Georgia Department of Public Safety - MCCD Regulations Compliance

Limousine Carriers - Frequently Asked Questions

Consumer Category

Q1.

How do I determine if a limousine carrier is a legal company in Georgia?

Limousine companies who have authority issued by DPS to conduct the for-hire transportation of passengers inside the boundaries of Georgia (intrastate) are listed on our website under the heading “ List of Licensed Limousine Carriers”.

Limousine companies who are not listed on our website are not legal to conduct for hire passenger carrier operations inside the boundaries of Georgia. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THEM! Illegal limousine companies should be reported to the Department of Public Safety at (404) 624-7244.

Q2.

If I want to hire a limousine carrier for trip to another state how do I make sure the company is a legal interstate company?

Visit the FMCSA website at www.fmcsa.dot.gov where you will find useful links to aid you in your search for a reputable, licensed company.

Q3.

How do I file a complaint against a limousine company?

All complaints must be submitted in writing and mailed or faxed to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, MCCD Regulations Compliance, P.O. Box 1456, Atlanta, GA 30371; FAX: (404) 624-7246. The Passenger Carrier Complaint Form is available online at our website: www.gamccd.net. Also, you may contact us at (404) 624-7244 to obtain information on filing a complaint against a limousine carrier.

Q4.

Does DPS investigate complaints on limousine companies who operate in interstate (state to state) commerce?

No. DPS only regulates the “intrastate” for-hire transportation of passengers by limousine carrier (trips that originate in Georgia and end in Georgia). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates “interstate transportation.” For complaints on interstate passenger and limousine carriers, consumers should contact the FMCSA, Georgia Division at (678) 284-5130, or the FMCSA Southern Service Center at (404) 327-7400. Also visit the FMCSA website.

Limousine Carrier Category

Q5.

What is the definition of a Limousine carrier?

A limousine carrier is defined by OCGA §40-1-151 (5). “Limousine Carrier” means any person operating a prearranged service (verbal or written contract) regularly rendered to the public by furnishing transportation as a motor carrier for hire, not over fixed routes, by means of one or more unmetered (hourly, per vehicle, flat rate):

Limousines, extended limousines, sedans, extended sedan, sport utility vehicles, extended sport utility vehicles of any passenger capacity

OR

Other vehicles with the capacity of transporting no more than 15 persons for hire (i.e. van, Mini bus, etc.) or any combination of the above.

Q6.

What previous law violations disqualify a person(s) from obtaining a Limousine Carrier Certificate?

Applicants for a Limousine Carrier Certificate who have been convicted of a felony offense related to the operation of a motor vehicle are categorically disqualified by OCGA §40-1-153 from obtaining a Limousine Carrier Certificate.

Additionally, applicants must be considered “Fit, Willing, and Able” to perform properly the service and conform to Georgia law (OCGA §40-1-153). Fitness encompasses three factors:

The applicant’s financial ability to perform the service it seeks to provide.
The applicant’s capability and willingness to perform properly and safely the proposed service.
The applicant’s willingness to comply with the laws of Georgia and the rules and regulations of the Department. (OCGA §§40-1-106(a) and 40-1-153(b)).

NOTE: An applicant’s past history of compliance with Georgia law is considered relevant in the determination of fitness based on the specifications of #2 and #3 above.

Q7.

Are taxicabs regulated by the Georgia Department of Public Safety?

No. Taxicabs are regulated through local municipalities. Example: Atlanta, City of Atlanta Vehicles for Hire. The Georgia Department of Public Safety does not regulate any vehicle that utilizes a meter.

Q8.

Where can I obtain a Limousine carrier certificate?

The Class B Limousine Carrier Certificate application is available on the Department of Public Safety’s MCCD website ( Form DPS TR0050); or, you may call us at (404) 624-7244.

Q9.

How long does it take to obtain operating authority?

Usually, from 4-6 weeks, primarily due to the advertisement period required by law before your application can be presented to the Commissioner of Public Safety for approval.

Q10.

Is the Certificate permanent or have an expiration date?

New authority is issued for a 12-month interim (probationary) period. Prior to the end of the interim period the DPS staff will determine a carrier's compliance with all DPS rules, regulations, and Georgia laws. A carrier's performance during the 12-month interim period will be the basis for issuance of a permanent Certificate, which has no expiration date.

Q11.

Once permanent operating authority is issued, are there any annual costs?

There are no annual costs or renewal fees associated with motor carrier Certificates issued by DPS. However, a carrier operating solely within the state of Georgia must renew their Georgia Intrastate Motor Carrier Registration (GIMC) annually. Additionally, a carrier who is operating in interstate (state to state) commerce must renew their Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) annually. Both the GIMC and the UCR are renewed by the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Q12.

Do I need a federal or state USDOT number?

If you utilize vehicles for-hire designed to transport more than 8 passengers including the driver your vehicle is classified as a “Commercial Motor Vehicle” (CMV), and you must obtain a USDOT number; see below.

Intrastate (Georgia only transportation): If you are operating solely within the state of Georgia (not crossing state lines) you must also obtain a Georgia USDOT Number from the Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division . The telephone number is: (855) 406-5221 OR (678) 284-5130. The specific form required to obtain a Georgia USDOT Number is the MCS-150 (Motor Carrier Identification Number) form. This form may be obtained from our website.

Interstate (state to state transportation): If you are operating in interstate commerce you must obtain a federal USDOT number. To obtain this number you may apply online at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/online-registration/onlineregdescription.htm or you may download the application from our website.

Q13.

Am I required to register under the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program?

Yes, you must register under either the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program for interstate carriers, OR the Georgia Intrastate Motor Carrier (GIMC) (GA-UCR)Program.

Intrastate (Georgia only transportation): To register under the Georgia Intrastate Motor Carrier (GIMC) Program you may register with the Georgia Department of Revenue online at www.cvisn.dor.ga.gov/Welcome/GIMC or you may download an application from our website.

Interstate (state to state transportation): Carriers who plan to operate in interstate commerce (state to state transportation) must register under the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program. You can register online at www.cvisn.dor.ga.gov/Welcome/UCR or you can download an application from our website.

Q14.

What are the minimum insurance limit requirements for passenger carriers operating in intrastate (within the state) commerce?

OCGA §40-1-166 sets the minimum insurance requirements at:

Type of equipment(Seating Capacity)	Limit for bodily injury to or death of one person:	Limit of bodily injuries to or death of all persons injured or killed in any one accident (subject to a maximum of $100,000 for bodily injuries to or death of one person):	Limit for loss or damage in any one accident to property of others (excluding cargo):
12 passengers or less	$100,000.00	$300,000.00	$50,000.00
Over 12 passengers	$100,000.00	$500,000.00	$50,000.00

Q15.

Do the federal and state insurance requirements differ?

Yes. The minimum insurance requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) differ significantly from state requirements. The level of financial responsibility required by FMCSA is predicated upon the manufacturer’s designed seating capacity, not on the number of passengers riding in the vehicle at a particular time. The minimum levels of financial responsibility required for various seating capacities are found in Title 49, CFR, §387.33.

Q.16

Are limousines and limousine carrier vehicles considered “Commercial Motor Vehicles” (CMV)?

Limousines and Limousine carrier vehicles that have a seating capacity of more than 8 passengers, including the driver, are considered “Commercial Motor Vehicles” (CMVs). See OCGA §40-1-1.

Q17.

If a limousine or limousine carrier vehicle does not meet the definition of a “Commercial Motor Vehicle” (CMV), what is the vehicle classification?

Limousine and limousine carrier vehicles not meeting the definition of a “Commercial Motor Vehicle” are classified as “Lightweight Commercial Motor Vehicles” (LCMVs), as specified by OCGA §40-1-1.

Q18.

What exactly is a “Lightweight Commercial Motor Vehicle” (LCMV)?

According to OCGA §40-1-1, a LCMV is a motor vehicle which does not meet the definition of a commercial motor vehicle and which, in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise:

Is used to transport hazardous materials in a type and quantity for which placards are not required in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations prescribed by the United States Department of Transportation, Title 49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F, or compatible rules prescribed by the commissioner of public safety

Is used to transport property for compensation
Is used to transport passengers for compensation, other than a taxicab; or
Is a wrecker or tow truck.

(See OCGA §40-1-1).

Q19.

Are all limousine and limousine carrier vehicles utilized to transport passengers for-hire in intrastate commerce required to undergo safety inspections annually?

Yes. OCGA §40-1-154 authorizes DPS to regulate the safety of limousine carriers, as well as the scope of such safety inspections. Therefore, all limousine carrier vehicles, including both “Commercial Motor Vehicles” and Lightweight Commercial Motor Vehicles” must be inspected by a DPS law enforcement officer each year.

Q20.

Are the Annual Periodic Inspection and the DPS Safety Inspection considered the same type inspection?

No. The annual periodic inspection is performed by a qualified mechanic of the carrier’s choosing. The DPS Safety Inspection is conducted by a uniformed law enforcement officer of the Department of Public Safety.

Q21.

Are the DPS Safety Inspections conducted by a DPS law enforcement officer equivalent to the Annual Periodic Inspections required by PSC Rule 515-16-8-.05 and Title 49, CFR, §396.17?

Yes, whereas OCGA §40-1-154 authorizes DPS to regulate the safety of limousine carriers, as well as the scope of such safety inspections. Furthermore, Title 49, CFR, §396.23 specifies such mandatory state inspections performed by state personnel (DPS) on carriers that are subject to a mandatory State inspection program are equivalent to the Annual Periodic Inspection.

Q22.

What is a Cease and Desist Order?

A Cease and Desist Order is a “Temporary Prohibition” issued by the Commissioner of Public Ordering a carrier regulated by DPS to immediately “Cease & Desist” all intrastate for-hire transportation. The Order states certain conditions of improvement that must be met before the carrier is authorized to resume operations.
A Cease and Desist Order can only be terminated by the Commissioner of Public Safety. Violations of a Cease and Desist Order may carry both criminal and civil penalties up to incarceration and/or up to a $15,000.00 fine per violation.

Q23.

Is a limousine or limousine carrier vehicle required to be marked and identified as a for-hire limousine service?

Yes. According to OCGA §40-1-167, each limousine carrier which registers any vehicle under this article shall, for each such certificated vehicle, affix to the center of the front bumper of each such certificated vehicle a standard size license plate bearing the following information (See examples below):

For Lightweight Commercial Vehicles (LCMVs) (8 or less passenger capacity including the driver) (OCGA 40-1-1):

Limousine Carrier name
City & State of principal domicile
Company Telephone Number
Department of Public Safety MCA Number, which is issued by DPS at the time the operating authority is issued.

LCMV Marking Example (8 or less passenger capacity)

For Commercial Motor Vehicles (more than 8 passenger capacity including the driver):

Limousine Carrier name
City & State of principal domicile
Company Telephone Number
Federal or State Motor Carrier Identification Number (USDOT number)

Example of CMV limo marking (more than 8 passengers, including the driver)

Note: If your USDOT number was issued by FMCSA, drop the letters “GA” from the above example and include the USDOT Number as “USDOT 000000.”

Q24.

Are there any legal requirements relative to my company advertising as a limousine carrier?

Yes. OCGA §40-1-165 specifies that on any advertisement by a limousine carrier, the Department of Public Safety MCA number must be included on the advertisement. To do otherwise is a violation of law. Fines range from $500.00 to $15,000.00.

Q25.

Is it legal for a for-hire limousine company or person to advertise an intrastate limousine carrier service without being properly certificated and licensed by DPS?

No. Companies who advertise a for-hire intrastate passenger carrier transportation service are in violation of OCGA §§40-1-130 and OCGA 40-1-165.

Q26.

Are limousine carrier vehicles required to be equipped with fire extinguishers?

DPS recommends all for-hire passenger carrier vehicles be equipped with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit. However, only limousine carrier vehicles designed to transport more than 8 passengers including the driver are required to have on board an operative fire extinguisher with a rating of 5 B:C. (See Title 49, CFR §393.95(a)).

Q27.

With whom do I need to register for pick up, drop off or parking at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta airport?

Contact Ground Transportation at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at (404) 270-7271 or (404) 530-6674.

LIMOUSINE DRIVER CATEGORY

Q28.

What is a chauffeur?

"Chauffeur" means any person who meets the qualifications as prescribed in OCGA §40-1-151 and who is authorized by the commissioner to drive for a carrier that holds a Limousine Carrier Certificate issued by the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Q29.

Who needs a Chauffeur’s Endorsement?

Any person operating vehicles for a motor carrier who holds or, is required to hold, a Limousine Carrier Certificate issued by the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Q30.

If I drive a “limousine carrier vehicle” that seats more than 15 passengers including the driver, what class driver’s license and accompanying endorsements do I need?

Class C Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with both the “C” (Chauffeur’s) Endorsement and the “P” (Passenger) Endorsement.

Q31.

What do I need to do in order to apply for a Limo Chauffeur’s endorsement?

Detailed information is available via the Georgia Department of Driver Services website at www.dds.ga.gov. Disqualifying offense information is specified in OCGA §40-5-39.

Q32.

What is the cost for the chauffer Endorsement?

$15.00 plus $50.15 for GAP background check.

Q33.

How long is the chauffer endorsement valid?

Chauffeur endorsements are valid for 4-8 years from the date of issuance.

Q34.

How long does it take to be approved for a chauffeur Endorsement?

Usually within 30 days.

Q35.

Are operators of limousines required to be medically examined and possess Medical Examiner’s Certificates?

Operators of limousine carrier vehicles which are considered “Commercial Motor Vehicles” (have a seating capacity of more than 8 passengers, including the driver) must be medically qualified and exhibit upon demand a Medical Examiner’s Certificate conforming the requirements of OCGA §40-1-8 (h) and Title 49, CFR, Part §391. This requirement does not apply to Operators of “Lightweight Commercial Motor Vehicles” as defined by OCGA §40-1-1.

Q36.

Am I required to have my Medical Examiner’s Certificate in possession while operating a limousine?

Yes. Operators of limousine carrier vehicles that meet the definition of a “Commercial Motor Vehicle” must maintain their Medical Examiner’s Certificates in possession at all times while operating a limousine. Drivers who violate this requirement will be placed out of service and may also be fined.

If you have additional questions, please contact us.