What is a BIT Inspection?
You’re no stranger to fleet inspections if you own or oversee a fleet in California. You should already know about the federally required Department of Transportation (DOT) Inspection, but you might need to familiarize yourself with another one: the BIT inspection.
Below, we’ll address all your questions about this California-required inspection to ensure you and your fleet are compliant when driving through the Golden State.
What is a inspection?
The BIT or Basic Inspection of Terminals program (previously known as the Biennial Inspection of Terminals program) requires commercial motor vehicles (CMV) weighing more than 10,001 pounds to undergo inspections every 90 days if driving on California roads. This weight is significant because the requirement recently changed, as it once only encompassed vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds.
While a BIT will examine various interior and exterior aspects of your vehicle, at minimum, it will look at a truck’s:
- Wheels and tires
- Brakes adjustment and brake system components
- Steering and suspension systems
- Wheels and tires
- Vehicle connecting devices, such as kingpins, chains, and fifth wheels
Why do I need a BIT inspection?
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) encourages these inspections to ensure vehicles comply with Motor Carrier Safety regulations to help prevent mechanical breakdowns and collisions on California roads. Essentially, it’s making sure your fleet is safe to operate.
Who conducts the inspection? 
A certified diesel technician ought to perform your BIT inspection.
To qualify, a technician must have completed a state or federal training program with a certificate from a state or Canadian province. Or, they must have at least a year’s worth of experience working on truck maintenance and be certified to inspect brakes.
Is a BIT the same as a DOT inspection?
Technically, yes, the BIT is the exact same inspection as the DOT.
The only difference is that a BIT inspection is a California requirement every 90 days, while a DOT is a federally required inspection every 365 days. A DOT inspection can take the place of one inspection, but a BIT can’t take the place of your annual DOT inspection.
So, even if you got your DOT within the year, you’ll still need a BIT every 90 days as long as you drive in California. But if you just received your DOT inspection, you can wait 90 days before your next inspection.
And remember, since they’re the same inspection, don’t request a DOT and a BIT simultaneously.
Do I need a BIT? 
If you’re driving a three axle vehicle weighing over 10,001 pounds in California, then there’s a good chance you’ll need a inspection. That said, if you got a DOT inspection within the last 90 days, you might get to bypass a BIT—at least until that 90-day period is up. At that point, you’ll be due for another BIT.
Check out our guide for more information about when you need a BIT.
How do I pass an inspection?
To pass the inspection, you must earn a “Satisfactory” rating, which means your truck met all the safety requirements and regulations. But if you fail, you’ll receive an “Unsatisfactory” score.
However, if you have a few minor things to fix, the CHP may give you a grace period, where you can fix those issues and return in 30 days or so to get re-inspected.
I passed my inspection—now what?
It’s crucial to hold onto your records that indicate your trucks have not only undergone but also passed their BIT.
When the CHP visits your terminal, they’ll inspect your fleet and look for driver records, such as those that cover timekeeping and driver proficiency, and maintenance records that include vehicle condition reports and repair records. If you received citations or write-ups along the way, you’d need proof that you addressed them. And finally, the CHP will examine every 90-day BIT inspection checklist.
Don’t worry; the CHP won’t show up unannounced at your terminal. But when they do arrive, you’ll want to have all your records in order to prove your fleet is compliant.
For more information, turn to Donahue Truck Centers. We cover everything you need to know about inspections in California to help ensure your fleet is up to par. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.
