(a) Every motor carrier operating any vehicle described in subdivision (a), (b), (e), (f), (g), (j), or (k) of Section 34500, except those vehicles exempted under Section 34501.12, shall, as a part of the systematic inspection, maintenance, and lubrication services required of all motor carriers, require the vehicle or vehicles for which it is responsible pursuant to Section 34501.12 to be inspected at least every 90 days, or more often if necessary to ensure safe operation. Vehicles which are out of service for periods greater than 90 calendar days are not required to be inspected at 90-day intervals if they are inspected before operation on the highway. This inspection shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) Brake adjustment.

(2) Brake system components and leaks.

(3) Steering and suspension systems.

(4) Tires and wheels.

(5) Vehicle connecting devices.

(b) No vehicle subject to this section shall be operated on the highway other than to a place of repair until all defects listed during the inspection conducted pursuant to subdivision (a) have been corrected and attested to by the signature of the motor carrier’s authorized representative.

(c) Records of inspections conducted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be kept at the motor carrier’s terminals, as designated in accordance with Section 34501.12. The records shall be retained by the motor carrier for two years, and shall be made available for inspection upon request by any authorized employee of the department. Each record shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) Identification of the vehicle, including make, model, license number, company vehicle number, or other means of positive identification.

(2) Date and nature of each inspection and any repair performed.

(3) Signature of the motor carrier’s authorized representative attesting to the inspection and to the completion of all required repairs.

(d) Printouts of inspection and maintenance records maintained in computer systems shall be accepted in lieu of signed inspection or repair records if the printouts include the information required in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (c).

(e) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, records of 90-day inspections need not be retained in California for interstate vehicles which are not physically based in California. However, when these vehicles are present in California, they are subject to inspection by the department. If the inspection results indicate maintenance program deficiencies, the department may require the motor carrier to produce the maintenance records or copies of those records for inspection within 10 working days.

(f) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2016.

(Repealed (in Sec. 7) and added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 500, Sec. 8. (AB 529) Effective January 1, 2014. Section operative January 1, 2016, by its own provisions.)