The Michigan Department of Transportation issues
Motor Bus Certificate of Authorities to persons/entities that operate buses
for-hire on Michigan
roads and highways.
New!
Applications for these tasks are submitted and paid for online through
the Michigan Business One Stop
portal.
A. NAME OF PERMIT OR APPROVAL:
Motor Bus Certificate of Authority
B. STATUTORY AUTHORITY:
Motor Bus Transportation Act, Public Act 432 of 1982, as
amended.MCL 474.101-139
C. APPLICABLE REGULATION:
Rules
Regulations: MCL 474.131 adopts certain Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations being 49 C.F.R. parts 382, 387, 390-393, 395-397 including
appendices C, D, E, and G.
D. SUMMARY OF PERMIT/APPROVAL PROCESS:
1.
Applicability (activities that require the permit)
The Motor Bus Transportation Act 432 PA 1982, as amended, requires any
person engaged in the transportation by motor bus for hire upon the public
highways of this state, either directly or through any device or arrangement,
to first obtain a certificate from the Department of Transportation. A motor
bus is defined as a self-propelled motor vehicle designed or used to transport
more than 15 passengers and their baggage for hire upon any public highway of
this state.
Some examples of operations generally requiring an intra-state bus
authority:
- Charter and Tour operators.
- "For-Hire" school bus
contractors hauling any type of passengers not going to or from school or
home. (fieldtrips, summer camps, sporting events)
- Bus operators under
contract to transport employees of another company.
- Regular Route Scheduled
operations.
- Churches that use their
buses to transport passengers that are not their members.
- Carriers that operate under
contract to a government entity.
- Limousine companies that
operate vehicles that seat more than 15 passengers including the driver.
Exemption of those that do not need an authority:
- Churches, private schools,
civic organizations, scout groups, and other organizations that may
purchase or lease buses for the private transportation of their respective
groups.
- Companies that purchase and
operate buses to transport their own employees.
- Professional musicians who
use buses for concert tours.
- Buses operating by a
transit or governmental agency, including school buses.
2.
Pre-Application Requirements
Although some applicants choose to hire consultant assistance, it is a
relatively easy for an individual to complete the process.
Carriers should first form a legal business entity by obtaining either a
d.b.a. business license from a county or a corporate structure from the
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth at http://www.michigan.gov/dleg/0,1607,7-154-35299_35413_35426---,00.html
3.
Application Submission Requirements
The following steps must be completed correctly in order to obtain a
Certificate of Authority to operate as a motor carrier of intrastate passengers
in the State of Michigan.
Following completion of these steps and a passed safety inspection, a
Certificate of Authority will be issued.
A. Applicant Information, part 1 The applicant must
completely fill out the Applicant Information. Failure to provide the requested
information may result in the return of your application. This application must
include the following: 1) Certified copy of applicant's Articles of
Incorporation or Articles of Organization or Certificate to Conduct Business
under an Assumed Name, or Articles of Copartnership
(as applicable). 2) Certified copy of applicant's Certificate to Conduct
Business in Michigan (if incorporated in a
state other than Michigan).
If needed, please contact the Corporations & Securities Bureau at (517)
241-6400.
B. Equipment Vehicle Roster Submit an Equipment Vehicle Roster (form
attached) listing the equipment to be operated by the applicant under the
issued authority. Annual safety inspections conducted by other states/provinces
may be used for carriers physically located outside the state of Michigan. Please call
(517) 335-2574 for the current listing and instructions. Photocopies of current
equipment inspections from the Michigan State Police (yellow and black school
buses only) will be accepted. If the applicant's equipment has not been
inspected by one of the above, upon receipt of (1) the letter of application,
(2) equipment vehicle roster, (3) certificate of insurance, and (4) applicant
filing fees, the applicant will be contacted by a MDOT safety inspector to
arrange an appointment for the vehicle inspection. All revenue vehicles to be
operated by the carrier must be listed on the vehicle roster and pass a state
inspection before a certificate of authority will be granted.
C. Certificate of Insurance You must request your insurance company to
submit an MDOT form No. 3007, Certificate of Insurance, to MDOT, certifying
bodily injury and property damage protection of $5 million combined, as well as
Michigan
basic no-fault coverage. The name appearing on your insurance certificate must
be identical to the legal name as shown on your application. Your insurance company
may obtain blank 3007 forms from MDOT, by contacting this office at (517)
335-2574. Filings must be signed by the insurance company or authorized branch
representative. The signature of an insurance agent or insurance agency
personnel is not acceptable. NO OTHER TYPE CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE FORM WILL
BE ACCEPTED.
D. Applicant Filing Fees Submit a check made out to the "State of Michigan" for: A.
Original applicant fee in the amount of $300. B. Annual registration fees for
each motor bus listed on the equipment vehicle roster in the amount of $25
each. C. Modification or change to an existing certificate of authority in the
amount of $25. Any of the above fees may be combined in one check.
4.
Procedures and Time-Frame for Obtaining Permit or Approval
Processing of a completed application usually takes from 1 to 2 weeks. A
carrier may not commence intrastate operations until the certificate and decals
are issued. To avoid processing delays, please insure that all questions are
answered, required documents are included, and the application is properly
signed and verified.
5.
Operational Requirements
Every motor carrier who holds a certificate of authority shall pay to MDOT
an annual renewal fee equal to $25.00 times the number of motor buses used exclusively
by the carrier between January 1 and the last day of February.
Each motor bus operated by the motor carrier shall pass an annual safety
inspection which meets the department's specifications for safe operating
character and condition.
Each motor carrier thru their insurance provider shall maintain and provide
continuous insurance coverage as required by MCL 474.109.
6.
Fees
New applications - $300.00 plus $25.00 per motor bus to be
operated.
Annual Renews - $25.00 per motor bus to be operated provided there is a
current valid safety inspection on file with the department.
Reinstated applications during the same calendar year - $300.00
7.
Appeal Process
If the department denies an application for a certificate of authority, the
department shall notify the applicant in writing of the reason(s) for the
denial, and the applicant shall have 30 days form the date of denial to correct
and deficiency and reapply without payment of additional application fee.
8.
Public Input Opportunities
None
E. Contact Information:
Contact
Us
Creation/Revision Date:
September
13, 2010
