90-day BIT · Annual DOT · San Diego
BIT and DOT Truck Inspections in San Diego
Keep your trucks on the road and your paperwork ready for the CHP. We inspect commercial trucks on the schedule the law requires and fix what we find in the same shop.
BIT 90-day inspections
California’s Basic Inspection of Terminals (BIT) program is run by the California Highway Patrol. Carriers in the program must inspect each covered vehicle at least every 90 days and keep the records for two years. The CHP reviews those records when it inspects your terminal.
A 90-day inspection covers:
- Brake adjustment
- Brake system components and leaks
- Steering and suspension
- Tires and wheels
- Connecting devices such as fifth wheels, hitches and safety chains
Vehicles typically covered include truck tractors, trucks with three or more axles over 10,000 lbs GVWR, commercial vehicles of 26,001 lbs GVWR or more, combinations over 40 feet, vehicles towing trailers over 10,000 lbs, and vehicles hauling hazardous materials.
Changed in 2025: since January 1, 2025, many trucks under 26,001 lbs GVWR are no longer in California’s 90-day and BIT programs. They follow the federal annual inspection instead. Call us and we will help you work out which schedule your trucks are on.
DOT annual inspections
Federal rules (49 CFR 396.17) require every commercial motor vehicle to pass a periodic inspection at least once every 12 months, with proof of the inspection carried in the vehicle. The inspection covers the brake system, coupling devices, exhaust, fuel system, lights, steering, suspension, frame, tires, wheels and rims, windshield glazing and wipers, and the rear impact guard.
How it works at Kearny Mesa Truck Center
- Call 858-571-5495 to book a time for each truck.
- We inspect the truck and record the results.
- If something fails, we explain what it is and repair it here, with your approval.
- You leave with the inspection report for your files.
Brake work is the most common repair after an inspection. See our brake, transmission and cooling repair page for more.
Common questions
Is a BIT inspection the same as a DOT annual inspection?
No. The 90-day inspection is a California requirement for vehicles in the BIT program. The annual inspection is a federal requirement for commercial motor vehicles. Many trucks need both.
How long do I keep the records?
Keep 90-day inspection records for two years. Keep annual inspection records for at least 14 months.
Do you also do Clean Truck Check testing?
Yes. See our Clean Truck Check testing page.
How much does an inspection cost?
Call 858-571-5495 for current pricing.
Book your BIT or DOT inspection
Call us to schedule inspections for one truck or your whole fleet.
Call 858-571-5495Directions & hours
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm · 5624 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123