Transporting Bucket Truck in Pennsylvania

[strum456]

I am planning to buy a used bucket truck for use around the farm. The truck is road worthy - the previous owner used it regularly before buying a new one.


The delimma is how am can I legally get it home (about 50 miles) without spending a fortune.

Hauling it would be very expensive (F-450 with utility bed and 30 foot bucket).

I'd like to just drive it, but I DO NOT want to register it or buy plates. It will not leave the farm unless I sell it.

According to my insurance policy, recently purchased vehicles are automatically covered for 10 days. So, it looks like I would be ok insurance wise.

Is it possilbe to get a temporary plate without buying regular plate? I know there are in-transit plates, but it looks like those are for out of state people. This is going to be a farm vehicle, but I'm not sure that an orange triangle would satisfy the police. Considering the cost of registration, it seems that there should be a cheaper options since I do not need to register the vehicle.

 

[MossRoad]

Have you checked with your local DMV regarding farm vehicles? That's the first place I'd check.

A friend of mine and I keep considering purchasing a bucket truck together. He needs it for farm use and I need it twice a year for Christmas lights. The problem is neither of us wants to purchase insurance or plates for driving it 20 miles twice a year! :laughing:

 

[4570Man]

My grandpa bought a Ford F-800 bucket truck with a 55 foot boom. He just drove it home from about the same distance. Just don't get caught. I have a friend who has a huge trackhoe. To legally move it on his truck you have to take the boom off . You can imagine what a PITA that is. He waited until early Christmas Day, and drove the whole thing up on a low boy and move it a few miles.

 

[wjmst]

I've seen lots of trucks go down the road with unreadable mud covered license plates!

I don't know what the laws are, but I would think there should be some type of temporary plate or something that you could use. Let is know what you find out and decide to do.

 

[Ed of all trades]

In Va you can get a 30 day tag cheep and its not a big deal. better than a ticket happy cop filling his pad for every thing wrong because you tied to get home on the cheep. Ed

 

[charlz]

I believe most states will sell you a temporary vehicle registration, I know the ones around here will. It allows you to transport a vehicle on the highways without full registration. I have always figured a bill of sale gives you a one day free pass though Sometimes it is easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission

Insurance would be the kicker if you got in an accident and it sounds like you have that covered.

 

[TCJatko]

I am planning to buy a used bucket truck for use around the farm. The truck is road worthy - the previous owner used it regularly before buying a new one.


The delimma is how am can I legally get it home (about 50 miles) without spending a fortune.

Hauling it would be very expensive (F-450 with utility bed and 30 foot bucket).

I'd like to just drive it, but I DO NOT want to register it or buy plates. It will not leave the farm unless I sell it.

According to my insurance policy, recently purchased vehicles are automatically covered for 10 days. So, it looks like I would be ok insurance wise.

Is it possilbe to get a temporary plate without buying regular plate? I know there are in-transit plates, but it looks like those are for out of state people. This is going to be a farm vehicle, but I'm not sure that an orange triangle would satisfy the police. Considering the cost of registration, it seems that there should be a cheaper options since I do not need to register the vehicle.

Just drive it home. If the police stop you, just say "No habla Ingles". They'll let you go.

 

[Bladehauler]

In Texas you can get a 30 day temporary tag for $25 , check with your dmv

 

[Jimbrown]

In n Az you can buy a 3 day registration right over the internet and be good to go

 

[EarPlug]

From the PA DMV website:

I'm buying a used car from an individual, but can't get the tags for it until next week. Since the tag doesn't stay with the car, do I drive around without a tag?
No. You can get a temporary tag valid for 90 days, from any motor vehicle dealer or authorized issuing agent. You will need to provide proof of insurance and ownership to get the temporary tag.