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    California and Texas Makes 23

    Oct. 29, 2015
    California and Texas have adopted National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 130, Uniform Laws and Regulations in the Areas of Legal Metrology and Engine Fuel Quality. This makes 23 states — AR, AZ, CA, CT, DE, IA, IL, KS, ME, MI, MO, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NV, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, WV — that require motor oil distributors and oil- change locations to provide motor oil brand, SAE viscosity and motor oil performance level on their invoices, bills of lading, and receipts. California and Texas’ adoption also places the number of registered vehicles covered by

    California and Texas have adopted National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 130, Uniform Laws and Regulations in the Areas of Legal Metrology and Engine Fuel Quality. This makes 23 states — AR, AZ, CA, CT, DE, IA, IL, KS, ME, MI, MO, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NV, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, WV — that require motor oil distributors and oil- change locations to provide motor oil brand, SAE viscosity and motor oil performance level on their invoices, bills of lading, and receipts. California and Texas’ adoption also places the number of registered vehicles covered by Handbook 130 at over 50 percent.

    For many distributors and oil-change locations, the information mandated by Handbook 130 will require that they add motor oil brand, SAE viscosity, and performance level to their invoices or receipts, bills of lading, drop tickets, product documentation and, for oil-change locations, bulk motor oil tanks. An explanation of the information required is provided below:

    •   Motor oil brand (specific motor oil brand installed)
    •   SAE viscosity of the motor oil (for example, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30)
    •   Service category (for example, API SN, SM, or CJ-4)
    •   Obsolete service category warning (for example, if API SF, “Not suitable for use in most gasoline powered automotive engines built after 1988”)

    Slides showing the states that have adopted Handbook 130, those that are considering adoption, and those that traditionally follow the handbook are attached. While more than half the states have not as yet adopted the latest version of Handbook 130, it is likely many will in the next few years.

    API is doing its part to help motor oil distributors and oil-change locations comply with the new state requirements. Our Motor Oil Matters (MOM) Program and bulk oil chain-of-custody standard, API 1525A, Bulk Engine Oil Chain of Custody and Quality Documentation, are designed to help distributors and oil-change locations meet Handbook 130. The Handbook 130 requirements and API’s standard simply require what consumers deserve to know: the brand, viscosity and performance level of the motor oil installed in their car or truck.

    API and MOM are doing their part to get the word out on these new requirements and the importance of using quality oils. Motor oil distributors and oil-change locations that measure up to MOM’s standard can join MOM and help spread the message on quality. In return, MOM will spread the message that your location is one consumers can trust. For more information on MOM, go to www.motoroilmatters.org.