Abinanti Introduces Stretch Limousine Safety Act

Tarrytown, NY – Today, Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (D-Greenburgh/Mt. Pleasant) introduced the “Stretch Limousine Safety Act,” to improve the safety of ‘for hire’ limos.

“We need a more comprehensive approach to the inspection and licensure of ‘stretch limos’ to protect all New Yorkers,” said Abinanti.

The legislation includes a retirement age for stretch limos, new training requirements for drivers, and updated inspection and insurance regulations, which would make it more difficult for a vehicle to get back on the road if it fails to pass inspection.

The legislation comes in the wake of the worst transportation related accident in the country since 2009. Earlier this month, a ‘for hire’ ‘stretch limousine’ crashed in Schoharie, NY killing 17 passengers, the driver, and two pedestrians. Though the cause of the accident is still under investigation, reports have cited the limo failed inspection and the driver did not have the proper license to operate the vehicle.

Since the accident, news reports have highlighted that the regulation of ‘stretch limousines’ in New York is unclear and not cohesive. Additionally, ‘stretch limousine’ is not defined anywhere in State law.

“New Yorkers hire these limos to transport them safely to and from proms, weddings, and other special events,” said Abinanti. “They count on the State to make sure that the vehicles and the drivers are safe.”

Senator Simcha Felder sponsors the legislation in the Senate.

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