Consumer Traps & Tips #10 - Unlicensed Vehicle for Hire Companies

For immediate release: February 2, 2009
Contact: Dennis Moore – PBC Consumer Affairs, 561-712-6600

Trap

Betty from Delray Beach booked transportation to Palm Beach International Airport with Joe’s Car Service after seeing an advertisement in her association’s newsletter. His price of $12 was the lowest fare to the airport. On her flight day it was raining heavily. Joe arrived 50 minutes late. Betty noticed the vehicle’s tires were bald, the interior was dirty with a bad odor, and she saw what appeared to be a large roach in the back seat.  She did not know that Joe’s Car Service was not licensed to operate and did not have the proper insurance to protect her in the event of an accident. Betty had to scramble to get other transportation.  

Tips

The Consumer Affairs Division licenses all vehicle for hire businesses and drivers in Palm Beach County.

• Each taxi, sedan, limousine, van or non-emergency medical transport vehicle must have a decal affixed to the front passenger windshield which shows the vehicle is licensed by the county.
• Each driver must pass a criminal background check and must possess an identification badge issued by Consumer Affairs which includes the driver’s name, picture and permit number. 
• Each vehicle for hire must maintain the required commercial liability insurance.
• All taxicabs are required to have proper signage which must include the company’s name, phone number, county permit number and mileage rates.

Consumers can check for licensed vehicle for hire companies and permitted drivers by going to www.pbcgov.com/consumer. For more information, call Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 1-888-852-7362).