Official Site of The State of New Jersey

MVC’s Bus Inspection Unit is responsible for inspecting all motor vehicles used for the transportation of passengers for hire.

General questions can be emailed to SBIU@mvc.nj.gov

Initial Inspections

All commercial buses must be inspected by the NJMVC Bus Unit.

Initial Inspections are required prior to issuance of license plates and registration for commercial buses. The buses will be inspected at the company’s terminal as long as the terminal qualifies. (Must have a lift or pit)

Commercial Buses are registered with Omnibus (code 54) license plates. Omnibus license plates are for motor vehicles used for the transportation of passengers for hire, except school buses and taxis.

 

To apply for Omnibus license plates for the first time:

Title your vehicle at any Motor Vehicle Agency.

Contact the MVC Bus Unit at (609) 777-4186 to receive an initial application package or download one from the “related links” on this page.

Once the application is processed and approved you will be notified by MVC and an inspection will be scheduled.

After passing the inspection the bus will be issued a safety inspection decal valid for six (6) months. You will also be issued a MVC certificate (CMC-9) and (CMC-12) to take to a MVC Agency to purchase Omnibus license plates (code 54).

 

Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN)

No autobus whether regular route, charter bus operation or special bus operation which is engaged, wholly or partly, in intrastate commerce shall be operated or run while carrying passengers for hire within the State of New Jersey unless there is in force with respect to such operation a “Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity” issued by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission authorizing such operation.

To inquire about obtaining a “Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity” you may call the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Bus Unit at 609-777-4186 or download an Application Petition for Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the “related links” on this page.

 

Biannual Inspection

Vehicles registered as a commercial bus are inspected twice per year. An MVC Bus Inspector will be assigned to inspect your bus or buses. The subsequent inspections will be scheduled by the MVC Inspector that is assigned to your area. Buses must be presented on the day they are scheduled for inspection.

Any vehicle used to transport passengers for hire must comply with safety inspection requirements and display an MVC issued bus inspection sticker. If you do not display a valid sticker, your vehicle is subject to penalties and fines.

 

USDOT Authority

Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must have a USDOT number.  For information about the FMCSA and how to apply for a USDOT number visit the FMVSA website at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/

FMVSA Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System

The FMCSA Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System offers company safety data and related services to industry and the public over the internet. The link to the website is https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov

Use the related links on the right to research more information about commercial bus regulations in New Jersey’s Administrative Code.