| Businesses offering limo bus and charter tour bus | | | | carriers must maintain files for every driver they |
| services must follow the FMCSA's vehicle | | | | hire stating qualifications, and they must retain |
| regulations to maximize safety.The Federal Motor | | | | accident-related files for three years after any |
| Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates | | | | incident. |
| private interstate bus transportation by setting | | | | In order to operate a limo, charter or other bus, a |
| safety standards to reduce crashes, injuries and | | | | driver may not have a criminal history, suspended |
| fatalities.Private carriers must follow specific rules | | | | or rescinded license, or a history of violating |
| regarding licensing, driver qualifications, hours of | | | | out-of-service orders.The FMCSA also sets limits |
| service and maintenance. | | | | for the amount of time drivers may operate a |
| Depending on the use of your limo, charter or | | | | bus—generally no more than 10 hours at a |
| other bus type, it will fall into one of two | | | | time, followed by 8 hours off duty. Non-business |
| types—a business or non-business PMCP. A | | | | PMCP drivers are subject to these regulations, but |
| carrier considered a "private motor carrier of | | | | they are not required to maintain records of duty |
| passengers" operates vehicles across state lines | | | | status.Their hours are evaluated during terminal, |
| or transports 16 or more passengers.Business | | | | en route, and destination inspections. |
| PMCPs provide transportation for commercial | | | | Charter and limo bus carriers must systematically |
| purposes, such as transportation for employees | | | | inspect, repair and maintain all their vehicles |
| or professional musicians on concert tours.The | | | | through mandated inspection programs.A qualified |
| public does not have access to their | | | | inspector should replace or repair parts, check the |
| services.Non-business PMCPs provide services for | | | | engines, transmissions, brakes, exhaust and |
| non-commercial organizations, such as churches, | | | | electrical systems. After inspection, the bus carrier |
| private schools, scout groups or charity groups. | | | | must keep records documenting bus |
| Private carriers must follow FMSCA rules | | | | maintenance.The brakes, oil and tire pressure |
| regarding licensing and driver qualifications.Charter | | | | should be checked on a monthly basis.After trips, |
| tour bus carriers need to obtain a license from | | | | drivers must deliver roadside reports to their |
| FMSCA to operate across state lines, and the | | | | employer and complete a post-trip inspection.Bus |
| amount of insurance bus carriers need depends | | | | carriers should also have safety procedures in |
| on the seating capacity of their vehicles. Buses | | | | case of emergencies requiring repair or |
| that seat over 15 passengers must have a | | | | replacement of the limo, charter or other vehicle |
| minimum of $5 million public liability insurance.Bus | | | | type. |