Limousines and the Law

26 April 2006

Limo hire companies who carry more than eight passengers are being targeted in a nationwide crackdown on illegal limo operators.

• No limo, regardless of size can carry more than eight passengers.
• Any operator who carries more than eight passengers is breaking the law.
• You won't be insured if the limo is involved in an accident.

When searching for a limo hire company, beware of any business that advertises vehicles carrying more than eight passengers.

Vehicles that carry up to eight passengers must be licensed by the local council for 'private hire', in the same way as taxi firms are licensed. If a vehicle is to carry more than eight passengers, it must be licensed by VOSA (The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) and would be classed as a bus.

As limousines do not meet the criteria for VOSA certification, no limousine in the UK is licensed to carry more than eight passengers.

Any operator who carries more than eight passengers is breaking the law. They will not be covered under their insurance (assuming they have any) which could have serious repercussions for you, should the vehicle be involved in a accident.

External Link:
Times Online - Limousine firms that stretch the rules to be driven out of business