Updated: October 23, 2024
BIT inspections keep your fleet and drivers in compliance and ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest state and federal transportation guidelines. And the best way to pass these inspections is to not let them sneak up on you.
Drivers who undergo BIT inspection training will be taught how to prepare for the inspection, what the process entails, and what happens afterward. This training will prepare your drivers and ensure they pass with flying colors.
What is a BIT inspection?
In California, these inspections happen every 90 days and are performed on any commercial motor vehicle over 10,000 pounds.
They are similar to DOT inspections, for which DOT compliance training would also be useful. For the BIT inspection, the inspector looks at the trucks’ safety systems and potential problem areas, including, for example:
- Wiper blades (must work and be in good condition)
- Tire tread depth (must remain within legal limits)
- Flat tires
- Brake Systems
- Functioning lights
- Defroster
- Emergency equipment
- Suspension
These inspections play a pivotal role in road safety, both for the driver and the other cars on the road. To be fully prepared, drivers should have both BIT inspection training and DOT compliance training. Because the safer a vehicle is, the less dangerous it is while on the road.
Why you need BIT inspection training
These assessments have numerous moving parts — including having all the proper paperwork and documentation ready beforehand. Training is necessary for your team because it will help the entire process move more smoothly.
We understand it may be difficult to keep up with changes or additions to safety regulations, especially when you’re busy running your business. This is why BIT inspection training and DOT compliance training — and hazardous material transportation training, if needed — are so important. These training courses help make sure that the drivers working in your fleet follow DOT compliance and safety guidelines.
Such training educates your team on the basics of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations as well as California rules and regulations, boosts their preparedness, and cultivates awareness.
Understanding the process
Before undergoing an inspection, it’s important to know what to expect. During the inspection, CHP Motor Carrier Specialist personnel will inspect a sample of regulated vehicles, maintenance records, and driver records to determine if you are in compliance with the proper statutes and regulations.
If you transport hazardous materials or waste, relevant records and safety practices will also be inspected. If that is the case, then drivers should undergo hazardous material transportation training.
If the Motor Carrier Specialists find any violations, they do not issue citations. Instead, they will assign a safety compliance rating in several categories, which are either satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
Prepare your documents
To help your team prepare for their inspection, it’s important to have the following documents ready.
Driver Records:
- DMV Driving Record — required for new drivers until a Pull Notice Record is obtained.
- Employer Pull Notices — must be current within 12 months, signed and dated.
- Drivers’ Hours of Service Records — all timekeeping records/records of duty status. Must be kept for at least six months.
- Driver Proficiency (California only) Records and/or Road Tests for all other states — records showing the different types of vehicles each driver operates proficiently. Must be maintained for the term of employment.
- Driver Employment Application.
- Complete Driver Qualification file.
Maintenance Records:
- Daily Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR’s) — kept for a minimum of three months.
- Mandated Carrier Inspection Reports — performed every 90 days and kept for at least two years.
- Documentation of all inspection, maintenance, lubrication and repairs — kept for at least one year.
- Published Lubrication Policy.
Vehicle Condition:
- Vehicle inspection.
- On-Highway vehicle inspection.
Hazardous Materials Records:
- Hazmat training.
- Cargo tank, including proper labeling of packaging and containers.
- Shipping papers, including proper entries, sequence, and certification when required. Retained for a minimum of one year.
BIT inspection training provides valuable knowledge
Road safety encompasses much more than following the rules of the road. BIT inspection training and DOT compliance training play a key role in ensuring your fleet remains in top shape and your drivers are educated about every aspect of their vehicle.
This training builds awareness and confidence and brings peace of mind to your business. Because when your team is trained on what these assessments look like and what’s required, they go into the process feeling confident about what to expect and the outcome.
Our Available Trainings
The “Sailing thru the BIT” training program will teach management what is required to operate and be compliant in the state of California.
The “DOT A-Z” class will teach management the requirements; to run in “Interstate” commerce (across state lines or from the ports.
The “90 day” and DOT “Annual” inspection training will teach inspectors and company mechanics how to properly document and inspect vehicles.
Get more details and contact us to schedule your training sessions