When do you need a CDL

[coachconverter]

I know, I know, this has been beat to death.  But does anyone know of a Federal website that outlines when you have to have a CDL?

Oviously, I've been to lazy to get mine, or I wouldn't ask.  But need to drive a bus from NJ to OH which has a GVW of 21,260lbs.  It has air brakes and suspension and is titled as a bus, was a limo bus.

Thanks for any links to a website that I can print out and take with me as proof of ignorance of the law!

[tekebird]

I'm available for hire.

This wouldn;t be the F3500 that I was eyeballing?

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Yup!

Registered as a commercial vehicle, you need a CDL in any state.

Good Luck
Nick-

[NJT5047]

I cannot send you to a Fed site, but all states have similar CDL requirements. 
Here's a link to where I just copied the below statements.
http://www.dmv.org/nc-north-carolina/cdl-faqs.php
The CDL issue is simple really.   If you are not exempted (see list below), you gotta have a CDL.  All commercially licensed bus and school bus operators require a CDL with a pax endorsement.     
If the bus you're moving is licensed as a commercial vehicle, you're required to have a CDL.
Since buses don't stop in weigh stations, you'll probably be able to skate thru the interstate system without detection...but, if you get stopped for whatever reason, they'll park you until an operator shows up with a bus CDL.   
I got stopped once by NCDOT because I didn't have the name of my bus company on the rear of the bus.   Once they got a look inside, no problem.  But I wasn't doing anything to get their attention.  This was when bringing my bus back from Carolina Bus after having caps installed on both ends.   They thought a busload of illegals was slipping by...?   


Coped from NC CDL FAQs.

Certain vehicles do not require you to have a CDL in order to drive them. However, you may still need a non-CDL, Class A or B license. These exempt vehicles include:

*Recreational vehicles and others used for personal use
*Vehicles owned or operated by the Department of Defense when they are driven by active *military personnel on duty
*Firefighting or emergency equipment used during emergencies
*Certain farm vehicles

Until you get better info!  JR

[buswarrior]

Real buses do have to stop at the scales in certain places, if signed.

And in Maryland, for one.

Hire one of your busnut friends with a CDL to go fetch it.

Don't forget the log book, pre/post trip forms, the various operating authorities for the jurisdictions operating through and the fuel tax IFTA people.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[John Z]

Yep, here in the midwest, if the scale sign only says "trucks" we don't pull in. But if it says "com veh" or "buses" we do.

[ilyafish]

How about if i purchase a bus that was registered as a bus, and am transporting it home to convert it to a private motorcoach?

Also, pertaining that....just like when you purchase a new car you have 10-14 days depending on the state to register and insure it....does this apply to when a bus is purchased as well?

also, do you guys know the GVW of an mc9 with all the seats still in?

[tekebird]

legally, as long it is a bus it can't be registered as a motorhome.

Legally, until you get it home and get it registered it remains a bus.

now what you can get away with is different, and also subject to the mood and savey of the LEO that pulls you over

[Busted Knuckle]

CDL & a current log book! I know from experience ! I was driving one of MAK's bus from TX to CA for him, and got stopped. I got a ticket for no log book. Even though I told the officer I didn't need a CDL or log book was because I was taking it out to CA to be turned into a Motor Home. His reply was it's got seats, it's a bus, and yes if you didn't have one I'd shut this bus down right here until Somebody had 1!

[buswarrior]

In my retirement, I will set up shop to rent myself out to fix these little administrative problems.

Right now, a busnut can't afford me!

Busnut Drive-Away
the plates, insurance and licencing you need

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[jackhartjr]

How many folks does it seat including the driver CoachConverter?
That will have a bearing on the CDL issue. 

Jack

[ArtGill]

When transporting a commercial vehicle with temporary, cardboard tags, can it be used as a commercial vehicle?  BK, can you charter a bus that has a cardboard tag?

Also, can you have the seller remove most of the seats so it will seat less than 16 people?

Art

[Busted Knuckle]

When transporting a commercial vehicle with temporary, cardboard tags, can it be used as a commercial vehicle?  BK, can you charter a bus that has a cardboard tag?

Also, can you have the seller remove most of the seats so it will seat less than 16 people?

Art

Yes we have and do use the temp tags up until they expire on our charter buses! Even went thru a DOT inspection once because of it. (they said it wasn't the reason, but I know better! Out of literally hundreds of buses at Universal that day, mine was the only inspected? Not only did our driver notice it, but several other local drivers I know down there made a point of mentioning it to him, or calling me direct about it!)

Also I had a CA temp slip Mike had sent me on the bus I was ticketed in for no log book down in TX! Nothing was said at all about the tag, just the leaking axle seal, some lights out, smoking, leaning & my log book.

  BK 

[Busted Knuckle]

By the way isn't Dallas still near by? He still has a CDL. Just a thought! FWIW   BK 

Also as Doug said I have drivers for hire also.

[Dallas]

By the way isn't Dallas still near by? He still has a CDL. Just a thought! FWIW   BK 

Also as Doug said I have drivers for hire also.

Yup, CDL, but without the "P" endorsement, which I refuse to do! Lol.
The only loads I like to haul that can talk back are the ones that go Mooo000OOOOooo.

(They can't sue you when you hit them with a cattle prod!) 

Dallas