Thank you to the South Shore Press for covering our press conference with Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Legislators McCaffrey, Stark and Donnelly. It is critical that residents check before they book and only hire licensed and insured operators for their transportation.

By Robert Chartuk | Jun 13, 2025

With summer celebrations, weddings, and graduations around the corner, Suffolk officials are urging residents to steer clear of illegal limousine and party bus operators, warning that riding with unlicensed drivers could cost more than just the fare.

At a consumer protection news conference outside the H. Lee Dennison Building on Wednesday, County Executive Ed Romaine joined legislators, police, and industry experts to highlight the dangers posed by unauthorized transportation providers. Many of them operate without insurance, proper licenses, or even working safety equipment.

“If they’re unlicensed, they don’t know what they’re getting into if there’s an accident,” Romaine said. “The most important thing is to ensure that you are getting into a licensed vehicle — whether it’s a limo, taxi, or bus. If there’s a problem, you want recourse. Without a license, there’s no one to hold accountable.”

Romaine likened the issue to hiring an unlicensed contractor. “If something goes wrong, they walk away with your money and there’s nothing government can do; you’re left to fight it out in court,” he said. “Our concern is for the consumer of Suffolk County. This is about protection.”

According to officials, the signs of a legally certified vehicle are clear: look for a red diamond sticker in the window, and check the license plate for markings such as “T&LC,” “LIVERY,” or “BUS.” These indicators confirm that the vehicle is approved and regulated by Suffolk’s Department of Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs.

Tom Gouldsbury, president of the Long Island Limousine Association, said illegal operators pose a serious threat, not just in terms of risk, but also financially. “Underinsured drivers don’t have the $1 million or more in liability coverage that licensed services are required to carry,” he noted.

Legislator Kevin McCaffrey, the legislature’s presiding officer, warned that if an accident occurs, consumers could be on the hook for damages. “I guarantee you there’ll be a gap in what you need,” McCaffrey said. “And that gap could be devastating.”

The dangers of unregulated vehicles were underscored by Suffolk County Chief of Patrol Gerard Hardy, who recalled the 2018 limousine crash in Schoharie that killed 20 people. The vehicle, a modified Ford Excursion, had repeatedly failed inspection, and the driver lacked proper credentials.

Closer to home, a 2015 limousine crash in Cutchogue killed four women during a winery tour. The tragedy spurred safety reforms across New York after the victims’ families reached a $6.1 million settlement and advocated for tighter regulations.

To prevent similar disasters, Suffolk police will be increasing inspections and compliance checks this summer. “Alarmingly, what we’re seeing is unlicensed operators, uninsured vehicles, damaged frames, and inoperable safety exits,” Hardy said.

Wayne Roger, commissioner of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs, encouraged residents to call his office before hiring any private transportation. “The smartest thing anybody can do is call and verify,” he said.

Becoming a certified limo driver isn’t just a matter of owning a vehicle. Joe Marotta, a board member of the Long Island Limousine Association, said drivers need to obtain a Class E license from the DMV and undergo insurance vetting based on their record.

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft fall outside of county oversight, but have their own internal vetting processes. Riders should always check the app for driver photos, license plates, and car details before getting in, Roger added.

As party season kicks into high gear, officials urged residents to do their homework before booking transportation. “We’re not trying to ruin anyone’s celebration,” Romaine said. “We’re trying to make sure they get home safe.”

South Shore Press: “Suffolk Cracks Down on Illegal Limos, Party Buses Ahead of Summer Season”