Every day, unlicensed chauffeurs pose a serious risk to public safety in New Jersey. Whether at Newark Liberty International Airport, in our cities or across our highways, these illegal drivers skirt the rules that legitimate, licensed professionals are required to follow — rules that exist to protect passengers and the public.

Limousine operators in New Jersey undergo rigorous screening before they can get behind the wheel. Every driver must pass a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, conducted by the New Jersey State Police. They must provide proof of identity, citizenship status and other critical documents. They are also required to undergo drug testing at their own expense. These regulations ensure that the person driving you or your loved ones has been properly vetted.

Unlicensed drivers, by definition, bypass every single one of these safeguards: They are not fingerprinted, drug tested or verified; they could have a dangerous criminal history; they could be under the influence; they could be completely uninsured. And passengers have no way of knowing.

Beyond the risks to public safety, these illegal operators also undermine New Jersey’s economy. Licensed transportation companies contribute substantial revenue through permits, fees and taxes — funds that should be reinvested into improving our roads, airports and overall infrastructure. Unlicensed drivers, on the other hand, operate in the shadows, diverting these critical dollars away from legitimate businesses and public improvements.

‘No oversight’

This isn’t just a New Jersey problem. We’ve seen other states take action because, as history has shown, it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. Just last year, law enforcement arrested an unlicensed operator at Albany Airport. Long Island recently launched an unlicensed operator tip line, and in Las Vegas, as many as 100 illegal drivers were reported working up and down the strip, prompting a crackdown at Harry Reid International Airport. These states recognize the risks — why isn’t New Jersey acting with the same urgency?

This is not about limousines versus other transportation options. Rideshare companies, for example, require their drivers to maintain auto insurance with minimum limits and provide multiple forms of identification. The issue here is unlicensed versus licensed. Every licensed driver – whether in a limousine, taxi or rideshare – meets legal standards designed to keep passengers safe. Unlicensed drivers do not.

This is not about limousines versus other transportation options. … The issue here is unlicensed versus licensed. Every licensed driver – whether in a limousine, taxi or rideshare – meets legal standards designed to keep passengers safe. Unlicensed drivers do not.

Licensed limousine vehicles operating in New Jersey are required to carry a minimum of $1.5 million in liability coverage. If an unlicensed driver causes an accident, who pays? Will the injured passenger be able to cover their medical bills? There’s no guarantee because there’s no oversight.

Call to action

New Jersey must take immediate action to address this growing problem. Law enforcement, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Newark Liberty International Airport officials must crack down on unlicensed operators before tragedy strikes. Our state should follow the lead of others and implement real enforcement measures – targeted stings, airport monitoring and public reporting systems – to ensure that every driver transporting passengers has been properly vetted and insured.

New Jerseyans deserve safe, reliable transportation. That starts with eliminating the illegal, unlicensed operators putting passengers at risk every day. It’s time for action.

Mike Rose is the president of the Chauffeured Transportation Association of New Jersey (CTANJ), which promotes safe, reliable, and professional chauffeur-driven transportation across the Garden State. CTANJ advocates for fair industry regulations, passenger safety, and the highest standards of service.