California Basic Inspection of Terminals (BIT) Inspections

Overview

The Basic Inspection of Terminals (BIT) Program is California’s performance-based safety audit of commercial motor carriers, administered by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Established by Assembly Bill 529 (effective October 3, 2013), BIT inspections verify that carriers maintain vehicles and records in compliance with state and federal regulations. A satisfactory BIT rating helps carriers avoid unscheduled re-inspections and potential out-of-service orders. 

1. What Is a BIT Inspection?

• Definition: An on-site terminal audit examining a carrier’s preventive maintenance program, vehicle condition, driver records, and—if applicable—hazardous materials (HM) practices.

• Purpose: Ensure compliance with California Vehicle Code and federal regulations, protecting motor carriers and the public.

• Legal Basis: Assembly Bill 529 (2013) and CVC §§34500–34505.5. 

2. Who and What Is Subject to BIT?

• Motor Carriers: Entities operating, leasing, or directing regulated commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in California under a valid CA number (CVC §408).

• Vehicles: CMVs ≥ 26,001 lb GVWR, trailers, semitrailers, and combinations over 40 ft, plus HM transporters requiring placards or HM licensing. Exemptions include historical, farm, federal government, and firefighting vehicles.

3. When and How Are Terminals Selected?

• Performance-Based Selection: Terminals with any BASIC percentile at or above the FMCSA alert thresholds, or Crash BASIC ≥ 90, are selected.

• Frequency: Carriers with GVWR ≥ 26,001 lb are audited at least every 90 days; lighter CMVs meet annual federal inspection requirements (49 CFR §396.17). 

• Priority: Terminals never inspected or handling HM shipments may be prioritized.

4. What Takes Place During a BIT Inspection

1. Vehicle Sample Inspection

   • Inspectors (CHP Motor Carrier Specialists) examine a sample of CMVs for:

     • Brake adjustment and components

     • Steering and suspension

     • Tires, wheels, and lighting

     • Coupling and connecting devices

   • Inspection reports must be dated, note repairs, and bear the carrier representative’s signature within 90 days of the BIT date.

2. Record Review

   • Maintenance Records: Preventive maintenance schedule and completed repairs.

   • Driver Records: Hours‑of‑Service logs, driver qualification files, and medical certificates.

   • Hazardous Materials Records (if applicable): Shipping papers and placard certificates.

3. Safety Compliance Rating

   • Four audit areas: Regulated Vehicles, Maintenance Program, Driver Records, HM (if applicable).

   • Each receives a Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory rating; overall unsatisfactory results require correction and reinspection within 120 days.

4. Drug & Alcohol Testing Program Audit

   • Testing Records: Review pre‑employment, random, post‑accident, reasonable suspicion, return‑to‑duty, and follow‑up tests (49 CFR Part 40; 13 CCR §120).

   • Designated Employer Representative (DER): Confirm appointment, required training, and employee notifications.

   • Policy & Contracts: Verify a written Drug & Alcohol policy, employee acknowledgments, and valid laboratory/consortium agreements.

5. Substance Abuse Program Oversight

   • SAP Referrals & Follow‑Up: Records of Substance Abuse Professional evaluations and testing plans.

   • Training & Communication: Supervisor reasonable suspicion training and employee education materials.

6. Personnel Interviews

   • Drivers: Awareness of logbook rules and D&A policies.

   • Management & Staff: Procedures for maintenance, record‑keeping, HM handling, and DER duties.

7. Terminal Facility & Equipment Review

   • Security & Layout: Fencing, gates, lighting, and access control.

   • Calibration & Tools: Brake testers, pressure gauges, and scales certification.

   • Records Storage: Secure filing (paper or electronic) with two‑year retention.

8. Hazardous Materials & Environmental Compliance

   • Storage & Signage: HM containers, placard kits, and emergency response guides.

   • Spill Response Plans: Training records and incident logs.

5. Where Do BIT Inspections Occur?

At any registered terminal—private yards, leased lots, or private residences used for CMV operations. Carriers enroll via CHP Form 362 and are listed in the “Carrier Inspection Results” portal. 

6. How to Prepare for a BIT Inspection

1. Enroll & Identify Terminals: Submit CHP 362, obtain CA number, and list all locations.

2. Implement Preventive Maintenance: Schedule 90‑day inspections with detailed checklists.

3. Maintain Records: Retain inspection, repair, and D&A documents for two years.

4. Conduct Internal Audits: Review maintenance, driver, and D&A records regularly.

5. Monitor Safety Performance: Track FMCSA SMS BASIC scores and address issues.

6. Train Staff: Educate DERs, supervisors, and maintenance personnel on BIT requirements.

Regulatory References

• California Vehicle Code §§34500–34505.5, §34507.5, §408

• Assembly Bill 529 (2013) – Establishes BIT Program

• 49 CFR §396.17 – Federal annual inspection requirement

• 49 CFR Part 40 – DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Procedures

• 13 CCR §120 – California Drug & Alcohol Testing Rules

For full CHP BIT guidance, see the CHP 800H “Welcome to BIT” brochure.