How California Fleets Should Prepare for a CHP BIT Inspection

A California Highway Patrol Basic Inspection of Terminals notice is broader than a vehicle appointment. CHP may inspect a representative sample of regulated vehicles and review the terminal’s maintenance program, driver records, and, when applicable, hazardous materials practices. The carrier should preserve the notice and confirm the CA Number, legal name, designated terminal, inspection date, CHP contact, vehicle scope, record period, and requested format. Questions not answered by the notice should go to the Motor Carrier Safety Unit handling that inspection.

For BIT purposes, a terminal is the California location designated for vehicle inspection and access to maintenance, inspection, and driver records. It may be a business or residence where vehicles are regularly garaged, maintained, operated, or dispatched. Prepare separate rosters for power units and trailers, including plate, VIN, company number, location, 90-day inspection due date, and repair status. CHP calculates representative samples separately for power units and trailers, but CHP selects the vehicles actually inspected.

Vehicles subject to California Vehicle Code section 34505.5 must receive a documented inspection at least every 90 days, or more often when necessary for safe operation. Minimum items include brake adjustment, brake components and leaks, steering and suspension, tires and wheels, and connecting devices. Listed defects must be repaired and attested to before highway operation, except movement to a repair facility. A federal annual inspection or ordinary roadside inspection does not automatically replace this requirement.

Keep record categories separate: 90-day inspection records for two years, general systematic maintenance records generally for one year, DVIRs for at least three months, and RODS with supporting documents for six months. Match each reported defect to the repair order and closure record. Review EPN enrollment, pre-employment and periodic driving records, driver proficiency records, and any applicable federal driver qualification files. Missing records must not be fabricated or backdated.

An unsatisfactory terminal rating generally leads to reinspection within 120 days. A carrier seeking rating review must request it within five business days after receiving the rating notice. Reinspection and rating review are separate processes, and neither a repair nor a completed checklist guarantees a satisfactory result.