SAFE Limos Act

The SAFE Limos Act (S. 1529) aims to improve the safety of stretch limousines by requiring them to meet the same federal safety standards as other passenger vehicles. If passed, the bill would mandate that all new limousines be equipped with lap and shoulder belts for every seat and meet stricter federal standards for seat strength and "crashworthiness," including roof crush resistance and side-impact protection.

For the average citizen, this legislation means that limousine companies would be required to disclose their most recent safety inspection results and any necessary repairs to customers before a booking. Additionally, the bill would require limousines to feature accessible emergency exits and "event data recorders" (similar to a plane's black box) to help investigators determine the cause of accidents. These measures are designed to ensure that modified luxury vehicles provide the same level of protection as standard cars in the event of a collision.