RICHMOND -As the holidays approach, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) urges Virginians to consider safety and security when booking a limousine for a festive group activity.
(Media-Newswire.com) - RICHMOND -As the holidays approach, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles ( DMV ) urges Virginians to consider safety and security when booking a limousine for a festive group activity. Whether bundling up for a holiday light tour or riding in style to a school dance or holiday party, beware: not all limo services are equal. In Virginia, a limousine service must be properly licensed, insured and should meet certain safety criteria.
DMV offers an online resource for holiday revelers who want to make the right choice for a flashy night out with friends and family. A list of registered and insured limousine companies operating in Virginia is available on the DMV website www.dmvNOW.com . Consumers should carefully review the list of licensed transportation services on DMV’s website to ensure the limousine company they intend to use is properly licensed and insured. Limo operators can find guidelines for proper licensing and operation on the site as well.
"When you rent a limo, you are placing your safety in the hands of that driver," said Richard D. Holcomb, DMV Commissioner and the Governor’s highway safety representative. "I urge the citizens of Virginia to protect their families by only using limousine companies that appear on DMV’s website as licensed transportation services."
DMV offers several tips for consumers before they secure a limousine to make sure they are getting the specific vehicle they want. For example, ask to see the actual limousine that you will be renting, and ask for a test ride. Also, make a checklist of the following:
The limousine is clean, and will comfortably and safely hold everyone in your party. The vehicle is equipped with working seat belts for all passengers. The Virginia vehicle inspection sticker and license plate decals are current. Ask about the company’s insurance coverage, vehicle maintenance and driver screening programs.
When renting a limousine, ask in advance if there will be any additional charges for gratuities, vehicle cleaning, mileage and fuel costs. Do not sign a contract or make payment for a limousine until you have read the contract. It should give you exclusive use of the limousine during the entire contract period.
To file a complaint about a limo service, you may contact the Office of the Attorney General’s consumer protection hotline, either at ( 804 ) 786-2042 or ( 800 )-552-9963, or the Department of Motor Vehicles at ( 804 ) 249-5140. To file a complaint online, please see Consumer Complaint Against a Motor Carrier.
# # #
Published by:
Release Date
This story was released on 2012-11-26. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date. See our disclaimer for additional information.
