A federal agency has ordered Best Limo Service in Tucker to halt its operations immediately because the company’s drivers and vehicles pose “imminent hazard” to customers.
The order by the U.S. Transportation Department was issued April 25, and the company faces thousands of dollars in fines if it doesn’t comply, the agency said. The crackdown also comes as prom season shifts into high gear with many high schoolers and parents hiring limo services.
Efforts were made to Monday to reach Best Limo executive Chan-Yeh Lin for comment. He is listed in the federal order and is identified as chief executive officer on the Secretary of State’s Corporations Division website.
A person who answered the phone at Best Limo would only say, “It will be cleared in the next two days.” The company’s website says the limo service’s chauffeurs are certified, undergo background checks and receive ongoing customer service training.
Efforts also were made to reach the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for comment. It is the DOT agency that issued the order.
In addition to Georgia, Best Limo operates in Florida, South Carolina and Washington, D.C. The FMCSA order said investigators reviewed the company’s operations on April 9 and found a range of violations, from drivers’ operating vehicles allegedly under the influence of a control substance and alcohol to vehicle records not being properly maintained.
The agency said the limo service used drivers who had previously failed pre-employment controlled substance tests and was using drivers who had not been randomly tested for controlled substances or alcohol.
The company also did not maintain accurate records on how many hours drivers were behind the wheel to make sure they were not fatigued. The company also is accused of not maintaining vehicle inspection, repair and maintenance records.
Best Limo could face fines of up to $25,000 for each violation and additional penalties, the agency’s order said.
The state Department of Public Safety said customers should be especially careful in hiring limo services during this time of year with high school proms in full swing. The agency advises hiring only those passenger and limousine carriers that are licensed by the state.
Capt. Johnny Jones said the department began beefing up inspections of limo services in its database last July and ramped up inspections again in January of this year. The agency said if the company does not appear in its limousine database or bus operations database, the company is not legal to conduct limousine or bus operations in Georgia.
There was no listing for “Best Limo Service” in the database Monday. The company is listed as a member of the Georgia Limousine Association.
About the Author
