SAFETY 1ST TRUCK INSPECTIONS
90 DAY BIT Inspection
Regulated by:
California Legislature
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Applicability:
Motor truck with a GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs.
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Frequency:
Carriers must ensure each regulated vehicle is inspected at least every 90 days, or more often if necessary to ensure safe operation. Vehicle inspections must be documented and retained for at least two years.
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What is it?
The California Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1988 (also known as the Biennial Inspection of Terminals Program or BIT) was enacted in 1988 by CA legislature to alleviate the growing number of truck related collisions.
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Who does this program apply to?
Who is a motor carrier for purposes of the BIT Program? A motor carrier is defined in Section 408 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) as the registered owner, lessee, licensee, or bailee of any vehicle set forth in Section 34500 CVC, who operates or directs the operation of any such vehicle on either a for-hire or not-for-hire basis.
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· Any motortruck of three or more axles that are more than 10,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
· Truck tractors.
· Trailers and semitrailers, pole or pipe dollies, auxiliary dollies, and logging dollies used in combination with vehicles listed above. This subdivision does not include camp trailers, trailer coaches, and utility trailers.
· A combination of a motor truck with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds, while towing any trailer listed above, which exceeds 40 feet in length when coupled together. Combinations which include a pickup truck as defined in Section 471 CVC or which are never operated in commercial use are excluded.
· A commercial motor vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds or a commercial motor vehicle of any GVWR towing trailers listed above with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds, except combinations including camp trailers, trailer coaches, or utility trailers.
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· A vehicle, or a combination of vehicles, transporting hazardous materials for which the display of placards, a California hazardous materials transportation license, or a California hazardous waste transporter registration is required.
· Any other motortruck not specified above that is regulated by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Motor Carrier Permit (MCP), Public Utilities Commission (PUC), or FMCSA.
What is the compliance & record keeping requirements?
At a minimum, the following items must be inspected:
· Brake adjustment.
· Brake system components and leaks.
· Steering and suspension systems.
· Tires and wheels.
· Vehicle connecting devices.
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What should be included in the periodic inspection report?
· Identification of the vehicle, including make, model, license number, company vehicle number, or other means of positive identification.
· Date and nature of each inspection and any repair performed.
· Signature of the motor carrier's authorized representative attesting to the inspection and to the completion of all required repairs.
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Safety 1st Truck Inspections
We can help you with your vehicle inspections and recordkeeping to keep you operational, compliant & safe on the road! A proper inspection by Safety 1st Truck Inspection technicians will help you discover unsafe conditions in time to prevent accidents and find mechanical problems before they lead to costly breakdowns.
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Avoid being placed out of service during roadside inspections or being subject to heavy fines and penalties!
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