Does the 90-day clock reset when I inspect early?
The cycle counts forward from your last documented inspection, so inspecting early moves the next date earlier rather than banking you extra time.
California compliance
California BIT inspections: the 90-day cycle
California's Basic Inspection of Terminals programme. It requires a documented vehicle inspection every 90 days and a periodic terminal inspection by the CHP.
Who this applies to
Motor carriers operating in California that fall under the programme, including small carriers running a single terminal.
How the date works
The 90-day cycle counts from your last documented inspection, so it moves with you rather than sitting on a fixed calendar date. The CHP terminal inspection runs on a performance-based schedule.
Where to file
There is no filing fee for the inspection cycle itself. The inspection is a physical job on the vehicle and is charged by whoever performs it.
FAQs
Can software do the inspection?
No. This is a physical inspection of the vehicle. Software can hold the schedule and the records, and that is the part that gets missed.
Other deadlines
- California Clean Truck Check: when yours is due
Twice a year for most vehicles
- FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse: what you owe each year
Annual, plus per-driver queries
- UCR registration: the deadline and what it costs
Annual
- MCS-150 biennial update: your filing month, from your USDOT number
Every 24 months
- IFTA quarterly returns: the four dates, and the one that catches people
Quarterly
- Form 2290: the heavy vehicle use tax deadline
Annual
- California Motor Carrier Permit: annual renewal
Annual