The Basic Inspection of Terminals (BIT) Program is California version of a Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection. In a sense, it’s part DOT and part fleet inspection.
To understand the BIT program more and understand your requirements and rights here are answers to some frequently asked questions we’ve received.
Who needs a BIT Inspection?
A BIT inspection is basically 90-day checkups that are performed on a commercial motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or greater. Most lighter trucks aren’t getting the BIT inspections as they should. Though you might not have been fined or written up, it’s only a matter of time.
What’s a BIT Inspection?
Your truck’s safety system will be checked to look for potential problems.
Here are a few areas the inspectors look at:
- Defroster
- Functional lights
- Tire tread depth
- Wiper blades
How Often Will You Require a BIT Inspection?
If you’re driving intrastate (only or mostly in California), your vehicles must be inspected every 90 days using the BIT system. However, with the BIT program, some vehicles require more frequent checkups, such as passenger buses. They must pass inspections every 45 days.
Therefore, routine maintenance is crucial. Service your vehicles and repair them to avoid a failing grade.
Do I Need BIT Inspections and DOT Inspections in California?
Typically, the BIT inspection takes the place of your DOT inspection. However, a DOT inspection can’t be used instead of a BIT because of timing. Usually, a DOT inspection happens yearly, though a BIT inspection occurs every 90 days. It’s wise to choose a truck repair service before you need one. Likewise, you must consider trailer repair before the next inspection date.
Who Can Perform a BIT Inspection in California?
BIT inspections are usually performed by your diesel technician. Though you can do your own checkup, you need a third party to look at your vehicle. Diesel technicians require certain qualifications and experience before performing BIT inspections. Basically, the inspector must have a year’s worth of work experience dealing with commercial truck service and repair.
What to Do After BIT Inspections?
Once you pass the inspection, you’ll receive the BIT certificate and give copies to your customers to keep. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) can do a bi-annual inspection of the home base for all trucks. Usually, the CHP wants to see 20 percent of the fleet. Every inch of the vehicles are inspected. The CHP will also look at maintenance and driver records and go through the 90-day inspection checklists that the shop or mechanic completed for each truck in the fleet for the last two years. It also checks on the write-ups you’ve gotten.
What to Do if you Fail and Inspection?
A “satisfactory” is a passing grade. Otherwise, you’ll get an “Unsatisfactory.” Most people fall somewhere in between because there are minor issues. The CHP will likely offer 30 days for compliance, so get diesel truck repair quickly and request a re-check.
If you plan to operate a large truck in California, be prepared to have it inspected. Here at SE Smith and Sons we conduct BIT inspections and certifications at our facility or we can come out to your yard or truck and take care of it there. Contact us to schedule your BIT 90-day inspection and any repairs you might need.