Intermodal roadability inspection program.

Assembly Member Gipson's port terminal safety legislation mandates comprehensive inspection protocols for intermodal chassis across California's port facilities, expanding current requirements beyond ocean marine terminals to include all terminals within port master plan areas.

The bill requires port terminals to inspect each intermodal chassis upon exit, examining brake systems, suspension, tires, connecting devices, mud flaps, landing legs, and frame damage. Terminals must verify current state and federal inspection compliance, maintain inspection records for six months, and ensure all identified defects are repaired before chassis transport. Inspectors must meet federal qualification standards, with terminals retaining documentation of these qualifications.

Port terminals failing inspections face enhanced oversight, with reinspections required at 30-day intervals until achieving full compliance. The legislation extends anti-retaliation protections to drivers reporting safety concerns, prohibiting threats or coercion from terminal operators, equipment providers, and trucking companies. It also voids contractual provisions attempting to waive liability for chassis defects, except in cases of carrier negligence.

The measure establishes an infraction penalty for transporting containers on chassis with documented defects and maintains misdemeanor classifications for violations related to hours of service, hazardous materials transport, and other operational requirements. Local agencies may incur costs from these new enforcement provisions, though state reimbursement is not required under constitutional provisions regarding crime-related mandates.