Bill Would Require Safety Features In California Limos

Limousines that operate in California would be required to have emergency exits under legislation approved by the state Assembly in the wake of several limousine fire deaths.

Democratic Sen. Ellen Corbett of San Leandro drafted the bill after two limousine fires in the San Francisco Bay Area earlier this year. In one, five passengers became trapped in a limo and died in a fire on the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge.

Under SB109, limousines that carry fewer than 10 passengers would be required to have two push-out windows and two rear doors. Drivers also would need to instruct passengers about the vehicle’s safety features at the beginning of a trip, starting in January 2016.

The bill passed the Assembly Tuesday on a 44-26 vote and returns to the Senate.

Topics California