil for internal combustion engines unless there shall be firmly attached to or painted at or near the point or outlet from which said oil represented as lubricating oil for internal combustion engines is drawn or poured out for sale or delivery, a sign or label consisting of the word or words in at all times legible letters not less than one-half inch in height comprising the brand or trade name of said lubricating oil: Provided, that if any of said lubricating oil shall have no brand or trade name, the above required sign or label shall consist of the words in letters not less than three inches high, "Lubricating Oil No Brand."

History

(1927, c. 174, s. 2.)

§ 119-3. Misrepresentation of brands for sale.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to display, at the place of sale, any sign, label or other designating mark which describes any lubricating oil for internal combustion engines not actually sold or offered for sale or delivered at the location at which the sign, label or other designating mark is displayed, or to display any label upon any container which label names or describes any lubricating oil for internal combustion engines not actually contained therein, but offered for sale or sold as such: Provided, this section shall not prevent the advertising of such products when no lubricating oil is offered for sale at such place of advertisement.

History

(1927, c. 174, s. 3.)

§ 119-4. Misdemeanor.

Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Article shall for each offense be deemed guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

History

(1927, c. 174, s. 4; 1993, c. 539, s. 899; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)

§ 119-5. Person violating or allowing employee to violate Article to forfeit $100.00

Any person violating this Article, or any person, firm or corporation whose servant, agent or other employee violates this Article in the course of his employment shall forfeit to the manufacturer whose oil was ordered, or to the proprietor of the trademark or trade name by which the oil order was designated by the purchaser, as the case may be, one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each such offense, to be recovered by suit by the person, firm or corporation claiming the penalty against the person, firm or corporation from whom the penalty is claimed.

History

(1927, c. 174, s. 5.)

§ 119-6. Inspection duties devolve upon Commissioner of Agriculture.

The duties of inspection required by G.S. 119-1 through 119-5 shall be performed by the Commissioner of Agriculture.

History

(1933, c. 214, s. 9; 1949, c. 1167.)

§ 119-7. Sale of automobile fuels and lubricants by deception as to quality, etc., prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, copartnership, partnership or corporation to store, sell, offer or expose for sale any liquid fuels, lubricating oils, greases or other similar products in any manner whatsoever which may deceive, tend to deceive or have the effect of deceiving the purchaser of said products, as to the nature, quality or quantity of the products so sold, exposed or offered for sale.

History

(1933, c. 108, s. 1.)

Cross References. - As to prohibition against sale of antifreeze made from certain compounds, see G.S. 66-66.

§ 119-8. Sale of fuels, etc., different from advertised name prohibited.

No person, firm, partnership, copartnership, or corporation shall keep, expose or offer for sale, or sell any liquid fuels, lubricating oils, greases or other similar products from any container, tank, pump or other distributing device other than those manufactured or distributed by the manufacturer or distributor indicated by the name, trademark, symbol, sign or other distinguishing mark or device appearing upon said tank, container, pump or other distributing device in which said products were sold, offered for sale or distributed.

History

(1933, c. 108, s. 2.)

Cross References. - As to requirement that brand name be displayed, see G.S. 119-2.

§ 119-9. Imitation of standard equipment prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to disguise or camouflage his or their own equipment, by imitating the design, symbol, or trade name of the equipment under which recognized brands of liquid fuels, lubricating oils and similar products are generally marketed.

History

(1933, c. 108, s. 3.)

§ 119-10. Juggling trade names, etc., prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to expose or offer for sale or sell under any trademark, trade name or name or other distinguishing mark any liquid fuels, lubricating oils, greases or other similar products other than those manufactured or distributed by the manufacturer or distributor marketing such products under such trade name, trademark or name or other distinguishing mark.

History

(1933, c. 108, s. 4.)

§ 119-11. Mixing different brands for sale under standard trade name prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person or persons, firm or firms, corporation or corporations or any of their servants, agents or employees, to mix, blend or compound the liquid fuels, lubricating oils, greases or similar products of the manufacturer or distributor with the products of any other manufacturer or distributor, or adulterate the same, and expose or offer for sale or sell such mixed, blended or compounded products under the trade name, trademark or name or other distinguishing mark of either of said manufacturers or distributors, or as the adulterated products of such manufacturer or distributor: Provided, however, that nothing herein shall prevent the lawful owner thereof from applying its own trademark, trade name or symbol to any product or material.

History

(1933, c. 108, s. 5.)

§ 119-12. Aiding and assisting in violation of Article prohibited.

It shall be unlawful, and upon conviction punishable as will hereinafter be stated, for any person or persons, firm or firms, partnership or copartnership, corporation or corporations or any of their agents or employees, to aid or assist any other person in violating any of the provisions of this Article by depositing or delivering into any tank, pump, receptacle or other container any liquid fuels, lubricating oils, greases or other like products other than those intended to be stored, therein, as indicated by the name of the manufacturer or distributor, or the trademark, the trade name, name or other distinguishing mark of the product displayed in the container itself, or on the pump or other distributing device used in connection therewith, or shall by any other means aid or assist another in the violation of any of the provisions of this Article.

History

(1933, c. 108, s. 6.)

§ 119-13. Violation made misdemeanor.

Every person, firm or firms, partnership or copartnership, corporation or corporations, or any of their agents, servants or employees, violating any of the provisions of this Article shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

History

(1933, c. 108, s. 7; 1993, c. 539, s. 900; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)

§ 119-13.1. Definitions.

As used in this Article:

1. "Lubricating oil" means any oil classified for the use in an internal combustion engine, hydraulic system, gear box, differential, or wheel bearings.
2. "Recycled oil" means any oil prepared from used oil for energy recovery or reuse as a petroleum product by reclaiming, reprocessing, rerefining, or other means that use properly treated used oil as a substitute for petroleum products.
3. "Rerefined oil" means used oil that is refined to remove the physical and chemical contaminants acquired through use and that, by itself or when blended with new lubricating oil or additives, meets applicable American Petroleum Institute (A.P.I.) service classifications.
4. "Specifications" means the minimum chemical properties or analysis as determined by the American Society for Testing Materials (A.S.T.M.) test methods using current ASTM analytical procedures.
5. "Used oil" means any oil that has been refined from crude or synthetic oil and, as a result of use, storage, or handling becomes unsuitable for its original purpose due to the loss of its original properties or the presence of impurities, but that may be rerefined for further use.

History

(1953, c. 1137; 1979, c. 158, s. 1; 1995, c. 516, s. 1.)

Editor's Note. - The definitions in this section were placed in alphabetical order at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

§ 119-13.2. Labels required on sealed containers; oil to meet minimum specifications.

1. It shall be unlawful to offer for sale or sell or deliver in this State previously used oil that has not been rerefined or recycled oil that has not been rerefined, as defined in G.S. 119-13.1, in a sealed container unless this container be labeled or bear a label on which shall be expressed the brand or trade name of the oil and the words "made from previously used lubricating oil"; the name and address of the person, firm, or corporation that has rerefined or reprocessed said oil or placed it in the container; the Society of Automotive Engineers (S.A.E.) viscosity grade; the net contents of the container expressed in U.S. liquid measure of quarts, gallons, or pints; which label has been registered and approved by the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Division of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; and that the oil in each container shall meet the minimum specifications. The Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board shall adopt minimum quality specifications, the measurement of which shall be accomplished using current A.S.T.M. analytical procedures.
2. A person may represent a product made in whole or in part from rerefined oil to be substantially equivalent to a product made from virgin oil for a particular end use if the product conforms with the applicable American Petroleum Institute (A.P.I.) service classifications.

History

(1953, c. 1137; 1979, c. 158, s. 2; 1995, c. 516, s. 2; 1997-261, s. 109.)

§ 119-13.3. Violation a misdemeanor.

Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Article shall for each offense be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. For a second or subsequent offense, the person shall also be enjoined from selling or distributing previously used oil for not less than one year nor more than five years.

History

(1953, c. 1137; 1993, c. 539, s. 901; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1995, c. 516, s. 3.)

§ 119-14. Title of Article.

This Article shall be known as the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Act.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 1.)

§ 119-15. Definitions that apply to Article.

The following definitions apply in this Article:

1. Alternative fuel. - Defined in G.S. 105-449.130.
2. Aviation gasoline. - Defined in G.S. 105-449.60.
3. Dyed diesel fuel. - Defined in G.S. 105-449.60.
4. Dyed diesel fuel distributor. - A person who acquires dyed diesel fuel from either of the following:
   1. A person who is not required to be licensed under Part 2 of Article 36C of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes and who maintains storage facilities for dyed diesel fuel to be used for nonhighway purposes.
   2. Another dyed diesel fuel distributor.
5. Gasoline. - Defined in G.S. 105-449.60.
6. Jet fuel. - Defined in G.S. 105-449.60.
7. Kerosene. - Defined in G.S. 105-449.60.
8. Kerosene distributor. - A person who acquires kerosene from any of the following for subsequent sale:
   1. A supplier licensed under Part 2 of Article 36C of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes.
   2. A kerosene supplier.
   3. Another kerosene distributor.
9. Kerosene supplier. - Either of the following:
   1. A person who supplies both kerosene and motor fuel and, consequently, is required to be licensed under Part 2 of Article 36C of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes.
   2. A person who is not required to be licensed as a supplier under Part 2 of Article 36C of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes and who maintains storage facilities for kerosene to be used to fuel an airplane.
10. Motor fuel. - Defined in G.S. 105-449.60.
11. Person. - Defined in G.S. 105-229.90.
12. Terminal. - Defined in G.S. 105-449.60.
13. Terminal operator. - Defined in G.S. 105-449.60.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 2; 1995, c. 390, s. 19; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 647, s. 53; 1997-6, s. 17; 2003-349, s. 10.12; 2005-435, s. 19; 2008-134, s. 59.)

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2003-349, s. 10.12, effective January 1, 2004, added subdivisions (6) and (7).

Session Laws 2005-435, s. 19, effective September 27, 2005, added subdivisions (1a) and (1b).

Session Laws 2008-134, s. 59, effective January 1, 2009, added subdivisions (2) and (6); redesignated remaining subsections to order them numerically; and in subdivision (7), substituted "Defined in G.S. 105-449.60" for "Petroleum oil that is free from water, glue, and suspended matter and that meets the specifications and standards adopted by the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board."

§ 119-15.1. List of persons who must have a license.

1. License. - A person may not engage in business in this State as any of the following unless the person has a license issued by the Secretary authorizing the person to engage in business:
   1. A kerosene supplier.
   2. A kerosene distributor.
   3. A kerosene terminal operator.
   4. A dyed diesel fuel distributor.
2. Exception. - A kerosene supplier license is not required if the supplier is licensed as a supplier under Part 2 of Article 36C of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes. A kerosene distributor is required to have a kerosene distributor license only if the distributor imports kerosene. Other kerosene distributors may elect to have a kerosene license. A kerosene terminal operator license is not required if the terminal operator is licensed as a terminal operator under Part 2 of Article 36C of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes.

History

(2003-349, s. 10.14; 2004-170, s. 33; 2004-203, s. 82; 2005-435, s. 20.)

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2004-170, s. 33, effective August 2, 2004, substituted "terminal operator" for "supplier" two times in subsection (b).

Session Laws 2005-435, s. 20, effective September 27, 2005, added subdivision (a)(4).

§ 119-15.2. How to apply for a license.

To obtain a license, an applicant must file an application with the Secretary of Revenue on a form provided by the Secretary. An application must include the applicant's name, address, federal employer identification number, and any other information required by the Secretary. An applicant must meet the requirements for obtaining a license set out in G.S. 105-449.69(b) and (c).

History

(2003-349, s. 10.14; 2004-203, s. 82.)

§ 119-15.3. Bond or letter of credit required as a condition of obtaining and keeping certain licenses.

1. Initial Bond. - An applicant for a license as a kerosene supplier, kerosene distributor, or kerosene terminal operator must file with the Secretary of Revenue a bond or an irrevocable letter of credit. A bond or irrevocable letter of credit must be conditioned upon compliance with the requirements of this Article, be payable to the State, and be in the form required by the Secretary. The amount of the bond or irrevocable letter of credit may not be less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) and may not be more than twenty thousand dollars ($20,000).
2. Adjustments to Bond. - When notified by the Secretary of Revenue, a person that has filed a bond or irrevocable letter of credit and that holds a license listed in this Article must file an additional bond or irrevocable letter of credit in the amount requested by the Secretary. The person must file the additional bond or irrevocable letter of credit within 30 days after receiving the notice from the Secretary. The amount of the initial bond or irrevocable letter of credit and the additional bond or irrevocable letter of credit by the license holder, however, may not exceed the limits set in subsection (a) of this section.
3. Class 1. - A person who fails to comply with this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

History

(2003-349, s. 10.14; 2004-203, s. 82; 2005-435, s. 21.)

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2005-435, s. 21, effective September 27, 2005, inserted "or irrevocable letter of credit" following "A bond" in the second sentence of subsection (a).

§§ 119-16, 119-16.1: Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 390, ss. 20 and 21.

§ 119-16.2: Repealed by Session Laws 2003-349, s. 10.13, effective January 1, 2004.

§ 119-16.3. Certain kerosene sales prohibited.

It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for any distributor to sell kerosene dispensed from a pump located on the same island where there are pumps dispensing gasoline or gasohol. An island is a group of two or more dispensing pumps within 15 feet of each other. This section shall apply only to pumps installed after October 1, 1985.

History

(1985, c. 314; 1993, c. 539, s. 903; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)

§ 119-17: Repealed by Session Laws 2007-527, s. 20, effective August 31, 2007.

§ 119-18. Inspection tax and distribution of the tax proceeds.

1. Tax. - An inspection tax of one fourth of one cent (1/4 of 1›) per gallon is levied upon all of the fuel listed in this subsection regardless of whether the fuel is exempt from the per-gallon excise tax imposed by Article 36C or 36D of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes. The inspection tax on motor fuel is due and payable to the Secretary of Revenue on the date the per gallon excise tax on motor fuel is due and payable under Article 36C of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes. The inspection tax on alternative fuel is due and payable to the Secretary of Revenue on the date the excise tax on alternative fuel is due and payable under Article 36D of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes. The inspection tax on kerosene is payable monthly to the Secretary by a supplier that is licensed under Part 2 of Article 36C of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes and by a kerosene supplier. A monthly report is due on the date a monthly return is due under G.S. 105-449.90 and applies to kerosene sold during the preceding month by a supplier licensed under that Part and to kerosene received during the preceding month by a kerosene supplier. A kerosene terminal operator must file a return in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 105-449.90. The inspection tax on jet fuel and aviation gasoline is payable as specified by the Secretary of Revenue.
   1. Motor fuel.
   2. Alternative fuel used to operate a highway vehicle.
   3. Kerosene.
   4. Jet fuel.
   5. Aviation gasoline.
2. Deferred Payment. - A licensed kerosene distributor that buys kerosene from a supplier licensed under Part 2 of Article 36C of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes has the right to defer payment of the inspection tax until the supplier is required to remit the tax to this State or another state. A licensed kerosene distributor that pays the tax due a supplier licensed under that Part by the date the supplier must pay the tax to the State may deduct from the amount due a discount in the amount set in G.S. 105-449.93.
3. Proceeds. - The proceeds of the inspection tax levied by this section shall be applied first to the costs of administering this Article and Subchapter V of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes. The remainder of the proceeds shall be credited on a monthly basis to the Highway Fund to be used for the bridge program established under G.S. 136-76.2.
4. No Local Tax. - No county, city, or town shall impose any inspection charge, tax, or fee, in the nature of the charge prescribed by this section, upon kerosene and motor fuel.

History

(1917, c. 166, s. 4; C.S., s. 4856; 1933, c. 544, s. 5; 1937, c. 425, s. 5; 1967, c. 1110, s. 12; 1973, c. 476, s. 193; 1985, c. 602, s. 2; 1991, c. 636, s. 12; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 913, s. 12; 1993, c. 402, s. 8; 1995, c. 390, s. 23; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 647, s. 55; 2003-349, ss. 10.15, 10.16; 2006-162, s. 15(e); 2008-134, s. 60; 2011-145, s. 28.25A(b); 2014-100, s. 34.18(b); 2017-57, s. 34.10(c).)

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2003-349, ss. 10.15 and 10.16, effective January 1, 2004, rewrote subsection (a) and added subsection (a1).

Session Laws 2006-162, s. 15(e), effective January 1, 2007, and applicable to motor fuel purchased on or after that date, in subsection (a), substituted "on the same date as a monthly return due under G.S. 105-449.90" for "by the 22nd of each month" in the middle of the next-to-last sentence, and substituted "G.S. 105-449.90" for "G.S. 105-449.100" at the end of the last sentence.

Session Laws 2008-134, s. 60, effective January 1, 2009, in subsection (a), substituted "on the date" for "at the same time that" twice, substituted "on the date a monthly" for "on the same date as a monthly" in the fifth sentence, added the last sentence of the first paragraph; and added subdivisions (4) and (5).

Session Laws 2011-145, s. 28.25A(b), effective July 1, 2011, in subsection (b), deleted the former last two sentences, which pertained to the amount of revenue in the Noncommercial Leaking Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund, and rewrote the present last sentence, which formerly read: "The remainder of the proceeds shall be credited on a monthly basis to the Commercial Leaking Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund and the Noncommercial Leaking Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund."

Session Laws 2014-100, s. 34.18(b), effective July 1, 2014, substituted "the bridge program" for "system preservation" in subsection (b).

Session Laws 2017-57, s. 34.10(c), effective July 1, 2017, substituted "program established under G.S. 136-76.2." for "program under the Department of Transportation in the highway maintenance program." in subsection (b).

§ 119-19. Authority of Secretary to cancel or revoke a license.

1. Reasons. - The Secretary of Revenue may cancel a license issued under this Article upon the written request of the licensee. The Secretary may summarily revoke a license issued under this Article or under Article 36C or 36D of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes when the Secretary finds that the licensee is incurring liability for the tax imposed by this Article after failing to pay a tax when due under this Article. The Secretary may revoke the license of a licensee who files a false report under this Article or fails to file a report required under this Article after holding a hearing on whether the license should be revoked.
2. Procedure. - The Secretary must send a person whose license is summarily revoked a notice of the revocation and must give the person an opportunity to have a hearing on the revocation within 10 days after the revocation. The Secretary must give a person whose license may be revoked after a hearing at least 10 days' written notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing. A notice of a summary license revocation and a notice of hearing must be sent by certified mail to the last known address of the licensee.
3. Release of Bond. - When the Secretary cancels or revokes a license and the licensee has paid all taxes and penalties due under this Article, the Secretary must either return to the licensee the bond filed by the licensee or notify the person liable on the bond and the licensee that the person is released from liability on the bond.

History

(1933, c. 544, s. 10; 1967, c. 1110, s. 12; 1973, c. 476, s. 193; 1995, c. 390, s. 24; 2004-170, s. 34; 2017-204, s. 4.6(d); 2020-58, s. 2.13.)

Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2017-204, s. 4.9, provides in part: "The remainder of this part is effective when it becomes law [August 11, 2017] and applies to requests for review filed on or after that date and to requests for review pending on that date for which the Department reissues a request for additional information, allows the taxpayer time to respond by the requested response date, and provides notification to the taxpayer that failure to timely respond to the request will result in the request for review being subject to the provisions of G.S. 105-241.13A."

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2004-170, s. 34, effective August 2, 2004, in the first paragraph, substituted "this Article" for "G.S. 119-16.2" two times, and inserted "or under" preceding "Article 36C or 36D."

Session Laws 2017-204, s. 4.6(d), inserted "or revoke" in the section heading; added the subsection designations and headings, substituted "licensee" for "license holder" and "revoke" for "cancel" and similar language throughout the section. For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

Session Laws 2020-58, s. 2.13, effective June 30, 2020, substituted "certified mail" for "registered mail" in the last sentence of subsection (b).

§ 119-20: Repealed by Session Laws 1963, c. 1169, s. 6.

Cross References. - As to administrative, penalty and remedy provisions applicable to inspection fees levied under this Chapter, see G.S. 105-269.3.

§ 119-21. On failure to report, Secretary may determine tax.

Whenever any person shall neglect or refuse to make and file any report as required by this Article, or shall file an incorrect or fraudulent report, the Secretary of Revenue shall determine after an investigation the number of gallons of kerosene oil and other motor fuel with respect to which the person has incurred liability under the tax laws of the State of North Carolina, and shall fix the amount of the taxes and penalties payable by the person under this Article accordingly. In any action or proceeding for the collection of the inspection tax for kerosene oil or motor fuel and/or any penalties or interest imposed in connection therewith, an assessment by the Secretary of Revenue of the amount of tax due, and/or interest and/or penalties due to the State, shall constitute prima facie evidence of the claim of the State; and the burden of proof shall be upon the person to show that the assessment was incorrect and contrary to law; and the Secretary of Revenue may institute action therefor in the Superior Court of Wake County, regardless of the residence of such person or the place where the default occurred.

History

(1933, c. 544, s. 12; 1973, c. 476, s. 193.)

§ 119-22: Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 390, s. 25.

§ 119-23. Administration by Commissioner of Agriculture; collection of fees by Department of Revenue and payment into State treasury; disposition of moneys by State Treasurer.

Gasoline and oil inspection fees or taxes shall be collected by, and reports relating thereto, shall be made to, the Department of Revenue. The administration of the gasoline and oil inspection law shall otherwise be administered by the Commissioner of Agriculture. Except as provided in G.S. 119-26.1(c) and G.S. 119-39.1, all moneys received under the authority of this Article shall be paid into the State treasury and the State Treasurer shall place to the credit of the "State Highway Fund" that proportion of said funds representing inspection fees collected on highway use motor fuels, as certified monthly to the State Treasurer by the Secretary of Revenue, and the remainder of said funds shall be credited to the general fund.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 6; 1941, c. 36; 1949, c. 1167; 1963, c. 245; 1973, c. 476, s. 193; 1998-215, s. 23(b).)

Editor's Note. - Section 119-26.1(c), referred to in this section above, was recodified as G.S. 119-26.1.

§ 119-24: Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 10, s. 3.

Cross References. - As to preparation of reports concerning taxes by the Secretary of Revenue, see now G.S. 105-256.

§ 119-25. Inspectors, clerks and assistants.

The Secretary of Revenue and the Commissioner of Agriculture, respectively, shall appoint and employ such number of inspectors, clerks and assistants as may be necessary to administer and effectively enforce all the provisions of the gasoline and oil inspection law with the administration or enforcement of which each said Commissioner [or Secretary] is charged. All inspectors shall be bonded in the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000) in the usual manner provided for the bonding of State employees, and the expense of such bonding shall be paid from the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Fund created by this Article. Each inspector, before entering upon his duties, shall take an oath of office before some person authorized to administer oaths. Any inspector who, while in office, shall be interested directly or indirectly in the manufacture or vending of any illuminating oils or gasoline or other motor fuels shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 8; 1949, c. 1167; 1973, c. 476, s. 193; 1993, c. 539, s. 904; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)

§ 119-26. Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board created; composition, appointment of members, etc.; expenses; powers generally; adoption of standards, etc.; sale of products not complying with standards; renaming, etc., of gasoline.

In order to more fully carry out the provisions of this Article there is hereby created a Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board of five members, to be composed of the Commissioner of Agriculture, the Director of the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Division, and three members to be appointed by the Governor, who shall serve at his will. The Commissioner of Agriculture and the Director of the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Division shall serve without additional compensation. Other members of the Board shall each receive the amount provided by G.S. 138-5 for each day he attends a session of the Board and for each day necessarily spent in traveling to and from his place of residence, and he shall receive five cents (5 › ) a mile for the distance to and from Raleigh by the usual direct route for each meeting of the Board which he attends. These expenses shall be paid from the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Fund created by this Article. The duly appointed and acting Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board shall have the power, in its discretion, after public notice and provision for the hearing of all interested parties, to adopt standards for kerosene and one or more grades of gasoline based upon scientific tests and ratings and for each of the articles for which inspection is provided; to require the labeling of dispensing pumps or other dispensing devices, and to prescribe the forms therefor; to require that the label, name, or brand under which gasoline is thereafter to be sold be applied at the time of its first purchase within the State and to pass all rules and regulations necessary for enforcing the provisions of the laws relating to the transportation and inspection of petroleum products; provided, however, that the action of said Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board shall be subject to the approval of the Governor of the State; and provided further, that if the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board should promulgate any regulation which requires that gasoline be labeled, named or branded at the time of its first sale in the State, that such regulation shall provide in addition that any subsequent owner may rename, rebrand, or relabel such gasoline if such subsequent owner first files with the Board a notice of intention to do so, said notice to contain information showing the original brand, name, label, the company or person from whom the gasoline has been or is to be purchased, the minimum specifications registered by the seller, the brand, name, or label that is to be given such gasoline and the minimum specifications of such gasoline as filed with the Board; provided, further, that no labeling, naming or branding of gasoline which may be required by the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board under the provisions of this Article, shall be construed as permitting gasoline to become the subject of fair trade contracts, as provided in G.S. 66-52. After the adoption and publication of said standards it shall be unlawful to sell or offer for sale or exchange or use in this State any products which do not comply with the standards so adopted. The said Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board shall, from time to time after a public hearing, have the right to amend, alter, or change said standards. Three members of said Board shall constitute a quorum.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 9; 1941, c. 220; 1949, c. 1167; 1961, c. 961; 1969, c. 445, s. 2.)

Editor's Note. - Section 66-52, referred to in this section, was repealed by Session Laws 1975, c. 172.

State Government Reorganization. - The Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board was transferred to the Department of Agriculture by G.S. 143A-62, enacted by Session Laws 1971, c. 864.

§ 119-26.1. Content of motor fuels and reformulated gasoline.

1. Rules adopted pursuant to G.S. 143-215.107(a)(9) to regulate the content of motor fuels or to require the use of reformulated gasoline shall be implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board. Such rules shall be implemented within any area specified by the Environmental Management Commission when the Commission certifies to the Commissioner of Agriculture that implementation:
   1. Will improve the ambient air quality within the specified county or counties;
   2. Is necessary to achieve attainment or preclude violations of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards; or
   3. Is otherwise necessary to meet federal requirements.
2. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board may adopt rules to implement this section. Rules shall be consistent with the implementation schedule and rules adopted by the Environmental Management Commission.
3. The Commissioner of Agriculture may assess and collect civil penalties for violations of rules adopted under G.S. 143-215.107(a)(9) or this section in accordance with G.S. 143-215.114A. The Commissioner of Agriculture may institute a civil action for injunctive relief to restrain, abate, or prevent a violation or threatened violation of rules adopted under G.S. 143-215.107(a)(9) or this section in accordance with G.S. 143-215.114C. The assessment of a civil penalty under this section and G.S. 143-215.114A or institution of a civil action under G.S. 143-215.114C and this section shall not relieve any person from any other penalty or remedy authorized under this Article.
4. The clear proceeds of civil penalties assessed pursuant to this subsection shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C-457.2.
5. The Commissioner of Agriculture may delegate his powers and duties under this subsection to the Director of the Standards Division of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

History

(1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 889, s. 4; 1997-261, s. 83; 1998-215, s. 23(a); 1999-328, s. 2.3.)

Editor's Note. - Session Laws 1999-328, s. 5.1, provides that this act shall not be construed to obligate the General Assembly to appropriate any funds to implement the provisions of this act. Every State agency to which this act applies shall implement the provisions of this act from funds otherwise appropriated or available to that agency.

Session Laws 1999-328, s. 5.3, is a severability clause.

§ 119-26.2: Repealed by Session Laws 2013-265, s. 16, effective July 17, 2013.

History

(1999-328, s. 2.1; 2002-75, s. 2; 2005-196, s. 1; repealed by Session Laws 2013-265, s. 16, effective July 17, 2013.)

Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2002-75, s. 2, has been codified as G.S. 119-26.2(a1) at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes.

Former G.S. 119-26.2 pertained to sulfur content standards.

§ 119-26.3. MTBE in motor fuels prohibited.

1. Definitions. - As used in this section:
   1. "Motor fuel" has the same meaning as in G.S. 105-449.60.
   2. "MTBE" means the fuel additive methyl tertiary butyl ether.
2. Prohibition; De Minimis Exception. - No person shall knowingly add MTBE to any motor fuel manufactured, distributed, stored, sold, or offered for sale in this State. No person shall manufacture, distribute, store, sell, or offer for sale motor fuel that contains a concentration of MTBE of more than one-half of one percent (0.5%) by volume in this State. The presence of MTBE in a motor fuel caused solely by incidental commingling of the motor fuel with other motor fuel that contains MTBE during transfer or storage of the motor fuel does not constitute a violation of this section.
3. Transportation Through State Not Prohibited. - This section shall not be construed to prohibit the transport of motor fuel containing MTBE through this State.
4. Rules. - The Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board shall adopt rules to implement this section.

History

(2005-93, s. 1.)

Editor's Note. - Subdivision (a)(1), defining "motor fuel" and subdivision (a)(2), defining "MTBE" were designated as such at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes, the designations in Session Laws 2005-93, s. 1, having been (a)(2) and (a)(1), respectively.

§ 119-27. Display of grade rating on pumps, etc.; sales from pumps or devices not labeled; sale of gasoline not meeting standard indicated on label.

In the event that the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board shall adopt standards for grades of gasoline, at all times there shall be firmly attached to or painted on each dispensing pump or other dispensing device used in the retailing of gasoline a label stating that the gasoline contained therein is North Carolina ________ grade. Any person, firm, partnership, or corporation who shall offer or expose for sale gasoline from any dispensing pump or other dispensing device which has not been labeled as required by this section, and/or offer and expose for sale any gasoline which does not meet the required standard for the grade indicated on the label attached to the dispensing pump or other dispensing device, shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor, and the gasoline offered or exposed for sale shall be confiscated.

The gasoline and oil inspectors shall have the authority to immediately seize and seal, to prevent further sales, any dispensing pump or other dispensing device from which gasoline is offered or exposed for sale in violation of or without complying with the provisions of this Article. Provided, however, that this section shall not be construed to permit the destruction of any gasoline which may be blended or rerefined or offered for sale as complying with the legal specifications of a lower grade except under order of the court in which an indictment is brought for violation of the provisions of this Article. Provided, further, that gasoline that has been confiscated and sealed by the gasoline and oil inspectors for violation of the provisions of this Article shall not be offered or exposed for sale until the Director of the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Division has been fully satisfied that the gasoline offered or exposed for sale has been blended or rerefined or properly labeled to meet the requirements of this Article and the owners of said gasoline have been notified in writing of this fact by said Director and, provided, further, that the permitting of blending, rerefining or properly labeling of confiscated gasoline shall not be construed to in any manner affect any indictment which may be brought for violation of this section.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 11; 1939, c. 276, s. 1; 1941, c. 220; 1993, c. 539, s. 905; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)

§ 119-27.1. Self-service gasoline pumps; display of owner's or operator's name, address and telephone number.

1. Every owner of, or other person in control of, a self-service gas pump or station whose equipment permits purchase and physical transfer of gasoline or oil products by insertion of money into some device or machine without the necessity of personal service by the owner or his agent shall clearly affix a sticker to each pump showing his name, address, and telephone number.
2. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall have the responsibility for the enforcement of this section.

History

(1973, c. 1324, s. 1; 1997-261, s. 84.)

§ 119-27.2. Labels for dispensing pumps and devices offering ethanol-blended gasoline for retail sale.

1. The Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board shall adopt rules to require labels for all dispensing pumps and other dispensing devices that offer ethanol-blended gasoline for retail sale in North Carolina. The Board shall require the use of labels to indicate that the gasoline offered for retail sale contains either of the following:
   1. Ten percent (10%) or less ethanol by volume.
   2. Greater than ten percent (10%) ethanol by volume.
2. Rules adopted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section may include information as to the ethanol content of blended gasoline that is more specific than the information required by subsection (a) of this section.

History

(2011-25, s. 1.)

§ 119-28. Regulations for sale of substitutes.

All materials, fluids, or substances offered or exposed for sale, purporting to be substitutes for or motor fuel improvers, shall, before being sold, exposed or offered for sale, be submitted to the Commissioner of Agriculture for examination and inspection, and shall only be sold or offered for sale when properly labeled with a label, the form and contents of which label has been approved by the said Commissioner of Agriculture in writing.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 12; 1949, c. 1167.)

§ 119-29. Rules and regulations of Board available to interested parties.

It shall be the duty of the Commissioner of Agriculture to make available for all interested parties the rules and regulations adopted by the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board for the purpose of carrying into effect the laws relating to the inspection and transportation of petroleum products.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 13; 1949, c. 1167.)

§ 119-30. Establishment of laboratory for analysis of inspected products.

The Commissioner of Agriculture is authorized to provide for the analysis of samples of inspected articles by establishing a laboratory under the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Division for the analysis of inspected products.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 14; 1949, c. 1167.)

§ 119-31. Payment for samples taken for inspection.

The gasoline and oil inspectors shall pay at the regular market price, at the time the sample is taken, for each sample obtained for inspection purposes when request for payment is made: Provided, however, that no payment shall be made any retailer or distributor unless said retailer or distributor or his agent shall sign a receipt furnished by the Commissioner of Agriculture showing that payment has been made as requested.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 15; 1949, c. 1167.)

§ 119-32. Powers and authority of inspectors.

The gasoline and oil inspectors shall have the right of access to the premises and records of any place where petroleum products are stored for the purpose of examination, inspection and/or drawing of samples, and said inspectors are hereby vested with the authority and powers of peace and police officers in the enforcement of motor fuel tax and inspection laws throughout the State, including the authority to arrest, with or without warrants, and take offenders before the several courts of the State for prosecution or other proceedings, and seize or hold or deliver to the sheriff of the proper county all motor or other vehicles and all containers used in transporting motor fuels and/or other liquid petroleum products in violation of or without complying with the provisions of this Article or the rules, regulations or requirements of the Commissioner of Agriculture and/or the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board and also all motor fuels contained therein. Said inspectors shall have power and authority on the public highways or any other place to stop and detain for inspection and investigation any vehicle containing any motor fuel and/or other liquid petroleum products in excess of 100 gallons or commonly used in the transportation of such fuels and the driver or person in charge thereof, and to require the production by such driver or person in charge of all records, documents and papers required by law to be carried and exhibited by persons in charge of vehicles engaged in transporting such fuels; and whenever said inspectors shall find or see any person engaged in handling, selling, using, or transporting any fuels in violation of any of the provisions of the motor fuel tax or inspection laws of this State, or whenever any such person shall fail or refuse to exhibit to said inspectors, upon demand therefor, any records, documents or papers required by law to be kept subject to inspection or to be exhibited by such person, said person shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and it shall be the duty of said inspectors to immediately arrest such violator and take him before some proper peace officer of the county in which the offense was committed and institute proper prosecution.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 16; 1949, c. 1167; 1993, c. 539, s. 906; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)

§ 119-33. Investigation and inspection of measuring equipment; devices calculated to falsify measures.

1. The gasoline and oil inspectors shall be required to investigate and inspect the equipment for measuring gasoline, kerosene, lubricating oil, and other liquid petroleum products. The inspectors shall be under the supervision of the Commissioner of Agriculture, and are hereby vested with the same power and authority now given by law to inspectors of weights and measures, in order to effectuate the provisions of this Article. The rules, regulations, specifications and tolerance limits as promulgated by the National Conference on Weights and Measures, and recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, shall be observed by said inspectors insofar as they apply to the inspection of equipment used in measuring gasoline, kerosene, lubricating oil and other petroleum products. Inspectors of weights and measures appointed and maintained by the various counties and cities of the State shall have the same power and authority given by this section to inspectors under the supervision of the Commissioner of Agriculture. In all cases where it is found, after inspection, that the measuring equipment used in connection with the distribution of such products is inaccurate, the inspector shall condemn and seize all incorrect devices which in his best judgment cannot be satisfactorily repaired, but measuring equipment, that in the judgment of the inspector may be repaired, shall be marked or tagged as "condemned for repairs" in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Agriculture. After notice in writing the owners or users of such measuring devices which have been condemned for repairs shall have the devices repaired and corrected within 10 days by a registered petroleum device technician, and neither the owners nor the users of the devices shall use or dispose of the measuring devices in any manner, but shall hold the devices at the disposal of the gasoline and oil inspector. The inspector shall confiscate and destroy all measuring devices which have been condemned for repairs and have not been repaired as required by this Article. The gasoline and oil inspectors shall officially seal all dispensing pumps or other dispensing devices found to be accurate on inspection. The finding, upon inspection at a later date, that any pump is inaccurate and the seal broken, shall constitute prima facie evidence of intent to defraud by giving inaccurate measure, and (i) the owner, (ii) the user, or (iii) both of them shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. Any person other than a registered petroleum device technician who removes or breaks any seal placed upon a measuring or dispensing device by any oil and gas inspector until the provisions of this section have been complied with shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. Any person, firm, or corporation who sells or has in his possession for the purpose of selling or using any measuring device to be used or calculated to be used to falsify any measure shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
2. The Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board may adopt rules to provide for the registration of petroleum device technicians. The rules may establish qualifications for registration and may also establish grounds for the suspension or revocation of registration. The annual fee for registration of a petroleum device technician shall be twenty dollars ($20.00).

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 17; 1949, c. 1167; 1993, c. 539, s. 907; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2013-344, s. 1.)

§ 119-34. Responsibility of retailers for quality of products.

The retail dealer shall be held responsible for the quality of the petroleum products he sells or offers for sale: Provided, however, that the retail dealer shall be released if the results of analysis of a sealed sample taken in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Agriculture at the time of delivery, and in the presence of the distributor or his agent, show that the product delivered by the distributor was of inferior quality. It shall be the duty of the distributor or his agent to assist in sampling the product delivered.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 18; 1949, c. 1167.)

§ 119-35. Adulteration of products offered for sale.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation who has purchased gasoline or other liquid motor fuel upon which a road tax has been paid to in anywise adulterate the same by the addition thereto of kerosene or any other liquid substance and sell or offer for sale the same. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 19; 1993, c. 539, s. 908; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)

§ 119-36. Certified copies of official tests admissible in evidence.

A certified copy of the official test of the analysis of any petroleum product, under the seal of the Commissioner of Agriculture, shall be admissible as evidence of the fact therein stated in any of the courts of this State on the trial of any issue involving the qualities of said product.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 20; 1949, c. 1167.)

§ 119-37. Retail dealers required to keep copies of invoices and delivery tickets.

Every person, firm, or corporation engaged in the retail business of dispensing gasoline and/or other petroleum products to the public shall keep on the premises of said place of business, for a period of one year, duplicate original copies of invoices or delivery tickets of each delivery received, showing the name and address of the party to whom delivery is made, the date of delivery, the kind and amount of each delivery received, and the name and address of the distributor. Each delivery ticket or invoice shall be signed by the retailer or his agent and the distributor or his agent. Such records shall be subject to inspection at any time by the gasoline and oil inspectors.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 21.)

§ 119-38. Prosecution of offenders.

All prosecutions for fines and penalties under the provisions of this Article shall be by indictment in a court of competent jurisdiction in the county in which the violation occurred.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 22.)

§ 119-39. Violation a misdemeanor.

Unless another penalty is provided in this Article, any person violating any of the provisions of this Article or any of the rules and regulations of the Secretary of Revenue or the Commissioner of Agriculture and/or the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 23; 1949, c. 1167; 1973, c. 476, s. 193; 1993, c. 539, s. 909; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)

§ 119-39.1. Civil Penalties.

The Commissioner of Agriculture may assess a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) against any person who violates a provision of this Article or any rule promulgated thereunder. In determining the amount of the penalty, the Commissioner shall consider the degree and extent of harm caused by the violation.

The clear proceeds of civil penalties assessed pursuant to this section shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C-457.2.

History

(1995, c. 516, s. 4; 1998-215, s. 24.)

§§ 119-40, 119-41: Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 647, s. 56.

§ 119-42. Persons engaged in transporting required to have in possession an invoice, bill of sale or bill of lading.

Every person hauling, transporting or conveying into, out of, or between points in this State any motor fuel and/or any liquid petroleum product that is or may hereafter be made subject to the inspection laws of this State over either the public highways or waterways of this State, shall, during the entire time he is so engaged, have in his possession an invoice, or bill of sale, or bill of lading showing the true name and address of the person from whom he has received the motor fuel and/or other liquid petroleum products, the kind, and the number of gallons so originally received by him, and the true name and address of every person to whom he has made deliveries of said motor fuel and/or other liquid petroleum products or any part thereof and the number of gallons so delivered to each said person. Such person engaged in transporting said motor fuels and/or other petroleum products shall, at the request of any agent of the Commissioner of Agriculture, exhibit for inspection such papers or documents immediately, and if said person fails to produce said papers or documents or if, when produced, they fail to clearly disclose said information, the agent of the Commissioner of Agriculture shall hold for investigation the vehicle and contents thereof. If investigation shows that said motor fuels and/or other petroleum products are being transported in violation of or without compliance with the motor fuel tax and/or inspection laws of this State such fuels and/or other petroleum products and the vehicle used in the transportation thereof are hereby declared common nuisances and contraband, and shall be seized and sold and the proceeds shall go to the common school fund of the State: Provided, however, that this Article shall not be construed to include the carrying of motor fuel in the supply tank of vehicles which is regularly connected with the carburetor of the engine of the vehicle, except when said fuel supply tank shall have a capacity of more than 100 gallons: And, provided further, that this section shall not be construed to include the carrying of motor fuel in the supply tank which is regularly connected with the carburetor of the engine of any vehicle operated by franchise carriers engaged solely in the transportation of passengers to, from and between points in North Carolina.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 25; 1939, c. 276, s. 3; 1949, c. 1167.)

§ 119-43. Display required on containers used in making deliveries.

Every person delivering at wholesale or retail any gasoline in this State shall deliver the same to the purchaser only in tanks, barrels, casks, cans, or other containers having the word "Gasoline" or the name of such other like products of petroleum, as the case may be, in English, plainly stenciled or labeled in colors to meet the requirements of the regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Agriculture and/or the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board. Such dealers shall not deliver kerosene oil in any barrel, cask, can, or other container which has not been stenciled or labeled as hereinbefore provided. Every person purchasing gasoline for use or sale shall procure and keep the same only in tanks, barrels, casks, cans, or other containers stenciled or labeled as hereinbefore provided: Provided, that nothing in this section shall prohibit the delivery of gasoline by hose or pipe from a tank directly into the tank of any automobile or any other motor vehicle: Provided further, that in case gasoline or other inflammable liquid is sold in bottles, cans, or packages of not more than one gallon for cleaning and other similar purposes, the label shall also bear the words "Unsafe when exposed to heat or fire."

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 26; 1939, c. 276, s. 4; 1949, c. 1167.)

§ 119-45. Certain laws adopted as part of Article.

General Statutes 119-1 through 119-5 and G.S. 119-7 through 119-13 are hereby made a part of this Article.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 28.)

§ 119-46. Charges for analysis of samples.

The Secretary of Revenue is hereby authorized to fix and collect such charges as he may deem adequate and reasonable for any analysis made by the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Division of any sample submitted by any person, firm, association or corporation other than samples submitted by the gasoline and oil inspectors in the performance of the duties required of said inspectors under this Article: Provided, however, that no charge shall be made for the analysis of any sample submitted by any municipal, county, State or federal official when the results of such analyses are necessary for the performance of his official duties. All moneys collected for such analyses shall be paid into the State treasury to the credit of the Gasoline and Oil Inspection Fund.

History

(1937, c. 425, s. 29; 1973, c. 476, s. 193.)

§ 119-47. Inspection of fuels used by State.

The Gasoline and Oil Inspection Division is hereby authorized, upon request of the proper State authority, to inspect, analyze, and report the result of such analysis of all fuels purchased by the State of North Carolina for the use of all departments and institutions.

History

(1937, c. 153.)

§§ 119-48 through 119-53: Recodified as §§ 119-54 to 119-59.

Editor's Note. - This Article was rewritten by Session Laws 1981, c. 486, s. 1, effective July 1, 1981, and has been recodified as Article 5 of this Chapter.

§ 119-54. Purpose; definitions; scope of Article.

1. It is the purpose of this Article to provide for the adoption and promulgation of a code of safety, and such rules and regulations setting forth minimum general standards of safety for the design, construction, location, installation, and operation of the equipment used in handling, storing, measuring, transporting, distributing, and utilizing liquefied petroleum gases and to provide for the administration and enforcement of the code and such rules and regulations thereby adopted. Words used in this Article shall be defined as follows:
   1. "Board" means the North Carolina Board of Agriculture.
   2. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Agriculture or his designated agent.
   3. "Dealer" means any person, firm, or corporation who is engaged in or desires to engage in:
      1. The business of selling or otherwise dealing in liquefied petroleum gases which require handling, storing, measuring, transporting, or distributing liquefied petroleum gas; or
      2. The business of installing, servicing, repairing, adjusting, connecting, or disconnecting containers, equipment, or appliances which use liquefied gas. A person who engages in any of the aforementioned activities only in connection with his or his employer's use of liquefied petroleum gas and not as a business shall not be deemed to be a "dealer" for the purposes of this Article.
   4. "Liquefied petroleum gas" means any material which is composed predominantly of any of the following hydrocarbons, or mixtures of the same: propane, propylene, butanes (normal butanes or isobutane), butylenes.
2. This Article does not apply to the design, construction, location, installation, or operation of equipment or facilities covered by the Building Code pursuant to Article 9 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes.

History

(1955, c. 487; 1959, c. 796, s. 1; 1961, c. 1072; 1981, c. 486, s. 1; 1989, c. 25, s. 1.)

Editor's Note. - This Article is Article 4 of this Chapter as rewritten by Session Laws 1981, c. 486, s. 1, effective July 1, 1981, and recodified. Where appropriate, the historical citations to the sections in the former Article have been added to corresponding sections in the Article as rewritten and recodified.

§ 119-55. Power of Board of Agriculture to set minimum standards; regulation by political subdivisions.

The Board shall have the power and authority to set minimum standards and promulgate rules and regulations for the design, construction, location, installation, and operation of equipment and facilities used in handling, storing, measuring, transporting, distributing, and utilizing liquefied petroleum gas.

Any municipality or political subdivision may adopt and enforce a safety code dealing with the handling of liquefied petroleum gas which conforms with the regulations adopted by the Board, and the inspection service rendered by such municipality or political subdivision shall conform to the requirements of the inspection service rendered by the Board in the enforcement of this Article.

History

(1955, c. 487; 1959, c. 796, s. 2; 1961, c. 1072; 1963, c. 671; 1967, c. 1231; 1969, c. 1133; 1975, c. 610, s. 1; 1977, c. 410; 1981, c. 486, s. 1.)

§ 119-56. Registration of dealers; liability insurance or substitute required.

A person shall not hold himself out or commence operation as a dealer without first having registered as provided in this section. A dealer shall register with the Commissioner on a form to be furnished by the Commissioner. Such form shall give the name and address of the dealer, the place or places of and type or types of business of such dealer, and such other pertinent information as the Commissioner may deem necessary. Verification of the insurance coverage required by this section or of proof of alternative means of financial responsibility permitted by this section shall be submitted to the Commissioner as a condition of the issuance of any registration or renewal of such registration.

There shall be two classes of dealers:

1. A Class A dealer is one who engages in the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas.
2. A Class B dealer is one who does not engage in the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas.

A Class A dealer shall obtain and maintain general liability insurance, including product liability, of one million dollars ($1,000,000) and motor vehicle liability insurance of one million dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limit. A Class B dealer shall obtain and maintain general liability insurance, including product liability, of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). Verification of said insurance coverage shall be made in a manner satisfactory to the Commissioner. The Commissioner may from time to time request in writing that a dealer provide within 10 days of such request verification of said insurance coverage or proof of alternative means of financial responsibility. In lieu of insurance, the dealer may file and maintain a bond, certificate of deposit or irrevocable letter of credit in a form satisfactory to the Commissioner which provides protection for the public in the same amounts and to the same extent as said insurance.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to a dealer who retails liquefied petroleum gas in containers of less than 50 pounds water capacity and which retailing does not involve the filling or transportation of such containers.

History

(1955, c. 487; 1961, c. 1072; 1981, c. 486, s. 1; 1987, c. 453; 2009-386, s. 1.)

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2009-386, s. 1, effective October 1, 2009, in the first paragraph, in the first sentence, inserted "or commence operation" near the beginning, and substituted "provided in this section" for "herein provided" at the end, in the second sentence, deleted "annually on or before January 1 of each year" preceding "register with", in the third sentence, inserted "of" preceding "such dealer", and added the last sentence, added the present second paragraph, rewrote the third paragraph, and in the last paragraph, inserted "or transportation" near the end.

§ 119-57. Administration of Article; rules and regulations given force and effect of law.

It shall be the duty of the Commissioner to administer all the provisions of this Article and all the rules and regulations made and promulgated under this Article; to conduct inspections of liquefied petroleum gas containers and installations; to investigate for violations of this Article and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the provisions thereof, and to prosecute violations of this Article or of such rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the provisions thereof.

History

(1955, c. 487; 1961, c. 1072; 1981, c. 486, s. 1; 2009-386, s. 2.)

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2009-386, s. 2, effective October 1, 2009, inserted "to conduct inspections of liquefied petroleum gas containers and installations."

§ 119-58. Unlawful acts.

1. It shall be an unlawful act for any person to:
   1. Sell any liquefied petroleum gas burning appliance designed or built for domestic use that has not been approved by the American Gas Association, Inc., the Underwriters Laboratory, Inc., or other laboratory approved by the Building Code Council.
   2. Repealed by Session Laws 1999-344, s. 1, effective July 22, 1999, and applicable to liquefied petroleum gas burning appliances installed on and after that date.
   3. Repealed by Session Laws 1999-344, s. 1, effective July 22, 1999, and applicable to liquefied petroleum gas burning appliances installed on and after that date.
   4. Fill a consumer tank or container in excess of 85 percent (85%) of its water capacity, or to fill a tank or container on the premises of a consumer that is not equipped with a fill tube or gauge; provided, the tank or container may be filled by weight if the tank or container is weighed before and after filling.
   5. Disconnect an appliance from a gas supply line without capping or plugging the line before leaving the premises.
   6. Turn on the gas after reestablishing an interrupted service without first having checked and closed all gas outlets.
   7. Violate any provisions of this Article or any rules adopted pursuant to this Article.
2. Every supply tank or container with its regulating equipment connected in a service system, shall be identified while in service by the supplier with an attached tag, label, or other marking that includes the name of the person supplying liquefied petroleum gas to the system, and it shall be unlawful for any person, other than the supplier or the owner of the system, to disconnect, interrupt or fill the system with liquefied petroleum gas without the consent of the supplier. If another registered supplier is requested by the consumer to connect service and is given permission by the consumer to do so, the new supplier shall notify the former supplier before disconnecting the former service and connecting the new service and shall cap or plug all disconnected equipment outlets and leave the equipment in a condition consistent with this Article and the rules adopted pursuant to this Article.

History

(1955, c. 487; 1959, c. 796, s. 3; 1961, c. 1072; 1981, c. 486, s. 1; 1987, c. 282, s. 17; 1999-344, s. 1.)

§ 119-59. Sanctions for violations.

1. Criminal. - A dealer who violates a provision of this Article or a rule adopted under it is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
2. Injunction. - The Commissioner or an agent of the Commissioner may apply to any superior court judge and the court may temporarily restrain or preliminarily or permanently enjoin any violation of this Article or a rule adopted under it.
3. Civil Penalty. - The Commissioner may assess a civil penalty against any person who violates a provision of this Article or a rule adopted under it. The penalty may not exceed three hundred dollars ($300.00) for the first violation, five hundred dollars ($500.00) for a second violation, and one thousand dollars ($1,000) for a third or subsequent violation. In determining the amount of a penalty, the Commissioner shall consider the degree and extent of harm or potential harm that has resulted or could have resulted from the violation. The clear proceeds of civil penalties assessed pursuant to this subsection shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C-457.2.
4. Registration. - The Commissioner may deny, suspend, or revoke the registration of a dealer who violates a provision of this Article or a rule adopted under it.

History

(1955, c. 487; 1961, c. 1072; 1981, c. 486, s. 1; 1993, c. 356, s. 2; c. 539, s. 911; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1998-215, s. 25; 2009-386, s. 3.)

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2009-386, s. 3, effective October 1, 2009, in subsection (c), in the second sentence, substituted "three hundred dollars ($300.00) for the first violation, five hundred dollars ($500.00) for a second violation, and one thousand dollars ($1,000)" for "one hundred dollars ($100.00) for the first violation, three hundred dollars ($300.00) for a second violation, and five hundred dollars ($500.00)", and deleted the former fourth sentence, which read: "The Commissioner may not assess a civil penalty against a person until the Commissioner has notified the person of the alleged violation and has given the person at least 45 days to correct or cease the alleged violation. A notice may be served by any means authorized by G.S. 1A-1, Rule 4."

§ 119-60. Liquefied petroleum gas accidents; liability limitations.

Any person who provides assistance upon request of any police agency, fire department, rescue or emergency squad, or any governmental agency in the event of an accident or other emergency involving the use, handling, transportation, transmission or storage of liquefied petroleum gas, when the reasonably apparent circumstances require prompt decisions and actions, shall not be liable for any civil damages resulting from any act of commission or omission on his part in the course of his rendering such assistance unless such acts or omissions amount to willful or wanton negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Nothing in this section shall be deemed or construed to relieve any person from liability for civil damages (a) where the accident or emergency referred to above involved his own facilities or equipment or (b) resulting from any act of commission or omission on his part in the course of providing care or assistance in the normal and ordinary course of conducting his own business or profession, nor shall this section be construed to relieve from liability for civil damages any other tortfeasor not referred to herein. When the assistance takes the form of rendering first aid or emergency health care treatment, questions of liability shall be governed by G.S. 90-21.14.

History

(1981, c. 660.)

§ 119-61. Replacement data plates for liquefied petroleum gas tanks.

A liquefied petroleum gas tank of 120 gallons or more that is subject to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code must have a data plate indicating that it was built in accordance with that Code. The Commissioner may issue a data plate to replace a rusting or partially detached data plate on a liquefied petroleum gas tank. The Commissioner shall charge a person to whom a replacement data plate is issued a fee of twenty dollars ($20.00) for the plate. Fees collected under this section shall be credited to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and applied to the cost of issuing replacement data plates.

History

(1993, c. 356, s. 1; 1997-261, s. 109; 2009-386, s. 4.)

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2009-386, s. 4, effective October 1, 2009, corrected a misspelling of "liquefied" throughout the section.

§ 119-62. Liquefied petroleum gas dealers and their employees, agents, subcontractors; liability limitations.

1. A dealer shall not be liable for any civil damages resulting from any act or failure to act if the alleged injury, damage, or loss claimed in the action was caused by any one or more of the following:
   1. The installation, alteration, modification, or repair of liquefied petroleum gas equipment or a liquefied petroleum gas appliance by a person, other than the dealer, and the installation, alteration, modification, or repair was done without the knowledge and consent of the dealer.
   2. The use of liquefied petroleum gas equipment or a liquefied petroleum gas appliance by a person, other than the dealer, in a manner or for a purpose other than that for which the equipment or appliance was intended, and the use of the equipment or appliance in a manner or for a purpose other than that for which the equipment or appliance was intended took place without the knowledge and consent of the dealer.
   3. The installation of liquefied petroleum gas equipment or a liquefied petroleum gas appliance by a person, other than the dealer, in a manner not in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer of the equipment or appliance or in a manner not in accordance with rules adopted under this Article, and the installation of the equipment or appliance in a manner not in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer of the equipment or appliance or in a manner not in accordance with rules adopted under this Article took place without the knowledge and consent of the dealer.
2. Nothing in this section alters a dealer's duty to exercise reasonable care.
3. As used in this section, "dealer" means dealer as defined in G.S. 119-54 and any employee, agent, and subcontractor of the dealer.

History

(2007-302, s. 1.)

§ 119-63: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 119-63.1. Title.

This Article shall be known as the "Propane Assessment Act."

History

(2013-299, s. 1.)

§ 119-63.2. Purpose.

It is in the public interest for the State to enable dealers and distributors of propane to assess the product in order to raise funds for the purposes of promoting the common good, welfare, and advancement of the propane industry.

History

(2013-299, s. 1.)

§ 119-63.3. Definitions.

The following definitions apply in this Article:

1. Association. - The North Carolina Propane Gas Association, Inc., a North Carolina nonprofit corporation.
2. Commissioner. - The Commissioner of Agriculture or his or her designee.
3. Dealer. - Any person who is registered with the Commissioner pursuant to G.S. 119-56 to engage in:
   1. The business of selling or otherwise dealing in liquefied petroleum gases requiring handling, storing, measuring, transporting, or distributing liquefied petroleum gas; or
   2. The business of installing, servicing, repairing, adjusting, connecting or disconnecting containers, equipment, or appliances using liquefied gas. A person who engages in any of the aforementioned activities only in connection with his or her employer's use of liquefied petroleum gas and not as a business shall not be deemed to be a "dealer" for the purposes of this Article.
4. Department. - The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
5. Distributor. - A person whose primary business involves the sale of liquefied petroleum gas to a dealer.
6. Foundation. - North Carolina Propane Education & Research Foundation, a North Carolina nonprofit corporation that is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
7. Liquefied petroleum gas. - Any material which is composed predominantly of any of the following hydrocarbons or mixtures of the same: propane, propylene, butanes (normal butanes or isobutane), and butylenes.
8. Person. - An individual, a partnership, a firm, or a corporation.
9. Propane. - A liquefied petroleum gas.

Any person who retails liquefied petroleum gas in containers of less than 50 pounds water capacity and whose retail business does not involve the filling or transportation of such containers is not a "dealer" for purposes of this Article.

History

(2013-299, s. 1.)

Editor's Note. - The definitions in subdivisions (6) and (7) were enacted by Session Laws 2013-299, s. 1, in reverse order, and were redesignated at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes to preserve alphabetical order.

§ 119-63.4. Referendum.

1. The Foundation may from time to time conduct referenda among dealers and distributors in this State upon the question of whether an assessment shall be levied on propane sold in this State.
2. The Foundation, upon prior consultation with the Association, shall determine:
   1. The amount of the proposed assessment.
   2. The time and place of the referendum.
   3. Procedures for conducting the referendum and counting of votes.
   4. The proposed effective date for the imposition of the assessment, which shall not be less than 180 days from the date the referendum ballot is required to be returned to the Foundation in order to be considered on the question presented.
   5. Any other matters pertaining to the referendum.
3. The amount of the proposed assessment shall be stated on the referendum ballot. The amount may not exceed the maximum allowable rate of two-tenths of one cent ($.002) for each gallon of propane sold in this State by distributors to dealers.
4. All dealers and distributors may vote in the referendum. Each distributor and each dealer shall have one vote regardless of the number of bulk plants or retail sales outlets owned. Any dispute over eligibility to vote or any other matter relating to the referendum shall be resolved by the Foundation. The Foundation shall make reasonable efforts to provide all dealers and distributors with notice of the referendum and an opportunity to vote.
5. Prior to conducting any referenda, the Foundation shall request a list of dealers and their addresses from the Department, and the Department shall provide such information to the Foundation. In order to be eligible to vote, a distributor shall provide the Foundation with a written statement signed by an authorized individual containing its corporate name, address, and the individual authorized to cast a ballot on its behalf, which statement shall be effective until revoked or modified in like manner.
6. A proposed assessment shall become effective if more than fifty percent (50%) of the eligible votes cast by dealers in the referendum are cast in favor of the assessment and if more than fifty percent (50%) of the eligible votes cast by distributors in the referendum are cast in favor of the assessment. If the assessment is approved by the referendum, then the Foundation shall notify the Department and the Association of the amount of the assessment and the effective date of the assessment. The Department shall notify all distributors and dealers of the assessment.

History

(2013-299, s. 1.)

§ 119-63.5. Payment and collection of assessment; refunds.

1. Each distributor, as the owner of propane at the time of odorization, or at the time of import of odorized propane, shall make the assessment based on the volume of odorized propane sold and placed into commerce in this State. Each dealer must pay the assessment on each gallon of propane purchased from a distributor. The assessment charge shall be identified and listed as a separate line item on each distributor's invoice to a dealer for the sale of odorized propane.
2. Each distributor shall collect the assessment from the dealer to whom the sale is made. Each distributor shall remit to the Foundation the sum of the amount of the assessment multiplied by the number of gallons of propane sold to any dealer during the preceding quarter not later than the 25th day of the month following the end of the prior quarter. The Foundation shall provide forms to the distributors for reporting the assessment. Each distributor shall file the report not later than the 25th day of the month following the end of the prior quarter regardless of the amount due.
3. A distributor shall keep records of the number of gallons of propane sold to dealers, including number of gallons, name of dealer, and rate of assessment. All documents or records regarding purchases and sales that are made or kept as required by this subsection or subsection (d) of this section shall be made available to the Foundation upon its written request from time to time for the purpose of determining the distributor's compliance with the provisions of this Article. The Foundation shall keep the records confidential and shall not disclose the records except to its accountants, attorneys, or financial advisors without a court order directing it to do so.
4. The Foundation may bring an action to recover any unpaid assessments plus the reasonable costs, including attorneys' fees, incurred in the action and may use assessment funds to cover all reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with recovery of any unpaid assessment.
5. A dealer may request a refund of the assessment collected from the dealer in the prior month by submitting a written request for a refund to the Foundation no later than 30 days after the end of the month for which the refund is requested. The refund request shall state specifically the period of time for which a refund is requested, the amount of the refund, the distributors to whom the dealer paid assessments, and the amount of each assessment paid and shall be accompanied by proof of payment of the assessment satisfactory to the Foundation. The Foundation shall mail a refund to the dealer within 30 days of receipt of a properly documented refund request, provided that the Foundation shall have no obligation to make a refund to a dealer of assessments that are not yet paid to the Foundation by the distributor. Any dealer who requests and is paid a refund in accordance with this subsection shall not be eligible to receive the benefit of any consumer rebate programs for a period of one year following the date of a refund request under this subsection and shall not be entitled to the payment of any interest by the Foundation on the amount refunded.

History

(2013-299, s. 1.)

§ 119-63.6. Use of assessments; reporting.

1. The Foundation shall use the funds to promote the common good, welfare, and advancement of the propane industry, including, but not limited to, the following activities and programs: education, training, safety compliance, equipment replacement for low-income customers, marketing, advertising, promotion, and customer rebates to encourage energy-efficient appliance and equipment purchases by residential, commercial, or agricultural consumers. The Foundation shall consult with the Association regarding its proposed use of the funds. In addition, the Foundation shall consult with agricultural industry trade associations and other organizations representing agricultural consumers of propane to ensure that some programs and activities benefit the agriculture industry.
2. No funds collected pursuant to this Article shall be used in any manner for influencing State or federal legislation or for lobbying.
3. No more than ten percent (10%) of the funds collected pursuant to this Article shall be used by the Foundation for administrative expenses relating to the expenditure of the funds. The Foundation may advance costs of conducting referenda pursuant to this Article and reimburse those costs from the assessment funds. Costs of conducting referenda, litigation expenses incurred in connection with actions authorized by G.S. 119-63.5, and the cost of the audit required by subsection (e) of this section are not administrative expenses.
4. All funds received by the Foundation pursuant to this Article shall be kept in separate accounts from other Foundation funds. The Foundation shall keep minutes, books, and records that clearly reflect all of the acts and transactions of the Foundation with respect to use and expenditure of the funds. The Foundation shall submit a written report annually, not later than March 31 of each year, to the Commissioner on the use and expenditure of the funds received pursuant to this Article.
5. The books and records of the Foundation shall be audited by a certified public accountant each fiscal year with respect to the receipt and use of the funds. Copies of such audit shall be provided to the Commissioner, to the Association, and to any other interested party upon written request. The Foundation may pay for the audit from the assessment funds.

History

(2013-299, s. 1.)

§ 119-63.7. Termination of assessment.

1. Upon the Commissioner's receipt of a petition signed by at least ten percent (10%) of the dealers requesting a referendum pursuant to this section, or a receipt of a petition signed by at least fifty percent (50%) of the distributors requesting a referendum pursuant to this section, the Department shall notify the Foundation, and the Foundation shall, within six months, conduct a referendum upon the question of continuing the assessment. If a majority of the votes eligible to be cast by dealers in the referendum are cast against continuing the assessment then in effect and a majority of the votes eligible to be cast by distributors in the referendum are cast against continuing the assessment then in effect, or if the Foundation fails to conduct a referendum within the six-month period, the assessment expires at the end of the year that follows the year in which the Commissioner received a petition pursuant to this section. If more than two-thirds of the eligible votes cast by dealers and more than two-thirds of the eligible votes cast by distributors in the referendum conducted pursuant to this section are in favor of continuing the assessment, then no subsequent referendum shall be required to be conducted pursuant to this section for a period of at least three years from the date the petition was received by the Commissioner.
2. The Foundation may, on its own initiative, conduct a referendum at any time upon the question of continuing the assessment. If a majority of the votes eligible to be cast by dealers in the referendum are cast against continuing the assessment and if a majority of the votes eligible to be cast by distributors in the referendum are cast against continuing the assessment, the assessment then in effect expires at the end of the year that follows the year in which the referendum was conducted.
3. The Foundation shall certify to the Department the election results of any referendum conducted pursuant to this Article and shall provide the Department, upon written request, with any documents, papers, tallies, or other information related to the conduct of any referendum conducted by the Foundation.

History

(2013-299, s. 1.)

§ 119-63.8. Association activities deemed not in restraint of trade; pricing.

1. No meeting or activity undertaken by the Association or the Foundation in pursuance of the provisions of this Article shall be considered illegal under antitrust law or a restraint of trade.
2. In all cases, the price of propane shall be determined by market forces. Neither the Foundation nor the Association may take any action nor shall any provision of this Article be interpreted as establishing an agreement to pass along to consumers the cost of any assessment provided for by this Article.

History

(2013-299, s. 1.)

§ 119-64: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 119-65. Timing of reimbursement payments under contract.

1. Right. - When a contract calls for one party to reimburse a second party for the federal manufacturer's excise taxes levied on petroleum products in Part III of Subchapter A of Chapter 32 of the Internal Revenue Code, whether as a separate item or as part of the price, the party making the reimbursement has the right to choose to tender payment for the taxes no more than one business day before the day the second party is required to remit the taxes to the federal Internal Revenue Service. The party making the reimbursement has the option of exercising this right. Exercise of this right does not relieve the party of the obligation to make the reimbursement as provided for in the contract, but affects only the timing of when that reimbursement must be tendered.
2. Procedure. - In order to exercise the contractual right established in subsection (a) of this section, the party making the reimbursement must notify the second party in writing of the intent to exercise the payment option and the effective date of the exercise. The effective date must be no earlier than the beginning of the next federal tax quarter or 30 days after the notice of intent is received, whichever is later.
3. Security. - If the party making the reimbursement exercises the contractual right provided in this section, the second party may require security for the payment of the taxes in proportion to the amount the taxes represent compared to the security required on the contract as a whole. The second party may not, however, change the other payment terms of the contract without a valid business reason other than the exercise of the contractual right, except to require the payment of the taxes under the contractual right to be made by electronic funds transfer.

History

(2002-108, s. 1.)

Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2002-108, s. 18(a), made this article, as enacted by s. 1 of the act, effective September 1, 2002, and applicable to contracts entered into or renewed on or after that date and to all continuing contracts that are in effect on that date and have no expiration date. Section 1 of the act does not apply to a contract in effect on September 1, 2002, that, by its terms, will terminate on a later date. Furthermore, s. 1 of the act does not impair the obligation arising under any contract executed before September 1, 2002.