What's so difficult about choosing a limo company? All you need is a vehicle large enough to hold your group, right? Would it surprise you to know that in the second quarter of 2007, the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued 37 cease and desist notices to passenger carriers around the state for operating without a valid permit? 62% of those carriers were located here in Southern California, and over 20% right here in Orange County. Here at Black Tie Limousine, your safety is our number one concern.  We hire qualified drivers, with the experience to get you to your destination as safely as possible. We comply with all PUC regulations, and have for over 20 years. And to prove it, we have provided a link to the PUC right here on our own website.

So, now that you are armed with this valuable resource, what should you look for in a limo company?  First, make sure that they have a valid operating permit. This means that they have a TCP number on their vehicles that is currently registered (you can check these numbers by going to the PUC website and clicking on the "list of passenger carriers" link).  You can also check to see that the carriers insurance and workers compensation policies are current. Another thing to look for is under the "Authorities" row, this will tell you exactly what kind of permit they have. A class "P" permit is for companies that have vehicles that carry up to 14 passengers. A class "B" permit is for companies that have vehicles carrying 15 or more passengers. Why is it important to know the difference? Because by law, a company with a class "B" permit must have insurance coverage 5 times greater than a class "P" company. So, if the limo company you are talking to says they have a 20 passenger Hummer, and they are listed on the PUC site as having a class "P" permit, something shady might be going on.

Now comes the confusing part, the driver's qualifications. If the limousine being driven carries no more than 10 people (including the driver), and it has been stretched to no more than 120" (10 feet), then it can be driven by someone with a California Class "C" license. If the limousine carries more than 10 people (including the driver), or has been stretched longer than 120", then the driver must have a California Class "B" license (a Class "A" license is also valid). To qualify for a Class "A" or "B" license, a driver must pass a battery of written tests as well as driving tests.  Again, why is it important to know this? Because if your driver of the 20 passenger Hummer has a Class "C" license, they are violating the law. But even more difficult to check, many of the new Chrysler 300 limousines are stretched to 130", which would require a driver with a Class "B" license even though the vehicle can only hold 10 people (including the driver).

Why would we at Black Tie Limousine provide you with all this information? Because we are proud of our drivers, our vehicles, and our outstanding safety record over the past two decades. We are confident that once you've seen our vehicles and met our drivers, you will choose us for all your transportation needs, whatever they may be. From airport pick-up to wine tasting, we can handle the driving for you with comfort, convenience, and above all, safety.