Assembly Transportation Committee Passes Bill Cracking Down on Illegal Limo Operators
March 16, 2026, 10:53 am | in
Assembly Transportation Committee Passes Bill Cracking Down on Illegal Limo Operators
3/16/2026
New Jersey residents conveniently booking for-hire rides online are unknowingly being exposed to harm by a growing number of unlicensed limo operators.
The Assembly Transportation Committee on Monday took steps to protect drivers and passengers from the illegal chauffeur industry by clearing a bill (A1552), sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, increasing penalties for certain limousine law violations.
“Legitimate limo drivers must pass criminal background checks and purchase a $1.5 million insurance policy, but illegal operators are skirting these safety regulations while also bypassing wage and tax laws. They are increasingly undermining professional limo services and putting unwitting passengers and their drivers in harm’s way,” Inganamort (R-Morris) said. “Currently, penalties are low compared to the potential profits these illegal operations can rake in, so raising the fines and consequences for violations should help deter some of these bad actors.”
The bill increases penalties for a third and subsequent violation of the following: operating a limo without a license issued by a municipality, driving a limo without a valid license, failing to carry the right insurance policy, exceeding the limo’s seating capacity, not having special registration plates, or not properly inspecting the limo. Violators would be subject to a $7,500 fine, a six-month driver’s license suspension, and vehicle impoundment.
The Chauffeured Transportation Association of New Jersey has documented several cases of unlicensed operators advertising on online platforms and providing for-hire transportation in New Jersey. Several unlicensed drivers believed they were adequately insured simply by increasing their personal policy limits, demonstrating a widespread misunderstanding of coverage requirements, as most personal auto policies have a for-hire exclusion. Therefore, passengers are being exposed to uninsured operators, while drivers face life-altering risks with no safety net.
“Unlicensed limo operators tend to target entertainment and sports venues, and airports, which means many areas in New Jersey are prime targets. To protect the public, drivers, and legal chauffeur businesses, New Jersey’s limo laws need to be updated, and that is what this bill does,” Inganamort said.
