Assemblyman Montesano Co-Sponsors Stretch Limousine Safety Act

Stretch limousine safety act

LONG ISLAND, NY – According to LongIsland.com , Assemblyman Michael Montesano is now sponsoring the “Stretch Limousine Safety Act,” which will implement strict regulations and laws on the limousine industry. The regulations will include inspection and operation requirements and special licensing procedures and training for drivers who operate stretch limousines.

The law comes after a horrific accident that took place in New York on October 6, 2018. The crash killed 20 people. Montesano stated that the tragedy was entirely avoidable and took place because of the “negligent owner and the lack of regulations surrounding stretch limousines.” The vehicle involved in the crash had failed two inspections and had more seats than it was certified to hold. The driver was not qualified to operate the vehicle either.

The law would require stretch limousines to display stickers indicating the last inspection that they passed would define what a stretch limousine is, require driver safety courses for those individuals operating these vehicles, and require any company who owns a stretch limousine to carry a minimum of $2 million in liability insurance coverage. Any vehicle that failed inspection could not be legally used to transport passengers.

The limousine crash shocked and horrified the country. The 20 individuals included the passengers, the driver, and two pedestrians who were hit when the defective vehicle careened through a stop sign, possibly as a result of defective brakes. In the aftermath of the collision, many people puzzled over how the severely defective vehicle was ever able to be used to transport passengers. The investigation led many to believe the existing laws regarding these vehicles were inadequate to protect passengers and the public.