TheSamba.com :: View topic - WA state minimum legal requirements to drive?

Wed Feb 29, 2012 11:43 am

What are the minimum legal requirements to drive a bus on the roads in Washington State?

Currently all the glass is out (including windshield), but wipers are there.
Rear hatch is there but removed
Lights can be working if necessary (do headlights need to work or just be present?= day driving on the trip out)
All handles are off, but doors secure
Frame is solid with only minimal surface rust (= no extreme rot)
Bumpers required?

Driving (one shot) 250 miles +/- on two lane, low traffic highway.

Also, does the car need to be present to liscence and title? Any options for short term insurance?

I know it would be cheaper to tow, but it would make for a fun roadtrip if I can swing it.

Thanks in advance!

Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:39 pm

I would say go for it, but you will probably want windshields. That would not be fun above 30 MPH

Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:49 pm

The RCWs contain a lot of exemptions for vehicles that antique, collector or are classified as "streetrods".

You can count on getting stopped quite a bit if your missing ovbious parts. Specifically safety equipment. Fighting it out in court is a whole different matter.

Windows, bumpers, wipers, working lighting come to mind. I've seen lots of buses running without bumpers though. Things like wipers and such are harder to catch.

I think you can get away without the door windows but generally a windshield is required for stock vehicles.

Vehicle does not need to be present to title unless a VIN check is needed. I had to have the vehicle present for my insurance. They took pictures.

Based on wht you described, I'd tow. It's more of "what you may get away with" rather than "is it legal"

Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:55 pm

Quote: I know it would be cheaper to tow, but it would make for a fun roadtrip if I can swing it.
On your next commute, wind down all your windows.
Still think driving 250 miles in cold rain with no glass is fun? :lol:
If any glass is out I would either spend a day putting it together, or tow.

The vehicle does not need to be present to get a title, plates and tags.
Call your insurance company and ask about insurance.

Wed Feb 29, 2012 1:02 pm

You probably should check with local Department of Motor vehicles
( where you register your car, get tabs,etc.)
For a one time shot normaly I'd say go for it however.

I believe your gonna need working turn signals and most likely
head lights also front and rear bumbers with plates on, and current tabs.
I think your also gonna need a windshield too. Besides in this current stretch of cold weather I wouldn't care to be rolling without one.
Brrr :)

Where are you headed? I'd try to lay out a route on secondary roads
if possible rather than I-5 or I-90 ( for example)
Maybe have a buddy back you up in another roadworthy car?
good luck!

Wed Feb 29, 2012 2:22 pm

Coming from the east side of the mountains. Thanks for the advice. I'll do a little research and think it over! Snoqualmie would be crazy, but a fun adventure and a good story.

Wed Feb 29, 2012 3:06 pm

Malokin Martin wrote: Coming from the east side of the mountains. Thanks for the advice. I'll do a little research and think it over! Snoqualmie would be crazy, but a fun adventure and a good story.

So was the Titanic. But it won an Oscar

Wed Feb 29, 2012 7:28 pm

windsheilds- not needed but eye protection is(saftey glass work well)
lights- not needed during daytime as long as you use hand signals
seatbelts- depends on what year it is '62-down no needed '63-'66 only needs lap belt '67-up shoulder belt needed
doors- no needed as long as everything(including you) is serected in the vehcile
wiper- only needed if windshield is there

all of this is easy to get out of in court but depending on the cop not so easy on the road

and like other said above 30/35mph it will be a rough ride

Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:04 pm

I did a trip in my old '67 bus in Jan 1994 from Tacoma, WA over Snoqualmie Pass to the Tri Cities. I had marginal heat all windows and a snowmobile suit. I about frooze my ass off. I can't imagine doing it without windows at this time of year. Maybe in late May and through the summer months.

Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:30 pm

Go for it!

But install at least the windshield in front of you and dress like you're riding a motorcycle.

Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:57 am

lack of windshields seriously disrupts the aerodynamics of a bus. I put windshields in even when I am towing a dead player. seals are cheap.