Anyone running Non commercial Bus plates what are the rules
I had intended to register my new bus as an RV but as many of you know this is easier said than done in PA. The conversion needs to be completed, inspected and a month or two to wait before they send you tags so you can finally go for a drive. After several places said that was my only option I called the State Reps office and got the same answer, convert to RV no other options but they sent me an info packet on registering buses. Despite being told many times I couldn't get bus plates the info had a listing for Omnibus plates for Not for hire buses owned by individuals, churches or charities, basically non commercial bus plates. So info in hand I went to AAA and they registered my bus as an omnibus no problem. Hooray I can drive, now when driving on such plates does anybody have any idea which bus regulations I have to comply with? I already have a class A CDL with passenger and air brake endorsements so we can skip the license issue. It doesn't seem like I would need to keep a log but I don't know what the rules actually say reguarding personal use of a bus. Also do I need to carry the required fire extingisher, spare fuses, safety triangles, axe or crowbar, federal bus regulations book, and first aid kit? Does anybody even know? How about stopping at those darn weight stations yes or no.
The next question is reguarding reciprocity between states. PA does not require repainting the bus but NY does, if I'm legal in my home state will other states except my compliance with my home states laws or give me a ticket. It's not like I can paint in the winter anyway.
One more thing I bought a sofa like thing to sit and sleep on but I don't know if that is legal passenger accommodations when traveling. It will be bolted down properly but it has no seat belts of course. School buses in this state have no seat belts for the kids so i don't know why it should matter if my seat doesn't either but somehow I suspect it does.
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