CVEF Classifications

Definitions have been developed for CVEFs based upon primary function, staffing needs, size, location, and physical configuration. four classifications have been established to define existing and future CVEFs: A, B, C, and D.

Class "A"

Class "A" facilities are located at strategic ports of entry into the State and have independent CHP command identity.

Class "A" facilities normally operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, or match the hours of operation of federal ports of entries located at international borders with Mexico. Class "A" facilities may be used by other State or local agencies as well as jointly used by bordering State representatives at the CHP commander's discretion. Therefore, CHP representatives should include in their design administrative office space designated for agencies such as the Air Resources Board, Department of Tax and Fee Administration, Department of Motor Vehicles, and the county court clerk. Accommodations and funding should also be included for the installation of the mainline electronic bypass management system. California Department of Food and Agriculture may also co-locate at certain sites.

Class "A" facilities generally have Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) and static scales for weighing vehicles, and covered areas for inspection of vehicles and equipment. The covered inspection areas should be constructed with three or more bays (at least one designed without inspection pits). The number of bays is determined by the average daily truck traffic and projected long-term needs for the location. The facility should have an open storage area for legalizing loads, a parking area, and an area to permit the turning of trucks for re-weighing. Class "A" facilities are designed and staffed with a primary focus on the inspection of vehicle size, weight, equipment and loads during all hours of operation.

Class "A" facilities should include a secured room for weapons storage and maintenance, a room for storage of evidence and other sensitive items, a break room, a briefing room, a training room, and a work area for maintaining State vehicles.

Class "A" commercial facilities are typically commanded by a CHP lieutenant and staffed by sergeants, officers, commercial vehicle inspection specialists, clerical staff, maintenance workers and/or janitors and may include automotive technicians.

Class "B"

Class "B" facilities are located along major highway routes and have an independent CHP command identity.

Class "B" facilities may operate up to 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Class "B" facilities may be used by other State or local agencies such as the Air Resources Board, Department of Tax and Fee Administration, Department of Motor Vehicles, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and the county court clerk. Administrative office space should be included in the facility design to accommodate allied agency use on a permanent or frequent basis. Accommodations and funding should also be included for the installation of the mainline electronic bypass management system.

Class "B" facilities generally have WIM and static scales for the weighing of vehicles and covered inspection areas for the inspection of vehicles and equipment. The covered inspection areas should be constructed with two or more bays (at least one designed without an inspection pit). The number of bays is determined by the average daily truck traffic and projected long-term needs for the location. The facility should have an open storage area for legalizing loads, a parking area, and an area to permit the turning of trucks for re-weighing.

Class "B" facilities are designed and staffed for a primary focus on the inspection of vehicle size, weight, equipment and loads during all hours of operation.

Class "B" facilities should include a secured room for weapons storage/maintenance, a room for storage of evidence and other sensitive items, a separate break room, and briefing/training rooms.

Class "B" facilities are typically commanded by a CHP lieutenant and staffed by sergeants, officers, commercial vehicle inspection specialists, clerical staff, maintenance workers and/or janitors.

Class "C"

Class "C" facilities are located at strategic points on major highway routes.

Class “C” facilities may operate 24 hours per day, 5 or 7 days per week, predicated upon variable factors such as the average daily truck traffic and peak commercial traffic hours. These facilities may have WIM systems and should have static scales designed for vehicle weighing, areas for the inspection of vehicle equipment, an open storage area for legalizing loads, a parking area, and an area to permit the turning of trucks for re-weighing. Accommodations and funding should also be included for the installation of the mainline electronic bypass management system.

Class "C" facilities are designed and staffed for a primary focus on the inspection of vehicle size, weight, equipment and loads. Class "C" facilities, not equipped with a covered inspection area and/or under-truck lighting, direct their primary focus on vehicle inspections during daylight hours. During nighttime and periods of inclement weather, this focus is redirected toward size, weight, and loading enforcement, as well as toward conducting inspections of driver qualifications and topside vehicle equipment.

Class "C" facilities are to be staffed by officers and may be staffed by CHP sergeants and commercial vehicle inspection specialists, depending on the size, function, and location of the facility. Class "C" facilities located in close proximity to Class "A" or "B" facilities will become a portion of that command structure. Remaining Class "C" facilities are under the direct command of the respective CHP Division Special Services Commander, in those instances where a CHP sergeant has not been specifically assigned to the facility, are supervised by the CHP Division commercial sergeant.

A Class "C" Special facility has all the features and equipment of a Class "C" facility, plus a covered inspection area containing up to three inspection bays. Due to its remote location, a Class "C" Special facility may have additional items such as a CHP sergeant’s office, break room, weapons room, and evidence room.

Class "D"

Class "D" facilities are located at strategic points on major and secondary highway routes.

Class “D” facilities’ operational hours are based on such factors as: the average daily truck traffic, peak truck traffic hours, and seasonal needs. These facilities shall have scales designed for the weighing of vehicles and may have a limited open area for the inspection of vehicle equipment. Accommodations should be made for the installation of the mainline electronic bypass management system.

Class "D" facilities are designed and staffed for a primary focus on the weighing of vehicles. Class "D" facilities are staffed by CHP officers. Class "D" facilities located near Class "A" or "B" facilities will become a portion of that command structure. Remaining Class "D" facilities are under the direct command of the respective CHP Division Special Services Commander and are supervised by the CHP Division commercial sergeant.