Yes. A CDL with a passenger endorsement is required to operate any bus designed to carry more than 15 passengers or weighing over 26,000 pounds. If you're operating a school bus, you'll also need a separate School Bus (S) endorsement on top of the passenger endorsement. Make sure your driver's credentials cover the specific vehicle before it goes into service.

Yes — and California's rules here are stricter than most states. Diesel-powered buses over 14,000 pounds must pass annual smog inspections. Gasoline-powered buses fall under California's standard Smog Check program with its own inspection schedule. Either way, factor smog compliance into your buying decision — it's a non-negotiable part of operating a bus in California.

The Biennial Inspection of Terminals (BIT) program is a California-specific requirement overseen by the California Highway Patrol. It applies to commercial vehicles including buses and requires regular vehicle inspections along with documented maintenance records. If you're operating a commercial bus in California, BIT compliance is mandatory — not optional. It's one of the things that sets California apart from other states, so plan for it from day one.

In many cases, yes. Qualified nonprofit organizations may be exempt from sales tax on a bus purchase, but you'll need to provide valid state-issued nonprofit documentation or an approved exemption certificate at the time of purchase. Get your documentation in order before you buy — the exemption doesn't apply retroactively, so timing matters.