The Assembly Transportation Committee advanced a bill on Mar. 16 that would raise penalties for unlicensed limousine operators in New Jersey, aiming to protect both drivers and passengers from risks associated with the illegal chauffeur industry.
The move comes as more residents book rides online, sometimes unknowingly using unlicensed limo services that do not meet safety requirements. The proposed legislation (A1552), sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, seeks to deter illegal operators by increasing fines and consequences for repeated 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 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.”
Under the bill, those found guilty of a third or subsequent violation—such as operating without a municipal license, lacking proper insurance, exceeding seating capacity, missing special registration plates, or failing inspections—would face a $7,500 fine, six-month driver’s license suspension, and vehicle impoundment. The Chauffeured Transportation Association of New Jersey has reported several cases where unlicensed operators advertise online and provide transportation without adequate insurance coverage due to misunderstandings about personal auto policies’ exclusions for commercial use.
“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.
John DiMaio has been involved with the Warren County Board of Freeholders from 2000 to 2009 according to the official legislative roster. He represents District 23—including Hackettstown—and joined the General Assembly in 2009 before becoming Minority Leader in 2022 according to the official legislative roster. DiMaio also served as mayor of Hackettstown from 1991 to 1999 according to the official legislative roster, held roles such as Appropriations Officer from 2012-2017 and Budget Officer from 2018-2019 as per the official legislative roster, and has worked as a legislator as noted in the official legislative roster.
If enacted into law, supporters say the bill could strengthen protections for consumers using hired transportation services across New Jersey.
