Making Prom Night a Blast: Limousine Services

By Michele Blandino

Prom season is a time of year eagerly looked forward to by high school students everywhere. While traditions vary regionally - for instance, in some parts of the country proms are held in the spring while in other areas, the fall and winter months are the official “prom season” - regardless of locale, prom means being able to dress up and spend a special night out with friends.

In many places, part of the prom experience includes the rental of a limousine for the evening. While this brings some relief to parents who may be worried about their children drinking and driving, having a limo does not necessarily guarantee a worry-free evening. This is because many limousine service owners may try to circumvent some safety requirements in an effort to capitalize on the increase in demand.

Look for Professional Associations

Parents arranging (or helping their child arrange) a limousine service for prom night should take care to ensure that the company under consideration is associated with a professional organization (in New Jersey, it is the Limousine Association of New Jersey) because membership in such associations requires companies to abide by certain safety laws, including the number of passengers that may lawfully ride in a limousine. This comes as good news to parents who may otherwise find that their child is riding in a limousine that is over its legal capacity.

Membership in a professional organization also increases the likelihood that the driver assigned to your children will have the proper credentials needed to operate the vehicle. For example, in some states, a specific type of license is needed to drive a stretch sports utility vehicle, or vans and party busses that transport more than 12 passengers.

Association members also need to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance (the amounts vary by state), a requirement not imposed upon non-members. Finally, many association members participate in prom safety programs which among things, prohibits the use of drugs or alcohol in the vehicle and requires the driver to notify a parent of any requested itinerary changes once the prom-goers are en route. Some companies will even call a designated parent to let them know the students arrived at the prom and when they are on their way home.

What Else You Should Know

Once you find a reputable company, your next step is to arrange the rental. Before signing a contract, be sure the contract states specifically the year and the make of the vehicle you wish to rent. This will prevent the company from making last minute switches.

Find out what the costs are going to be. Needless to say, rates will vary depending on where you live and the type of vehicle selected. In addition, some companies charge by the hour, others will charge a flat rate for the entire evening. If you choose a flat rate arrangement, be sure you know in advance what the charges will be for “overtime” and if possible, request that the driver contact you to approve any additional time.

For More Information:

For additional information and for links to limousine associations in your area, visit the website of the National Limousine Association.