BCM Community

Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: belfert on September 26, 2025, 08:59:59 AM

Title: Can I drive a seated coach without a CDL? Non-commercial for private use
Post by: belfert on September 26, 2025, 08:59:59 AM
I may need my head examined, but considering buying a newer 1999 Dina with low miles.  It is still a seated coach titled as a bus.  My current Dina already had most seats removed, and the title was changed to an RV even though it had none of the things required to be an RV.

Can I drive this bus home without a CDL?  Would I need to stop at weight scales?  (Never stopped at a weight scale ever.)
Title: Re: Can I drive a seated coach without a CDL? Non-commercial for private use
Post by: thomasinnv on September 26, 2025, 09:10:54 AM
Quote from: belfert on September 26, 2025, 08:59:59 AM
I may need my head examined, but considering buying a newer 1999 Dina with low miles.  It is still a seated coach titled as a bus.  My current Dina already had most seats removed, and the title was changed to an RV even though it had none of the things required to be an RV.

Can I drive this bus home without a CDL?  Would I need to stop at weight scales?  (Never stopped at a weight scale ever.)

It varies by state, but I have driven a handful of seated busses by simply placing a placard in the window 'private coach not for hire' and never had a problem. Never stopped at a scale either.
Title: Re: Can I drive a seated coach without a CDL? Non-commercial for private use
Post by: luvrbus on September 26, 2025, 09:58:04 AM
As long as it doesn't have the name of the carrier on it you don't stop a weight station, I have driven those across the US,some people remove most the seats to be under the 15 passenger limit I never did,they are not going to bother you, just have a copy of the bill of sale incase you do get stopped and tell them you are doing a RV.I did find out you could not drive a school bus you bought with the name of the school still intact, after 2 cans of spray paint from Walmart I was back on the road from Texas to Idaho .Mike the previous owner of board just used a cheap paint and roller to cover the names on NJT buses he bought and drove from NJ to CA   
Title: Re: Can I drive a seated coach without a CDL? Non-commercial for private use
Post by: belfert on September 26, 2025, 05:09:45 PM
The bus I am looking at buying has had the lettering removed so I am good there.

If I buy a bus I will make a sign, as suggested, and not worry about weigh stations.