WASHINGTON – Parents of Maryland teens who want to take a limo on prom night can take heart in state rules that ensure the big night will be a safe one.
Limousines are regulated by the Public Service Commission in Maryland, which is the same body that regulates public utilities like Pepco. Businesses that operate limos in Maryland are subject to regulation and must have a PSC number.
The PSC has recommendations for parents whose students plan to take a limo on prom night before they sign a contract:
- Ask for the limo’s PSC number;
- Contact the PSC to verify the company is authorized and rates are correct;
- Inspect the vehicle personally (the website offering may differ from the limo that shows up);
- Know the difference between a broker and limo company;
- Review all the terms in the contract and share them with your teen.
Montgomery County Police offer training for limo drivers, which includes how to spot underage drinking. Officer William Morrison said drivers are encouraged to notify police if they spot a student who has been drinking.
Along with training and regulations, there will be extra police enforcement on the roads during prom season, Morrison said.
The Prom Season Task Force will go into effect next week.
“We’re going to have extra patrol officers out there specifically looking for alcohol violations during prom and graduation time,” Morrison said.
He said schools and communities have worked hard to make sure prom nights are fun, memorable and safe.
“We haven’t had a prom-related fatality in ten years.”
Customers who have questions can contact the PSC’s Transportation Division at 410-767-8128 or check the website.
WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report.
Follow Kate and WTOP on Twitter.
(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
