Limo and party bus coverage that meets CPUC rules.

Driver records and the pull notice program

Section 5.02 of GO 157-E requires every carrier to enroll in the DMV's Employer Pull Notice program under Vehicle Code 1808.1. The CPUC's checklist says to get a DMV requester code, using form INF 1104, before applying.

Vehicle Code 1808.1 reaches charter-party passenger vehicles seating 10 or fewer, driver included, and vehicles needing a class A or B license. It requires:

• Before hire: the driver's DMV record, issued less than 30 days earlier, reviewed, signed and dated, and kept at your place of business until the pull notice report arrives.
• Enrollment: every covered driver under your requester code, including owners and family members who drive covered vehicles. Notify the DMV when a driver's employment ends.
• At least every 12 months: a DMV report checked for suspension, revocation, points and DUI convictions, signed, dated and kept at your principal place of business for the CHP to see on request.
• Penalty: hiring or keeping a driver after the record shows a disqualifying action is a public offense punishable by up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

GO 157-E also bars anyone presumed a negligent operator under Vehicle Code 12810.5 from driving a charter-party vehicle. The standard presumption is 4 or more points in 12 months, 6 or more in 24, or 8 or more in 36. Under Section 5.03, every driver must be the permit holder or work under your complete supervision, direction and control as your employee, a sub-carrier's employee, or an independent owner-driver who holds charter-party authority and operates as a sub-carrier. Underwriters ask which applies to each driver for workers' compensation.

Stretch limos: exits and CHP inspections

GO 157-E defines a modified limousine as a vehicle lengthened beyond the maker's published wheelbase for its base model and year to add passengers, seating no more than 10 including the driver, and used for hire.

• Exits (Vehicle Code 27375): at least two rear side doors accessible to all passengers that any passenger can open by hand, and at least two rear push-out windows accessible to all passengers. A limousine modified on or after July 1, 2015 needs one of those doors near the driver's compartment and one near the back. For limousines modified before that date, the push-out window rule has applied since January 1, 2018.
• Passenger briefing: before any trip, explain the safety features, including how to lower the partition and how to reach the driver, and tell the person who booked and the passengers whether the limousine meets these rules.
• CHP terminal inspections: Vehicle Code 34500.4 requires the CHP to inspect each modified limousine terminal at least once every 13 months, including maintenance logs, accident reports and driver discipline records.
• Annual vehicle list: Public Utilities Code 5384.2 requires a yearly list, prepared under oath, of the vehicles you used for compensation, identifying each modified limousine and its terminal location. No permit issues or continues until the inspection fees and any penalties are paid.

The CPUC's checklist says to complete a CHP 362 Motor Carrier Profile and get a CA number before applying if you run buses or modified limousines. Every vehicle that is not a bus or modified limousine needs GO 157-E's 19-point inspection at a facility authorized by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair before first use and every 12 months or 50,000 miles, with records kept three years. The CPUC liability minimums are on my charter-party insurance requirements page.