Purchasing truck (PA)

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Flatbedfreak, Jun 21, 2020.

  1. Flatbedfreak

    Flatbedfreak Bobtail Member

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    Like the title states I’m looking to purchase a truck in the near future. Something older pre 2003 era, more like a fixer upper that I can work on from time to time until I’m ready to run it. I reside in Pennsylvania, how would I go about registering the truck when I buy it and bring it home? Would I have to register it as an RV while I’m fixing it up then switch to commercial once I have my authority active?
     
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  3. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    You cannot tag it as an RV in Pennsylvania because that requires certain modifications to the truck itself and you have to actually change the title. At that point the truck is no longer a commercial vehicle and is only an RV.

    Someone can probably give you more information on the tag and insurance, but if it were me I would call whatever notary around you and ask them if you can get a temporary tag.

    Other vehicles that I have bought in Pennsylvania the registration gives you 10 days to legally drive it so as long as the truck is unladen registration wise you can drive it home. Sometimes insurance that you have on another vehicle can be used just in transit to bring it home but you have to check thoroughly with your agent and with a notary.
     
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  4. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    Yep. Any vehicle over (I believe) 12k lbs is either a CMV or an RV.
    An RV has to meet specific RV requirements that a tractor simply cannot meet without massive modification.
    A CMV is just that. A CMV and all the proper paperwork and fees that implies.

    There is no middle ground in PA.
     
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  5. Flatbedfreak

    Flatbedfreak Bobtail Member

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    @ZVar appreciate the quick response. Sounds like I would just register the truck as a CMV then I can let the truck sit around and do whatever I need to it. Then when it comes time to be road worthy do the inspection, plates, insurance, etc down the road.
     
  6. pavrom

    pavrom Road Train Member

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    Just get your friends dealer plates and drive it back . Easiest way
     
  7. Flatbedfreak

    Flatbedfreak Bobtail Member

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    @Dino soar Thanks for clearing things up for me. I’ve seen some different stuff on this forum about registering trucks in different states. That’s why I was confused on what you would register the truck as in PA.
     
  8. DustyRoad

    DustyRoad Road Train Member

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    Not for hire must be displayed on the windshield plus the temporary tag, Insurance and bill of sale....you are not transporting freight...only moving a power unit.

    DOT rules required....Part 3 FMCSA rulebook.

    When all else fails....contact the DOT
     
  9. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Not for hire doesn't apply, don't even bother,
     
  10. brsims

    brsims Road Train Member

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    A temp tag from whatever state you are buying the truck in plus a temporary insurance policy to cover you while in transit is all you need. Park the beast once you get it home, work on it until you are satisfied. Then go play PA's games for getting it properly registered, inspected, and played. Don't be in a big rush. Took me almost four months (and a renewed temp registration) to get my hard plate. And that was BEFORE the pandemic crisis. Just imagine how slow Harrisburgh is now!
     
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  11. Flatbedfreak

    Flatbedfreak Bobtail Member

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    @brsims good deal. I can't wait to play PA's games later down the road ha ha...
     
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