CALTRANS
45' BUS & MOTORHOME
- 45' Buses
- 45' Motorhomes
- 45' Bus Map
- 45' Bus Restrictions List
- 45' Buses with Bike Racks
- Roadside Rest Areas
- RV Dump Stations
BUS ASSOCIATIONS
45' Buses
Note: This fact sheet is subject to revision. Please revisit this website for updates.
INTRODUCTION
What is the purpose of this fact sheet? This fact sheet addresses buses over 40 feet but not over 45 feet operating in California. (For simplicity, we refer to these as 45-foot buses or motorcoaches.) The primary purpose is to build understanding and enhance communication between Caltrans, the tour bus industry, and the public regarding legal, engineering and safety issues.
What is a bus? California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 233 defines "bus" as: "(a) …any vehicle… …designed, used, or maintained for carrying more than 15 persons including the driver." Or, "(b) A vehicle designed, used, or maintained for carrying more than 10 persons, including the driver, which is used to transport persons for compensation or profit, or is used by any nonprofit organization or group..." Tour buses are also commonly referred to as "coaches," "motorcoaches" and "motor carriers of passengers." This fact sheet deals with buses operating as "passenger transportation vehicles" as defined by CVC 464.
What is a tour bus? CVC 612 states: "Tour bus" means a bus designed for carrying more than 16 passengers and the driver, which is operated by or for a charter-party carrier of passengers, as defined in Section 5360 of the Public Utilities Code (PUC). This definition includes operation of a "passenger stage corporation" as defined in PUC 226, or any carrier of passengers required to register with the California Public Utilities Commission pursuant to PUC 3902.
Do bus drivers have special requirements? Yes. A bus driver needs a passenger vehicle endorsement on a Class B Commercial Driver's License issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). More information is found in the latest version of the California Commercial Driver Handbook published by DMV.
What is the present situation of 45-foot buses in California? The basic California length law (CVC 35400) for vehicles is 40 feet unless specifically exempted. CVC exempts buses up to 45 feet, but only on certain routes. In recent years, the tour bus manufacturing industry increased its standard bus length from 40 feet to 45 feet to increase capacity, and to accommodate requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The California Bus Association estimates that 78% of new bus sales are 45-foot models. These longer buses can operate safely on many highways, but may encounter problems on narrow two-lane roads with tight curves or without shoulders. Therefore, Caltrans restricts certain route segments to buses over 40 feet long.
HISTORY OF ROUTE DESIGNATIONS
What is the history of truck routes? In 1982, the federal government passed the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA). This act required states to allow longer trucks on a network of designated federal highways, referred to as the "National Network" (NN). To comply with the 1986 Senate Bill 2232, Caltrans determined the maximum kingpin-to-rear axle (KPRA) length of truck tractor and semi-trailer combination that each State highway could safely accommodate. The results were published in a Caltrans report to the Legislature, Truck Kingpin to Rear Axle Length State Highway System Evaluation, December 1989.
What is the history of bus routes? In 1991, the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) required states to allow buses up to 45 feet long on NN highways. ISTEA allowed states to determine which routes off the NN that 45-foot buses may use to pick up or deliver passengers. In 1995, at the request of bus companies and bus associations, Caltrans reviewed the viability of allowing 45-foot buses on routes beyond the NN using an engineering analysis. As a result of the analysis, Caltrans allows 45-foot bus access to the entire "STAA Network" which includes the NN, all State designated "Terminal Access" (TA) routes and one-mile Service Access (SA) routes, plus California Legal routes and an extensive number of advisory routes.
What was the engineering basis for the evaluation? Safety is the primary concern when considering compatibility of roadway and vehicle performance. Larger vehicles need a wider roadway area to maneuver safely. If inadequate roadway is available, it creates an unacceptable safety hazard for adjacent property, vehicles, and pedestrians, but especially for oncoming traffic. Engineers must take all factors into account, but generally will allow long vehicles access to highways that can accommodate the entire body of the vehicle on all turns without crossing the highway centerline with any part of the vehicle. Highway restriction and warning posts are placed at logical points to turn around.
What was the result of the engineering analysis? The engineering analysis demonstrated that offtracking of 45-foot buses is comparable to that of a truck tractor and semi-trailer combination with a 32-foot kingpin to rear axle dimension (KPRA). Therefore, Caltrans allows 45-foot buses on all state route segments posted advisory for trucks with a 32-foot or greater KPRA. The 45-foot buses may not travel where the posted advisory is 30-foot KPRA.
Which routes can 45-foot buses use? Buses over 40 feet long are allowed on the "STAA Network" (NN, TA, and SA routes), plus California Legal routes and advisory route segments with a KPRA of 32 feet or more. Caltrans prohibits 45-foot buses on advisory route segments posted 30-foot KPRA. Signs are posted to indicate limits of Terminal Access, Service Access and Advisory route segments.
|
Terminal Access Route |
Service Access Route |
Advisory Route |
For more information on truck sizes, route classifications and signage, order the Caltrans fact sheet "Truck Route Classifications" by calling Caltrans staff listed at the end of this fact sheet.
LIST OF ROUTES RESTRICTING BUSES OVER 40 FEET
The Office of Truck Services created a list of route segments that restrict buses over 40 feet. The list includes beginning and ending post miles and intersecting streets or highways of each segment.
How may I obtain the list? You may obtain the list by mail or fax, by calling Caltrans Headquarters at (916) 654-5741, or by printing the list at the Caltrans website at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks/bus-mh/45-bus-restrict.htm.
MAP OF ROUTES RESTRICTING BUSES OVER 40 FEET
In February 2002, the Office of Truck Services published a map of California showing the route segments prohibiting buses over 40 feet.
How may I obtain the map? Maps are now available -- one copy free per qualified vehicle. To order, call (916) 654-5741, or e-mail Casey Robb or Manuel Fonseca (see addresses below). When e-mailing, please include complete mailing address and phone number.
Is the map on the Internet? Yes. Please see the website: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks/bus-mh/45-bus-map.htm.
CHANGING ROUTE CLASSIFICATIONS
Can I request that a road be opened up to 45-foot buses?
State routes: As described above, Caltrans analyzed State routes for their ability to accommodate 45-foot buses. However, highway improvement projects that change the geometrics may justify a new evaluation. Please contact Caltrans Headquarters at (916) 654-5741 for referral to the appropriate Caltrans District personnel to discuss or evaluate change requests.
City and county roads: To request a city or county road evaluation for 45-foot bus access, contact the appropriate city or county traffic or engineering division. If the city or county road intersects a State highway, Caltrans may also need to evaluate the exit and/or entrance ramp.
CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE
What is the California Vehicle Code? The California Vehicle Code (CVC) contains all legal requirements for vehicles operating on California highways.
What does the CVC say about 45-foot buses? CVC Section 35400 states: "(a) No vehicle shall exceed a length of 40 feet." However, Section 35400 (b) goes on to say "This section does not apply to any of the following: … (10)(A) A bus of a length of up to 45 feet when operating on those highways specified in subdivision (a) of Section 35401.5…" (the STAA Network).
Where can I read the CVC? The CVC is on the Internet. To find length requirements go to California Vehicle Code, Division 15, Chapter 4, "Length" and select 35400-35414.
ORGANIZATIONS
The following trade organizations may be good sources of information and networking.
|
California Bus Association |
American Bus Association |
|
United Motorcoach Association |
CONTACTS
Caltrans Legal Truck Size & Weight Work Group
Casey Robb
Manuel Fonseca
General number (916) 654-5741
E-mail: Truck Size & Weight Unit.
Return to the Caltrans "Office of Truck Services" page.
Revised 5/2/08.