| Author |
Message |
Bob (Bobb) (216.232.242.22)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 9:36 pm: | |
I have purchased a bus in Maryland, and want to drive it home to British Columbia.
The problem I am having, is that the State of Maryland does not issue temporary permits to drive the bus away. I cannot register the bus in my name, as I don't have an MD address or drivers license. I can purchase insurance in BC, so the only problem is the "tags".
The bus is licensed currently in MD, but the owner seems reluctant to lend me his tags for the journey.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks
Bob |
ralph7 (208.148.72.150)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 9:44 pm: | |
sent you a message. |
Jayjay (198.81.26.104)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 12:44 am: | |
Bob, In nearly all States the Bill of Sale and the Notarized Title are sufficient to drive on, especially if it will be transported outside the U.S. I can't help with info on an Export License or the M.O.T. Regs. Call the State Patrol for verification. Cheers...JJ |
Jayjay (198.81.26.104)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 12:55 am: | |
Bob, here's more info: You are not required to have a State drivers license to own a vehicle registered in that State! (Insurance may get sticky though) The UCC (U.S. Uniform Commercial Code) says that when absent from your TAX home , you may use the temporary mailing address of the domicile (motel, hotel, friends house, etc.) where you are housed. Use the Motel address (but not the name) and give it's switchboard phone number, get a regular tag (pricey?), slap some insurance on it...and MAKE A RUN FOR THE BORDER !!!!!! ...JJ |
Tom Caffrey (Pvcces) (64.114.233.66)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 7:51 pm: | |
Bob, have you cleared your coach with Canadian customs? I remember that there were some pretty serious problems importing some US coaches into Canada. I gathered that some of them were verboten.
Good luck with your purchase!
Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576
Suncatcher |
Bob (Bobb) (69.19.6.157)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 8:23 pm: | |
Yes.. I did check that, and the coach is on the admissible list. |
two dogs (67.30.23.43)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 10:48 pm: | |
promise the owner you will mail him his tags when you get home |
Bob (Bobb) (69.19.6.157)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 11:11 pm: | |
I wish it were that easy 2dog. |
Jayjay (198.81.26.104)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 12:23 am: | |
Getting caught with no tag is a third degree misdemeanor, nada amigo. Getting caught with fictitious tags (previous owner's) is a third degree felony. Cross a State line with them and it can become a Federal Charge, if the Local Gendarmes decide to push it. Good luck...and keep us posted, since we have nearly all fought this same problem, and will be interested in how you resolve it. ...JJ |
Bob (Bobb) (69.19.6.157)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 12:46 am: | |
It was actually the Maryland State Police that recommended that I "borrow" the previous owners tags.
Perhaps if it were still registered to that owner, and I just drove it to BC, then reregistered it, all would be fine. It seems interesting that while so many states offer some sort of temporary permit, that Maryland does not. It has been suggested that Pennsylvania has a temporary transit permit, and that I should go there to get one.
I cannot register the vehicle in BC until I comply with US Customs regs, and Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles requirements, so using the plates of the registered owner might not be so wrong.
I don't really see any point in registering the vehicle in my name in Maryland, as it would serve no real purpose. I just want to get the bus home to register it in the appropriate jurisdiction.
Sometimes the requirements of governments are just too unrealistic. For example, I have enquired as to the license required to operate such a vehicle in BC. I have had no less than five different interpetrations of what license is required to drive it. One government official said that a class 2 license was required without question, while another said I could operate it without that license, as long as there were no passengers, another said I could remove seats to meet my current license class. Two different RCMP opinions were that a bus is a bus, and another said a bus is a bus only if it was for hire.
It seems that even those who enforce or apply the law don't know whats going on. I think Jayjay was right.... do what I think is right, then make a run for it!
Thanks for all you input, and keep it coming.. especially if you have done this yourself.
Bob |
Stan (216.95.238.81)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 8:19 am: | |
I think all Canadian provinces allow you to take the plates of your present vehicle registered in BC and use them for a period (usually 14 days) until you get the new vehicle registered. When you trade your car in at a dealer, they just swap the plates and tell you to get it registered in your name. I know that the law is different in every state that you have to travel through but plead ignorance (you are following the law of your home government).
I brought a bus (partially converted) from Yuma, Az to Edmonton, Ab with an Alberta plate but obtained transit insurance in Edmonton before I left. I was never stopped and Canadian Customs didn't ask how I got there without registration. One thing you have to at the border is report to US Customs with your bill of sale and the title. They will check for stolen vehicles and liens and they are supposed to do a VIN check. When I suggested that the officer climb into the engine compartment to read the VIN plate he decided that he could see it fine from ten feet.
Drive carefully, obey the speed limit and good luck.
P.S. Cover up any 'bus' info painted on the outside of the bus. |
Chuck Harris - PD4104 (66.44.104.73)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 12:15 pm: | |
Maryland does too have a temporary transportation permit. They have a tag that will allow you to transport a vehicle from wherever it is to a repair/inspection station. It costs about $20.
It only lasts 1 week, IIRC.
-Chuck |
Bob (Bobb) (69.19.6.157)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 12:42 pm: | |
I am aware of that tag.. however, the wording is clear that it is to be used only to drive the vehicle to an inspection facility in MD.
As far as taking plates from BC, there is a provision to do this, if you have disposed of the previous vehicle, and are putting the plates on a vehicle of the same class. The time limit is 10 days. I wouldn't want to get into the "fictitious tag" predicament Jayjay described. Not with my luck, anyways.... |
Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (208.186.36.217)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 1:09 pm: | |
Arizona has one too and it costs $1 and is downloadable from the internet and simply print it out on your computer.
Peter. |
Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (208.186.36.217)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 1:23 pm: | |
Bob,
Won't the seller let you borrow the tags if you leave him a reasonable deposit?
As stated previously, until you actually register the bus in your name, those tags should be good. Otherwise how would anyone buy a vehicle and drive it home without going armed with temporary tags everytime.
You can buy a temporary transportation tag in most states. I had one when I collected my bus from California. The supplying dealer just went to the MVD and picked it up. It was called a "One way trip permit" and as far as I know all States have them, otherwise how do you move an untagged vehicle around?
Try a Port of Entry inspection station for one.
Technically if you get one of the "Inspection" 3 or 4 day permits, that is quite legal for you to use as you will be taking the bus to Canada for inspection when you register it. The Arizona permit is dateable and so you can actually stack them to cover a longer journey or a return trip, BUT there is a maximum number you can apply to each vehicle per year.
Why not use a Canadian one way trip permit? You don't have to have the permit issued in the State you buy the vehicle in. The Arizona one works for me to go out of State to collect a vehicle to bring back to Arizona.
Peter. |
RJ Long (Rjlong) (24.127.74.29)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 1:25 pm: | |
Bob -
Are there license plates bolted/screwed/mounted on the bus?
Have they expired, or are they still current?
Has the previous owner written out a bill of sale, transferring ownership from him to you?
Has the previous owner signed off on the "pink slip", releasing his ownership?
RJ
PD4106-2784
Fresno CA |
Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (208.186.36.217)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 1:31 pm: | |
"P.S. Cover up any 'bus' info painted on the outside of the bus."
Just adding to Stan's comment, that includes the DOT numbers and letters and any company names on the outside of the bus. We took a couple of spray cans in a matching color (white) and it kept the bus looking clean and good and so didn't attract attention.
Peter. |
Bob (Bobb) (69.19.6.157)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 2:09 pm: | |
I like the Arizona method.. only I couldn't date it for the actual time of the trip, so now I have a temporary permit that expires in 3 days! (trip will start Sept 23rd for about 5 days)
Oh well, I have two more tries at it, so that should get the bus home.
Does anyone know of any other state that offers temporary permits online?
I checked with ICBC in BC, and they won't issue the permit, but will sell the insurance. |
Bob (Bobb) (69.19.6.157)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 2:15 pm: | |
Answers to questions:
- There are current plates on the bus, but the seller said he wanted to remove them. Extremely hesitant to lend them to me.. still working on that.
- There will be a bill of sale, and the signed-over Certificate of Title. These items are minimal requirements to export the bus from the US, and to import it into Canada.
I will cover any identifying names/numbers.. I read somewhere else that hanging a "private coach" sign might be of benefit. |
Phil Dumpster (12.230.214.167)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 2:15 pm: | |
Whoa!
Is this a seated coach?
Do you not have the Canadian equivalent of a Commercial Driver's License?
If so, stop, weigh anchor, set your parking brakes. You're not going anywhere.
While most people think of the USA as the UNITED states, we are in reality the united STATES when it comes to driving a commercial vehicle.
At this point, it would be safest for you to hire a professional driveaway driver to take the coach to Canada for you. They have the tags and authority (not to mention a company accountant to handle the IFTA paperwork) to move an unregistered commercial vehicle interstate.
IF YOU GET CAUGHT driving an unregistered seated bus interstate with a regular driver's license, depending on the officer and the jurisdiction that you are in when you get stopped, you have a number of issues which can ruin your day:
1) Driving a commercial vehicle without a CDL. Very bad. A bus with more than 14 passenger seats required a CDL with a passenger endorsement. It doesn't matter if they are occupied or not, if the seats are there you have to have that license. How removing those seats makes a difference in your ability to drive the vehicle is anyone's guess, but that's the way it is.
2) Driving a commercial vehicle more than 100 air miles requires keeping a log according to DOT requirements. It doesn't matter if you are not for hire.
3) Driving a commercial vehicle between states may require permits to traverse certain states. Some states have reciprical agreements with other states, while some do not. Oregon in particular is pretty nasty about it. They require you to have the permit in hand BEFORE you set a wheel in their precious state if you do so outside of normal business hours.
4) Driving a commercial vehicle between states and Canada may require you to pay fuel taxes to the states you drive through whether you purchase fuel there or not. It's called IFTA (International fuel tax agreement) and most trucking companies have an accountant dedicated to the task of dealing with this paperwork.
Mind you, you may get lucky and if you are stopped the police officer will listen to your story and tell you to have a nice day, and then drive off, but many states are having a difficult time balancing their budgets in this slow economy, and have instructed their law enforcement officers to bring in some money. You may be looked at as a nice source of revenue. At worst, your bus could be impounded and you could end up in jail for an evening or two.
The biggest problem is if this is a commercial vehicle. If it is a motorhome, then everything changes. If it is a seated coach, it is considered a commercial vehicle.
Welcome to the land of the free and home of the brave.
Sorry. |
Bob (Bobb) (69.19.6.157)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 2:16 pm: | |
Another question.. does anyone know if the 4 digit VIN used by MCI in 1972 can be converted to the standard 17 digit VIN? |
Phil Dumpster (12.230.214.167)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 2:17 pm: | |
Oh, I almost forgot, you have to have liability insurance to drive through most states. You have to have this active while you are driving the coach, so if you can purchase insurance in BC and have them fax you a copy of the policy, that should satisfy most police officers who demand it. |
Phil Dumpster (12.230.214.167)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 2:19 pm: | |
On, the VIN, no, only 1981 and later vehicles get the 17 digit universal VIN. Older vehicles are grandfathered in.
Why would you want a 17 digit VIN? |
Bob (Bobb) (69.19.6.157)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 2:30 pm: | |
Yes, I have a BC equivalent of a commercial license, with an air brake endorsement. |
Bob (Bobb) (69.19.6.157)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 2:32 pm: | |
Just curious about the VIN..
As stated before, insurance will be provided by ICBC, that meets or exceeds all state requirements. |
Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (208.186.36.217)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 3:00 pm: | |
Bob,
As far as I am aware, once a Vin number is issued, that is it. When I went to register my bus as a motorhome, the MVD was looking for the second Vin number which all motorhomes have after some date in the 70s. One number being for the chassis and the other issued by the body manufacturer. They accepted the existing short MCI number as the chassis (Vin) number when I explained that there is no seperate chassis on an MCI bus.
As for Phil's comments, I am afraid I must disagree with him, providing you are a Private Individual and not a Company, and that you have bought this vehicle as a Private Use vehicle and not for Business.
The amount of seats according to the California Highway Patrol is immaterial, just don't have more than 16 people on the bus at any one time. The empty seats are just considered bolted down cargo. All I was required to do was to have insurance, a temporary tag (7 days is what was issued) and to cover the DOT numbers and the company name.
The Commercial thing is null and void IF you are driving on a temporary tag. A temporary tag removes the registration catagory. You are not allowed to carry out business with a temporary tag on a vehicle. In other words, you can't carry paying passengers when on temporary tags, so it isn't a commercial use vehicle and that is what is why you need a CDL. You might need an endorsement on your license to drive a vehicle of this size or with air brakes, etc. as some States require non commercial heavy vehicle endorsements. Arizona does not, I don't know about Canada.
The vehicle's use is in limbo until YOU, the new purchaser, register it and declare its future use. For example, I can register my 17,000 lb (empty) Freightliner as a gross vehicle weight of 25,000 lbs to save on tag costs, even though it can carry 80,000 lbs I choose not to. BUT best I don't get caught with 1 lb over that 25,000 lbs or I will be in serious trouble. Until I install the minimum requirements for sustaining life, I can't register it as a motorhome, so I have chosen to have it non-op at present, also to avoid the higher commercial tag costs, but if I declared it as under the 26,000 lbs gross weight limit on the registration, I could still drive it without a CDL.
If you do not have DOT numbers or a Company name on the bus, then you are not a commercial vehicle. Because driving it commercially would be an offense if you did not have the DOT numbers. Not having a name would actually mean nothing, but having one would mean you confirming it as a business.
You do not have to stop at Port of Entrys or weigh stations either, as it is no longer a commercial vehicle. Just one thing though, be aware that if the bus weighs empty, more than your license allows you to drive, then you could be in trouble.
Peter. |
Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (208.186.36.217)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 3:31 pm: | |
"I like the Arizona method.. only I couldn't date it for the actual time of the trip, so now I have a temporary permit that expires in 3 days! (trip will start Sept 23rd for about 5 days)"
Bob,
I did say that you can add the AZ permits together. I think it was a 4 permit maximum. Not sure if there are any more restrictions to using an AZ permit though. Check the website.
Bet the seller wants to keep his plates as they are commercially rated and as such, you would be subjuct to all commercial laws driving with them. Also, he would be out some serious money if you didn't return them.
Peter. |
Bob (Bobb) (69.19.6.157)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 3:42 pm: | |
You could be right about the sellers plates.. would prefer the temporary permit route myself too..
The Arizona site didn't allow for specifying a date on the "Restricted Use 3 Day Permit". It automatically dated it to start on the day of purchase. This is OK, as all I would have to do is purchase it on the day I depart with the bus, and then get a new one somewhere down the road. There was a maximum of 3 permits per vehicle in a 12 month period.
Otherwise, this is a great way to go, and good for Arizona for removing some of the bereaucratic hoops imposed by so many states and provinces! |
two dogs (67.30.23.79)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 6:48 pm: | |
I don't get it......if you bought a CAR from this guy...would he want to keep the tags off it also...something is fishy here....the tags belong to the bus...I'd be suspicious of this guy....what does he plan to do with these tags...don't bend over when you are around this guy |
Peter E (Sdibaja) (200.76.240.28)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 7:13 pm: | |
Nevada requires the seller to keep the plates and turn them into Nevada DMV.
Fact... been there, done that.
California, Oregon, Arizona, Washington... plates go with the rig. |
Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (208.186.36.217)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 7:31 pm: | |
Peter,
Now Arizona wants you to keep the plates when you sell the car. This way the buyer has to pay for new tags each time. The seller can re-assign the plates to another vehicle within a certain time period, but it costs you a fee to do this. If you don't have a vehiclee to assign them to, then that money is the State's gain. Clever aren't they!!!
Peter. |
Ian Giffin (Admin) (64.228.55.142)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 7:49 pm: | |
Hi Bob,
I haven't had personal experience with your particular dilemma, but I'll try to help you, too. Please feel confident in knowing that you are not judged to be a criminal in the eyes of any law of Canada or the US because you have chosen to purchase a vehicle in the US and bring this personal property back into Canada.
You are only able to obtain a trip permit (15 days in Ontario) if you can show an insurance policy to the permit issuer, and you have said insurance is covered, so the permit shouldn't give you grief. Ask your local licensing office about a trip permit. After all, BC is your destination.
From Maryland, it is a one day trip to Canada via IS 83 and IS 81 through to the Ivy Lea Bridge border crossing. There's a Tim's about 5 km from the border and Gananoque has a bunch of comfy motels for your overnight, 20 km from Tim's.
At the border, be prepared to pay duty of about 2% on either a declared value or assessed value - probably based on your sales receipt. I don't know how much sales tax, if any, will be payable.
It's about a 4 or 5 day drive to BC from Gananoque, Ontario.
Your BC license with the air endorsement is fine to drive the bus anywhere.
When you get home, your license issuing office will likely ask you to comply with Canadian standards which can be as simple as installing English and French language stickers identifying the front exit and emergency window exits, before they will plate the bus. This could also occur at the border, so take stickers with you. Again, ask at the license issuing office. If vehicles in BC have to comply with an emmisions test, you'll have to provide that to the license issuing office as well, but someone there at home should be able to do that for you.
Best of luck. If you have any further questions or if you run into any trouble at the border, call me at 905.862.0155 24/7.
Regards,
Ian Giffin
www.busnut.com |
gottabeme (69.140.86.89)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 08, 2003 - 10:06 am: | |
I live in Maryland and have very recently been thru a similar saga with car plates, but it also applies for commercial vehicles.
As the owner of a vehicle, you have to keep insurance on any Plates that you have in your possesion, even if you have sold the vehicle. Otherwise even a 24 hour lapse will result in a heafty fine from the state MVA.
Also, you should not come to Maryland and anticipate a "quick" run by the MVA office. Plan at least a day to deal with them. I would advise you to not involve the goverment of the State of Maryland in your plans if at all possible.
I would also advise you to just drive thru the scales as it would draw less attention to you than flying by them. Most scale houses have a rule that when a passenger coach(even if you are not one, you look like it) can not be unateanded with passengers on it so the scale man would have to come outside to harass you, not likely. I drive thru scales twice a day in my work bus and never ever get stopped.
Just my thoughts on the matter, hope it helps, email if you have anymore questions. |
Phil Dumpster (12.230.214.167)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 08, 2003 - 10:29 am: | |
There seems to be some debate over whether a seated coach is a commercial vehicle or not.
What positions we hold do not matter when you are stopped on the side of the road with a police cruiser behind you and a uniformed officer asking questions.
As I wrote earlier, it all depends on what they say as they are the ones enforcing the laws.
If I were in your shoes (I have a CDL with passenger endorsement) I'd cover all of the bases at least in the US. I have never driven commercially in Canada, and have no idea what they are like up there, so that's up to you. At least in the US I'd carry and fill out a logbook, find out what permits are required in the states I would be driving across, and make sure it has a valid IFTA sticker on the driver's window. I'd also dump all of the passenger seats before making the trip, assuming this is for a conversion.
If I didn't have a CDL, I'd get a driveaway company to deliver it.
Once it's registered as a motorhome, none of the (occasionally crazy) commercial regulations apply.
Then again, since I drive commercially, I have a driving abstract to protect, as any dirt on there can hinder my ability to make a living. |
DaveD (142.46.199.18)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 08, 2003 - 1:44 pm: | |
Under the rules for importing the bus into Canada, it will have to be equipped with its bus seats. Don't take them out.
DaveD |
Bob (Bobb) (69.19.6.157)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 08, 2003 - 2:32 pm: | |
Ok.. so many differing opinions. And now, a new twist. The vendor has agreed to lend me his plates for the trip back. Insurance, as I have said before, will be taken care of through BC's Insurance Corporation of BC.
The state police in Maryland were the ones to suggest the borrowing of the plates. So I'm hoping that they wouldn't counsel me to do something illegal. (Maybe I'll stop and get them to put it in writing ;)
Somewhere in Phils alarmism, there is a message.. it doesn't matter what our opinion is, its the opinion of the traffic cop that matters. Hence, my questions on this board.
I am confident that my current class of drivers license, and insurance is acceptable. It's the registration or availability of temporary registration that has me worried.
This just in.. US Customs now advise me to have the previous vendor sign off his interest in the vehicle on the title, and use his current plates and registration, and drive on home. Whew. |
Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy) (24.196.191.70)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 08, 2003 - 2:46 pm: | |
And I would get a sign for the front and passenger side that says "Private Coach, Not for Hire".
Richard |
Buswarrior (Buswarrior) (64.229.212.210)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 08, 2003 - 5:58 pm: | |
Here's a personal opinion from an Ontario based regulations guy:
I think that if you boil all of this down, the points are:
1) be invisible to the enforcement community
2) there is no "right" , but plenty of "wrong"
Don't tell ANYONE your sordid story. The more talking, the more suspicious the enforcement guy is getting and the more information you are giving him to base a ticket on, let him earn his money by figuring you out on his own ...$$$$$..... Never you mind, just get down the road. If you are pulled over, you are heading up to Canada.... I'm going to buy this bus when I get there...... want to look at it?..... I'm insured.....yes, I'm nuts!
At the toll booths, say nothing, have a selection of bills at the ready, pay what they ask, and ask for a receipt, because everyone does. Do you really want her to call her trooper boyfriend who has one more ticket left in his book?
If the scales in Maryland are open, drive in, and hope to be waved out. Drive past the NY and PA scales.
Since you now have access to the existing plates, you have to behave like the plates: if they are commercial, run a log book and inspection report and be legal, as you already know how to do; if personal plates, I doubt we'd be having this discussion because it would already have a motorhome title.
Have a proper original proof of insurance, no copies or faxed crap.
On the road, if anyone asks, it's still his bus, still in his colours, still with his ICC and matching ownership. Let them find the signature on the ownership. Don't fill anything else in until you get to the border.(and never mind checking this out with the plate owner, if he's agreed to loan them, don't go changing his mind, and execute soon, before he changes it on his own)
Freshly shaven and dress well, strongly consider shirt and tie. Nothing enforcement folks round these parts like better than some slob bus or truck driver in dirty t-shirt and sneakers. Usually the rest of the thing is in the same shape, or do they make sure it ends up that way.....? Also helps at the border looking better than the average used car salesman, who is usually doing these sorts of thing. Shows you care about more than the next beer.
Having external wierdness on the bus will attract attention: no private signs, set the destination sign carefully to charter, leave the ICC numbers and what all alone until you get home. The enforcement community will notice that stuff messed with, and they won't notice a "normal bus". As best you can, make sure the outside looks good, lights all work, tires have some tread, brakes are adjusted, no coat hangers holding compartments closed, etc.
They don't know a GM from a MCI to a Faegel. They're all buses full of smelly people who make complaints to congressmen about enforcement officers attitudes.
Get back here to Canada close to the speed limit, by the shortest big road interstate route. Follow construction speed limits like a religion. Stop at big travel plazas and park with the trucks. Stay off the little highways until you get back here where the local sheriff isn't trying to buy a new cruiser. If that thing smokes, run it to the border in the dark, park at the duty free, and do your business with both sets of federales when the sun comes up. (this is not the time to be doing a US shopping trip either, make sure you stay inside your import limits)
Better not to be foreigner when you're tip toeing through the regulatory minefield.
Up here, you're just from another province, down there, you and Bin Laden might as well be cousins, in the eyes of some with a gun.
And of course, the roles reverse if you're going north to south. Doesn't matter who you are, those from afar are always more suspicious than those from nearby.
Everyone run hard for your own border!
Same as Ian, I'll be happy to help in any way I can. Pick the right weekend, and you might get a co-driver!
happy coaching!
buswarrior |
Derek, J (Daangerboy) (63.139.87.130)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2003 - 9:44 pm: | |
Well put Buswarrior.......I would try to do the same , just fit in and try not to be noticed ....leave the signage of a private coach off, and just drive cautiously to the border.....as long as the bill of sale , the license (drivers) insurance and the tags are good you should have little or no problems........good luck....Derek J.
(former British Columbian as well) |
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