The Michigan Department of Transportation issues Limousine Certificate of Authorities to persons/entities that operate limousines for-hire on Michigan roads and highways. Web Ste: http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,1607,7-151-9625_21607_21616---,00.html

New!  Applications for these tasks are submitted and paid for online through the Michigan Business One Stop portal.

A. NAME OF PERMIT OR APPROVAL:

Limousine Certificate of Authority

B. STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

Limousine Transportation Act, Public Act 271 of 1990, as amended. MCL 257.1901-1939

C. APPLICABLE REGULATION:

Rules: None

Regulations Adopted: None

D. SUMMARY OF PERMIT/APPROVAL PROCESS:

 1.  Applicability (activities that require the permit)

Any vehicle, regardless of body style, designed or used to transport 15 passengers or less (including the driver) where the public can hire the carrier to transport a passenger over the public highways of the state of Michigan, is a limousine and the carrier must have a Limousine Certificate of Authority.

Some examples of operations generally requiring an intra-state limousine authority:

·         Non-Emergency Medical Care Transportation Provider (such as a van taking patients to doctor appointments, etc.)

·         Taxi's that have a flat fare or negotiated fare.

·         All taxi's that seat over 9 passengers including the driver.

·         Charging anyone for providing transportation. (shopping trips, family reunions, weddings, etc.)

·         Reservation Operation (Charters, Rental, Contract)

·         On Call, Demand Operations (Similar to taxi operations, etc).

·         Employee Shuttle Operations

·         Regular Route Line Run Operations

Exemption of those that do not need an authority:

·         Churches, private schools, civic organizations, scout groups, and other organizations that may purchase or lease limousines for the private transportation of their respective groups.

·         Companies that purchase and operate limousines to transport their own employees.

·         Ambulances if transporting persons for emergency care.

·         Non-Profits providing transportation should contact MDOT for clarification of exemption.

·         Taxi's, using the taxi-meter, between 3-9 passengers are not required to have an authority but may do so if they desire.

 

 2.  Pre-Application Requirements

Although some applicants choose to hire consultant assistance, it is a relatively easy for an individual to complete the process.

Carriers should first form a legal business entity by obtaining either a d.b.a. business license from a county or a corporate type structure from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth at http://www.michigan.gov/dleg/0,1607,7-154-35299_35413_35426---,00.html

 3.  Application Submission Requirements

The following steps must be completed correctly in order to obtain a Certificate of Authority to operate as a limousine carrier of intrastate passengers in the State of Michigan. Following completion of these steps a Certificate of Authority will be issued.

A. Applicant Information, part 1: The applicant must completely fill out the Applicant Information found on Form 3064 (Available on the Michigan Business One Stop). Failure to provide the requested information may result in the return of your application.

This application must include the following: 1) Certified copy of applicant's Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization or Certificate to Conduct Business under an Assumed Name, or Articles of Copartnership (as applicable), or 2) Certified copy of applicant's Certificate to Conduct Business in Michigan (if incorporated in a state other than Michigan). If needed, please contact the Corporations & Securities Bureau at (517) 241-6400.

B. Equipment Vehicle Roster (Part of Form 3064): Submit an Equipment Vehicle Roster listing the equipment to be operated by the applicant under the issued authority. All revenue vehicles to be operated by the carrier must be listed on the vehicle roster and pass a safety inspection before a certificate of authority will be granted.

C. Safety Inspection Each limousine must pass an annual safety inspection by a currently certified mechanic at a registered repair facility on an MDOT form 3049 or 3049E http://mdotwas1.mdot.state.mi.us/public/webforms/public/3049E.pdf If there is more than one vehicle, each vehicle requires its own inspection form. If a vehicle does NOT pass the inspection, it must be repaired and re-inspected as necessary to pass an inspection. Vehicles that fail the inspection cannot be registered. Every passed inspection is valid for one (1) year. Repair facility and mechanics requirements are on page 2 of the form. Copies of the vehicle safety inspection form can also be received by calling (517) 241-0679 or (517) 241-0680.

D. Certificate of Insurance: You must request your insurance company to submit to MDOT an MDOT form No. 3046, Certificate of Insurance, certifying bodily injury and property damage protection in the limits set forth as follows:

(a) For limousines with a seating capacity of 1 to 9 passengers including the driver, bodily injury and property damage liability insurance with a minimum combined single limit of $1,000,000.00 for all persons injured or for property damage.

(b) For limousines with a seating capacity of 10 to 15 passengers including the driver, bodily injury and property damage liability insurance with a minimum combined single limit of $2,000,000.00 for all persons injured or for property damage.

(c) Personal protection insurance and property protection insurance as required by sections 3101 to 3179 of the insurance code of 1956, Act No. 218 of the Public Acts of 1956, being sections 500.3101 to 500.3179 of the Michigan Compiled Laws (Michigan No-Fault).

A limo carrier of passengers shall maintain the insurance described as a condition of maintaining a certificate of authority issued under this act.

An applicant that does not satisfy both subsections (1) and (2) shall not be issued a certificate of authority to provide transportation service as a limo carrier of passengers under this act.

The name appearing on your insurance certificate must be identical to the legal name as shown on your application. Your insurance company may obtain blank 3046 forms from MDOT, by contacting this office at (517) 335-2574. Filings must be signed by the insurance company or authorized branch representative. The signature of an insurance agent or insurance agency personnel is not acceptable. NO OTHER TYPE CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE FORM WILL BE ACCEPTED.

E. Applicant Filing Fees Submit a check made out to the "State of Michigan" for:

A. Original applicant fee in the amount of $300.

B. Annual registration fees for each limousine listed on the equipment vehicle roster in the amount of $50.00 each.

C. Modification or change to an existing certificate of authority in the amount of $25.00.

Any of the above fees may be combined in one check.

 4.  Procedures and Time-Frame for Obtaining Permit or Approval

Processing of a completed application usually takes from 1 to 2 weeks. A carrier may not commence intrastate operations until the certificate and decals are issued. To avoid processing delays, please insure that all questions are answered, required documents are included, and the application is properly signed and verified.

 5.  Operational Requirements

Every motor carrier who holds a certificate of authority shall pay to MDOT an annual renewal fee equal to $50.00 times the number of limousines used exclusively by the carrier between January 1 and the last day of February.

Each limousine operated by the limousine carrier shall pass an annual safety inspection which meets the department's specifications for safe operating character and condition.

Each motor carrier thru their insurance provider shall maintain and provide continuous insurance coverage as required by the Limousine Transportation Act.

Carriers should submit Form 3085, http://mdotwas1.mdot.state.mi.us/public/webforms/public/3085.pdf if their have removed any vehicles from revenue service (sold, wrecked, parked, etc.)

 6.  Fees

New applications - $300.00 plus $50.00 per limousine to be operated.

Annual Renews - $50.00 per limousine to be operated provided there is a current valid safety inspection on file with the department.

Reinstated applications that were revoked during the same calendar year - $300.00

 7.  Appeal Process

If the department denies an application for a certificate of authority, the department shall notify the applicant in writing of the reason(s) for the denial, and the applicant shall have 30 days form the date of denial to correct and deficiency and reapply without payment of additional application fee.

 8.  Public Input Opportunities

None

 

E. Contact Information:

Contact Us

 

Creation/Revision Date:

September 15, 2010