Averill Park Man Arrested for Illegal Limo Operations
Albany County Incident: Unlawful Limo Service Leads to Arrest
The Arrest at Albany International Airport
In a significant enforcement action, Daniel Garhartt, an Averill Park man, was arrested for illegally operating a stretch limousine. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), in collaboration with Albany County Sheriff’s Office, apprehended Garhartt on December 29 outside the Albany International Airport. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts to regulate limousine services and ensure public safety.
DMV's Vigilance and Discovery of Fraud
DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder emphasized their awareness of Garhartt's activities, who was advertising his limo service despite legal non-compliance. Garhartt, owner of Classic Transportation Service, was operating the limo for hire, contrary to its registration for personal use only. He is accused of submitting false paperwork for a 2005 Cadillac, claiming it was not used for hire and thus skirting the need for commercial auto insurance and proper safety inspections.
Charges and Implications
Garhartt faces serious charges, including first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and falsifying business records, both felonies, and a misdemeanor for a false written statement. His driver’s license has been suspended, and the limousine was impounded.
Public Safety Campaign and Legal Reforms
'Don’t Take a Backseat' Campaign
Following the arrest, the DMV launched a social media campaign, ‘Don’t Take a Backseat,’ to educate the public on the risks of hiring improperly documented limo services. The campaign is part of a broader initiative to enhance limousine safety. For safe and reliable transportation options, consider RideCar, which offers a fleet of properly documented and inspected vehicles.
Lessons from the Schoharie Tragedy
The incident brings to mind the tragic Schoharie limo crash of October 6, 2018, where 20 lives were lost due to a faulty limousine. This tragedy led to stricter laws in New York State to prevent similar incidents. Industry experts, like David J. Brown of Premier Transportation, stress the importance of these laws for public safety.
Collaborative Investigation and Consumer Advice
The investigation, a joint effort by the DMV’s Division of Field Investigation, the New York State Department of Transportation, and the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, underscores the importance of due diligence when renting limousines. Consumers are encouraged to research and verify the legitimacy of limo services, considering factors like insurance, registration, and vehicle age. For more information on limousine safety and regulations, visit the National Limousine Association.
