The Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) held its annual November meeting at The Limo Digest Show last month. The meeting was sponsored by Lancer Insurance and Capacity Coverage, and co-sponsored by Don Brown Bus Sales.

Executive Director Barry Lefkowitz welcomed attendees and thanked the sponsors for their continual support. He updated members on the Jersey City ordinance that was ignoring state law and requiring operators to pay a $500 fee to register vehicles. After LANJ met with the mayor, the city has since recognized the state law and will no longer charge that amount. Lefkowitz says operators may be able to receive reimbursements.

The meeting’s special guest was New Jersey State Assemblyman Charles Mainor, who represents Legislative District 31 and includes major cities such as Jersey City and Bayonne. He assisted LANJ with the Jersey City ordinance fee and is also going to propose legislation regarding jitneys. It has come to LANJ’s attention over the past year that jitneys, regulated for transportation in Atlantic City, are conducting business at airports, weddings, and other events outside of the city. Drivers do have their CDLs, are not background checked, and do not carry the proper insurance to be conducting this business, according to Lefkowitz. Mainor and LANJ hope this legislation will change that and increase the safety standards for the public’s sake.

Mainor also spoke about the importance of building relationships with regulators. He was very candid with LANJ members, admitting that in much of his proposed legislation regarding transportation, he never consulted with professionals in that industry. Clearly, he has since learned the errors of his ways and is now planning on actively communicating with operators who do business in New Jersey and the LANJ on any matters regarding chauffeured transportation.

For more information, visit www.lanj.org. LD12/12