1. (a) Gross vehicle weight. Actual gross vehicle weight is the vehicle weight, plus the driver’s weight, plus the total seated pupil weight.

   1. (1) For purposes of calculation, the driver’s weight is 150 pounds.
   2. (2) For purposes of calculation, the pupil weight is 120 pounds per pupil.

2. (b) Weight limitations. The following weight limitations apply:

   1. (1) Gross weight. The actual gross weight of the vehicle may not exceed the manufacturer’s GVWR for the chassis.
   2. (2) Axle weights. A bus may not be operated upon a highway with a weight on an axle in excess of the lesser of the manufacturer’s rated axle capacity or 22,400 pounds—20,000 pounds on interstate highways—on a single axle or 18,000 pounds on a dual axle.
   3. (3) Wheel weights. A bus may not be operated upon a highway with a weight upon a wheel in excess of 800 pounds for each nominal inch of width of tire on the wheel.
   4. (4) Gross vehicle weight rating. A bus may not be operated upon a highway with weight exceeding the value specified on the Federal weight certification label by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.

Authority

The provisions of this § 171.31 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.

Source

The provisions of this § 171.31 adopted August 12, 1977, effective August 13, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2255; amended March 27, 1981, effective March 28, 1981, 11 Pa.B. 1100; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (122786).