Compliance education
Fleet Compliance: CHP BIT, DOT & Clean Truck Check Explained
These guides explain what each inspection and emissions program is, which fleets it applies to, and how digital recordkeeping changes the outcome.
90-Day Vehicle Safety Inspections
What it is
California Vehicle Code §34505.5 requires applicable carrier vehicles to be inspected at least every 90 days and the records retained. A CHP BIT terminal review is a separate CHP examination of vehicles and carrier records.
Why it matters
Complete, consistent vehicle records help a carrier demonstrate its maintenance program when CHP reviews the terminal and records.
Benefits of staying on top of it
- Documented 90-day inspection cycle for every regulated unit
- Defect history that shows repairs were actually completed
- Records ready when CHP conducts a terminal review
- Fewer out-of-service surprises during roadside inspections
Federal Annual Inspection Records
What it is
Federal regulations require every commercial motor vehicle to pass a periodic (annual) inspection covering brakes, steering, suspension, lighting, tires, wheels, frame, coupling devices and more.
Why it matters
The annual inspection is the baseline safety review for a commercial vehicle and the record most often requested during an audit or after a roadside stop.
Benefits of staying on top of it
- Standardized inspection criteria across the whole fleet
- Proof of inspector qualification and inspection date
- Scheduling that flags units approaching expiration
- Fleet readiness reporting by location or department
California Clean Truck Check
What it is
Clean Truck Check (CTC) is CARB's heavy-duty inspection and maintenance program. Most non-gasoline vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR operating in California must be reported and tested on a recurring schedule.
Why it matters
Compliance affects DMV registration and the ability to operate in California. Missing a testing deadline can take a unit off the road.
Benefits of staying on top of it
- Per-vehicle CTC status and next-test date
- Reminders before compliance deadlines
- Test records stored with the vehicle history
- Fleet-level view of which units still need testing
Emissions Compliance
What it is
Emissions compliance covers aftertreatment health, fault-code history, preventive emissions maintenance and the recordkeeping that proves the work was done.
Why it matters
Emissions-related failures are among the most expensive sources of downtime. Preventive work and documented service history reduce both fines and repair cost.
Benefits of staying on top of it
- DPF, EGR and SCR service intervals tracked per unit
- Emissions fault-code history captured with diagnostics
- Preventive maintenance scheduling before failures occur
- Recordkeeping that supports regulatory review
Smoke Testing
Coming soonWhat it is
Smoke testing introduces controlled low-pressure smoke into a sealed system to reveal leaks that are difficult to find by inspection alone.
Why it matters
Smoke testing helps locate intake leaks, exhaust leaks, EVAP system leaks and other emissions-related sealing failures where applicable to the vehicle or equipment.
Benefits of staying on top of it
- Locate intake and boost leaks quickly
- Identify exhaust and aftertreatment leak points
- Find EVAP leaks where applicable
- Reduce diagnostic guesswork and parts replacement
Compliance software by requirement
How AssetStacc tracks each of these obligations.
- 90-day vehicle inspection software — 90-day intervals and defect records
- Federal annual inspection records — reports and expiration tracking
- Clean Truck Check compliance tracking — test results and deadlines
- Heavy equipment maintenance software — engine-hour service intervals
- Registration, permit and certificate tracking — expiration countdowns and email reminders
Keep every compliance record in one place
AssetStacc tracks inspection intervals, stores the reports, and alerts you before a deadline passes.
Compliance information on this site is dated and linked to the governing agency — see our sources and methodology.