How to immediatEly register your bus as an RV without conversion:

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Confused. I thought "tags" was just slang for license plates? What other meaning does tags have?

The yearly expiration sticker is considered a "Tag". You have a plate and a tag.

[B.Rubble]

Got a question for everyone with Vermont registrations. Have you ever been questioned by any law officer about a inspection sticker while traveling outside of Vermont? I don't plan on speeding or drawing attention in general, just would like to know your past experiences. If any. I have legal VT registration but have not road tripped to get inspected yet.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by o1marc

The yearly expiration sticker is considered a "Tag". You have a plate and a tag.

Aha thanks, haven't yet registered in a state that used such stickers

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by B.Rubble

questioned by any law officer about a inspection sticker while traveling outside of Vermont

The requirements for **any** inspection process vary wildly not only between states, but at the local level within many states.

I find it hard to believe the issue would come up with a LEO outside the state of registration.

If it did, answering "in this case Vermont does not have an inspection requirement" would be a perfectly truthful answer.

"This vehicle has been around here long enough you must register locally" is really the only legal Achilles' heel I can see.

No such problem for those constantly moving between states of course, but a big one potentially for those staying put, taking a long time to finish their conversion.

[B.Rubble]

Originally Posted by john61ct

The requirements for **any** inspection process vary wildly not only between states, but at the local level within many states.

I find it hard to believe the issue would come up with a LEO outside the state of registration.

If it did, answering "in this case Vermont does not have an inspection requirement" would be a perfectly truthful answer.

"This vehicle has been around here long enough you must register locally" is really the only legal Achilles' heel I can see.

No such problem for those constantly moving between states of course, but a big one potentially for those staying put, taking a long time to finish their conversion.

Much appreciated, and agreed. I am parked on private property 99% of the time. We travel sporadically. I'm not worried about the locals at all. They are a decent bunch. I also agree that it shouldn't even come up. I like to be prepared. Inspection is the best solution, but I'm lazy...LMAO... Thank you.

[B.Rubble]

Originally Posted by john61ct

If it did, answering "in this case Vermont does not have an inspection requirement" would be a perfectly truthful answer.

"Th

I love this, This is what will make me feel ok about it.

[warewolff]

Originally Posted by B.Rubble

I love this, This is what will make me feel ok about it.

Except it's bullshit. Vermont does have an inspection requirement and I think it's 14 days.

[B.Rubble]

Originally Posted by warewolff

Except it's bullshit. Vermont does have an inspection requirement and I think it's 14 days.

Ignorance for the law is not an excuse. I understand the states requirements. However, if the proper verbage used in a situation gets me out of the inconvenience of a citation, I'm ok with it.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by warewolff

Except it's bullshit. Vermont does have an inspection requirement and I think it's 14 days.

Only if the vehicle is **in Vermont**.

Otherwise they would just lapse the rego when the deadline has passed, easy peasy, just means flipping a bit in the database and the vehicle becomes illegal and uninsured nationwide.

Fact they don't do that, fact you can even do what this thread is about in the first place, shows they don't care.

[cadillackid]

its amazing vermont issues tags for non residents in the first place.. they must use the DMV as a cash cow..



I couldnt even get a florida tag or florida parking permit when I had a real verifiable residence in the state... since my driver license wasnt florida they wouldnt issue me anything... ohio is the same way.. vermont is unusual it seems..
-Christopher

[Drew Bru]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

its amazing vermont issues tags for non residents in the first place.

South Dakota is the same way. I don't know how the process works, exactly, but I know that residency is not a requirement to title and register a vehicle in SD.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

Vermont is unusual it seems

Understatement of the year and why this thread exists.

Fantastic would be a better word, especially not needing to do anything in person.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

I couldnt even get a florida tag or florida parking permit when I had a real verifiable residence in the state... since my driver license wasnt florida they wouldnt issue me anything... ohio is the same way..

I have to question the non-resident thing, millions of Americans have locally-registered vehicles they garage at vacation homes in multiple states.

Especially true for Florida.

I bet if you already own or rent property you can register a vehicle too. Or even just prove the property you want to register stays in the state, definitely true for boats.

In fact a vehicle staying for any length of time **has to** be registered and pay tax locally, in every state I know about.

[cadillackid]

Agreed! Ohio is a pita, you can’t even get a formal title issued without the VIN being verified in person. So buying out of state and doing paperwork ahead is impossible. I only wish it was half as easy as Vermont here

[TeacherJoe]

I may go this route. Would VT put my CT address on the title? That would seem odd.

Joe

[Pizote]

Originally Posted by TeacherJoe

I may go this route. Would VT put my CT address on the title? That would seem odd.

Joe

Yes. I have a California address on my Vermont registration and title.

[TeacherJoe]

Also, has anybody had to prove it’s an RV, according to VT definition? From the VT DMV web site:
CAN I USE AN OLD SCHOOL BUS AS A MOTOR HOME?

In order to convert an old school bus into an RV/Motor Home you must meet the following requirement:

Vermont Law 32 VSA §8902(11) defines a “Motor Home,” it states:

“means a new or used pleasure car designed to provide temporary living quarters, built into the integral part of, or permanently attached to, a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis or van. The vehicle must contain at least four of the following facilities; cooking, refrigeration or ice box, self-contained toilet, heating and/or air conditioning, a portable water supply system including a sink and faucet, separate 110-125 volt electrical power supply, and/or an LP gas supply.”

If it does not have four of these items the use of the vehicle cannot be changed from a bus/school bus to an RV. Just by taking out a “few seats” and adding “some beds” does not in itself change the purpose of the vehicle. You would still need to install at least four more of the above items. If you fail to do that the vehicle’s purpose would remain a school bus which would require the operator to have the appropriate license and endorsements.

Additionally; the vehicle must be painted a color different than glossy school bus yellow and the eight way light system must be removed.

Joe

[Pizote]

@TeacherJoe

While your question is if anyone has had to prove it, I’m sure there are, but I have not. I also haven’t and don’t plan on driving it in Vermont. So I don’t think I will need to have it inspected there.

My plan is to register it in California when I’m done converting it. With it already registered as a MH, I won’t have to have it inspected here, nor do I have to deal with the emissions regulations of a commercial vehicle here as it’s no longer a commercial vehicle.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by TeacherJoe

I may go this route. Would VT put my CT address on the title? That would seem odd.

Joe

Ct. DMV is one of the toughest I know of. They require that residents vehicle be registered there after a short (30 days) I believe.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by TeacherJoe

Also, has anybody had to prove it’s an RV, according to VT definition?

All that only pertains to if you actually drive in in VT, and yes they inspect it.

But stay out of VT, no worries.