VTL 385-3(c) – Overlength Bus (More Than 45 Feet)

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is willing to represent bus operators, transportation companies, and RV owners cited under VTL § 385(3)(c), "Overlength Bus." New York State maintains strict length limits for buses, motorhomes, or recreational vehicles (RV). The purpose is to ensure safety and maneuverability. Operating a bus that exceeds the maximum length limit of 45 feet (or 62 feet for articulated buses), or a RV exceeding 45 feet without proper compliance, can lead to significant fines and potential license issues.

Penalties for VTL 385-3(c) Overlength Bus

Violations of VTL § 385(3)(c) can be charged as traffic infractions. The fines are substantial compared to standard traffic tickets.

• First offense: Fine between $200 and $500; up to 30 days jail; surcharge $88 (other courts) / $93 (town & village justice court).
• Second offense (within 18 months): Fine between $500 and $1,000; up to 60 days jail; surcharge $88 / $93.

While "overlength bus" violations do not carry driver violation points, they can impact a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holder's employment record and CSA scores for carriers. Courts also have discretion to impose the higher end of the fine range, especially for egregious violations. Additionally, for motorhomes exceeding certain weight or length thresholds, special driver's license endorsements may be required. For other dimension violations, such as VTL 385 Overwidth violations or VTL 385 Overweight violations, penalties can also be severe.

Statute

The relevant section of the Vehicle and Traffic Law states:

§ 385. Dimensions and weights of vehicles.

3. (c) The length of buses having a carrying capacity of more than seven passengers shall not exceed forty-five feet, except that the length of articulated buses shall not exceed sixty-two feet. A house coach shall not exceed forty-five feet in length, provided however, that if a house coach exceeds forty feet in length, its wall-to-wall turning diameter shall not exceed ninety feet three inches and moreover, such house coach shall have permanently affixed to its body on the front passenger side door jamb, a data-plate on which the house coach manufacturer indicates the vehicle identification number and wall-to-wall turning diameter and attests to the fact that the wall-to-wall turning diameter is calculated in accordance with the Society of Automotive Engineers J-695 Standard as such standard existed on June first, two thousand three, regarding turning capability. In the event such a house coach exceeds either twenty-six thousand pounds gross vehicle weight rating, is greater than forty feet in length or exceeds both, the operator of such house coach must have a driver's license with a personal use vehicle endorsement as set forth in subparagraph (vii) of paragraph (b) of subdivision two of section five hundred one of the this chapter. This provision shall not apply to any city not wholly included within one county except such house coaches and fifth wheel trailers used for non-commercial purposes may be operated on that portion of interstate ninety-five which connects interstate two hundred eighty-seven with interstate two hundred ninety-five, that portion of interstate two hundred ninety-five which connects interstate ninety-five with interstate four hundred ninety-five and that portion of interstate four hundred ninety-five between interstate ninety-five and the Nassau-Queens county line.

What This Means for Drivers: In simple terms:

• Regular buses (carrying more than 7 passengers) cannot exceed 45 feet in length.
• Articulated buses (bendy buses) cannot exceed 62 feet in length.
• House coaches (RVs) cannot exceed 45 feet in length. If a house coach exceeds 40 feet, it must have a wall-to-wall turning diameter of no more than 90 feet 3 inches and must have a data-plate with specific information affixed to the front passenger side door jamb.
• House coaches exceeding 26,000 pounds GVWR or 40 feet in length (or both) require a special "personal use vehicle endorsement" on the driver's license of the driver.
• Special exceptions apply for certain interstate routes in New York City and surrounding areas for non-commercial house coaches and fifth wheel trailers.

How to Fight a VTL § 385(3)(c) Ticket

Fighting an overlength bus ticket involves examining the specifics of the stop, the measurement method, whether the vehicle qualifies as an articulated bus, and if house coach requirements were met. This is especially important for commercial drivers and RV owners where license status and compliance are at stake.

Common defense angles include:

• Measurement Accuracy: Did the officer use a calibrated measuring device? Was the measurement taken correctly? For articulated buses, was the full length measured properly including the articulation point?
• Vehicle Classification: Was this actually a bus (carrying more than 7 passengers) or was it a different vehicle type? Does it qualify as an articulated bus (which has a 62-foot limit)?
• House Coach Compliance: If cited for a house coach exceeding 40 feet, does it have the required data-plate? Is the wall-to-wall turning diameter compliant? Was the data-plate checked or did the officer make assumptions?
• License Endorsement: For house coaches requiring a personal use vehicle endorsement, did you actually have the required endorsement, but the officer didn't verify it properly?
• Route Exceptions: Were you operating on one of the specific interstate routes where house coaches and fifth wheel trailers may be operated even if they don't meet city requirements?
• Passenger Capacity: For buses, can you demonstrate that the vehicle actually carries 7 or fewer passengers (and thus doesn't fall under the bus restrictions)?
• Permits: Did the driver or operator have a valid Special Hauling Permit that covered the length dimensions?

Why These Tickets Are Common: Bus operators, transportation companies, and RV owners often face these tickets at Department of Transportation (DOT) checkpoints or when pulled over for other violations. Officers are vigilant about bus and house coach length because overlength vehicles can pose safety risks in traffic, at intersections, and when turning. These violations are common when operators purchase or operate buses or RVs without verifying exact dimensions, or when house coaches don't have the required data-plates or don't meet turning diameter requirements. The complexity of house coach requirements (data-plates, turning diameter, license endorsements) creates many opportunities for misunderstandings or technical violations.

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office can handle many VTL § 385 violations statewide, including overlength bus and house coach cases throughout the year. Our lawyers strive to understand the nuances of commercial bus regulations, house coach requirements, and license endorsement issues. The team at the Benjamin Goldman Law Office works hard to protect your license and your company's bottom line. Our efforts are reflected in the many five-star reviews our firm has received. Contact us at your convenience, via phone call, email, or text message. We will be glad to review your case for free. Our firm takes on cases across New York State so wherever you got this ticket, we should be able to help.

Fight Your Bus Length Ticket CALL NOW FIGHT YOUR TICKET NOW