Governor Kathy Hochul today took action to further enhance protections for limousine passengers across the state, announcing a legislative proposal that will significantly improve safety within the limousine industry and increase transparency for passengers. These reforms were recommended by the Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Task Force, and require statutory changes.
“The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority, and I have listened to and heard the families who lost loved ones and know that more can and must be done,” Governor Hochul said. “I am grateful to the families and advocates for all their hard work as part of the Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Task Force. No other family should have to suffer as they have. Building on the actions that my administration has taken to protect New Yorkers, this legislation will provide even more oversight and transparency to the limousine industry and keep New Yorkers safe.”
The Passenger Safety Task Force was originally established in 2020 along with more than twenty statutory reforms as a response to the tragic limousine crashes in Cutchogue and Schoharie. In the fall of 2022, the Task Force released its report, including recommendations that require both administrative and legislative changes. The Department of Transportation and Department of Motor Vehicles have made significant progress administratively, including overhauling the vehicle registration and change of ownership process, increasing the number of reviews of limousines, increasing the level of coordination between states, and increasing enforcement actions against those who fraudulently register and operate limousines.
The Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Act will address the legislative recommendations of the Task Force, including:
- Requiring a minimum $10,000 fine for operating a suspended stretch limousine, and authorizing the Department of Transportation to collaborate with law enforcement to seize license plates of offenders driving passenger vehicles subject to their jurisdiction.
- Requiring that stretch limousines to be equipped with enhanced safety features including window break tools, fire extinguishers, improved emergency egress, and roll-over protection.
- Prohibiting the operation of a stretch limousine that is over 10 years old or has milage exceeding 350,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
- Improving data availability on limousine operators.
- Mandating that all stretch limousine passengers be given a pre-trip safety briefing.
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Co-Chair of the Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Task Force Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “We have an unwavering commitment to prevent another tragedy like those that led to the formation of the task force, and I commend Governor Hochul for taking action to advance the task force’s recommendations that will build on the work we have done to further protect New Yorkers. Thanks to the Governor’s leadership and the ongoing collaboration of the DMV and DOT, we have been able to get dangerous vehicles off the road and this bill will enable us to do more to ensure the safety of everyone who uses or encounters a stretched limo on our roads.”
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner and Co-Chair of the Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Task Force Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The work of the Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Task Force has resulted in a new, comprehensive legislative package that will further protect consumers. Our commitment to doing what we can to prevent another tragedy is steadfast and I thank our partners on the Task Force who worked so diligently to bring forth these common sense proposals and Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to safety within the limousine industry.”