Delgado's Bipartisan End the Limo Loophole Act Continues to Build Support

Press Release

Today, Representatives Antonio Delgado (NY-19) and Paul Tonko (NY-20) announced Delgado's bipartisan bill, H.R.4697, the End the Limo Loophole Act, has support from 65 House members on both sides of the aisle. The End the Limo Loophole Act was introduced along with a larger package of legislation that improves limousine safety protocol following the Schoharie Limo Crash of 2018. The bill makes updates to current law to improve the safety protocols for seatbelts and inspection standards for limousines.

"The heartbreaking limousine accident that claimed the lives of 20 New York residents is a tragedy that should never have occurred. We owe it to the families and communities affected by this crash, as well as the first responders who rushed to the scene to aid those in need, to create stronger safety protections," said Delgado. "I introduced the End the Limo Loophole Act to make critical updates to the safety protocol for limos and close loopholes that contributed to this crash. I am grateful to see broad support for this bill on both sides of the aisle and I will do everything in my power to urge a vote on this long overdue legislation."

"My friend Antonio Delgado has proven to be a true national champion for the families of the Schoharie limousine tragedy and for limousine safety overall. I am profoundly grateful for his tireless work carrying this crucial piece of our limo safety package forward and helping lead our ongoing effort to get Congress to enact into law the comprehensive limousine safety reforms these families, and all American families, deserve," said Rep. Tonko.

Under existing law, a Commercial Motor Vehicle is defined as one that is designed to transport more than fifteen passengers, including the driver. Vehicles that are altered post-manufacture to accommodate nine or more passengers, as with many stretch limos, fall outside this definition. The End the Limo Loophole Act will amend the definition of a Commercial Motor Vehicle to ensure that it covers all vehicles used to transport nine or more people so that critical federal safety rules, such as driver qualifications, apply regardless of the initial design. The act would also require the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to restart a dormant rulemaking effort requiring states to inspect all commercial motor vehicles designed or used to transport passengers.

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