Create New SUV Laws

While there are many people who do not approve of the latest super stretch limousines and SUVs on our roads, not everyone is as negative towards the newest addition to our growing industry.

Tyler Lehmann is the owner of a Seattle based limousine hire company called Blackstone Limousines and is no exception to the revolution of the industry and the shift towards the bigger, SUV stretch limousines. As with many limo hire companies operating these hulking stretch limousines, Lehmann has found that the current transport and limousine laws just don’t apply, fortunately he has also found that the laws are trying hard to incorporate the new surge of stretch limousines instead of just banning them. 

Lehmann feels that the rise in popularity of the SUVs limos follows closely on the popularity of domestic SUVs and the extra space and features associated with the new wave of utility vehicles.

In Washington State, the highway patrolmen who inspect limousines for the Department of Licensing are at a loss. The new SUV stretch limousines are so far removed from the traditional definition of a limousine, the Department knows it needs to change its ruling, and fast.

Lehmann was part of the group who lobbied the state officials to review and redefine the licensing laws. The previous amount of passengers allowed to be carried in a stretch limousine was 12, the SUV stretch limos are carrying 20 people, sometimes more, but as parties, weddings and proms grow, so do the limousines which transport them.

The solution was to wipe out the majority of the statue which defined limousines and hand over the decision making to the licensing agency and the state patrol who use administrative rule making which is more open to changes and advancements in the industry.

By having the state officials work with the limo hire companies means that everyone’s needs are met and if there are defined safety guidelines, it is easier to regulate the industry while still allowing it to meet the customer needs and expectations.

It is clear that the only way for the limousine industry to move forward safely, is for the licensing boards and limo hire companies to work together to ensure customer safety as well as industry integrity.