Limousine standards

In Queensland, there are laws in place to strengthen limousine customer, driver and vehicle safety standards, and transparency on passenger fares.

Using limousines safely

• Look for the limousine's special registration plate:
  • A limousine plate is: ‘L’ + 5 numbers + ‘Queensland Limousine’ (maroon and white colours)
  • A special purpose limousine plate is: 'SL' + 2 numbers + 2 letters + ‘Queensland Limousine’ (maroon and white colours).
• A limousine must be pre-booked. You cannot hail a limousine from the street or from a taxi rank.
• Approved security cameras must be installed in all limousines, taxis and booked hire service vehicles in relevant areas where the service meets any of the following risks:
  • driver or passenger is anonymous (for example rank and hail work)
  • cash transactions
  • point of payment is made in person before, during or after the journey.

For those services that don't meet the criteria, operators and drivers may voluntarily install an approved security camera system in the vehicle but must comply with the personalised transport security camera requirements when installing and using the camera.

• It’s illegal for your driver to make arrangements with you for future bookings, unless they also have approval to operate as a booking entity. To check if your driver has authorisation, enter their booking entity number into the personalised transport public register.

Passenger responsibilities

• You may be allowed to consume alcohol in a limousine as licensed limousines have an exemption under the Liquor Act 1992 to allow the service of alcohol.
• The Queensland Government doesn't regulate the age of passengers in limousines. When you book the service, please check with your service provider if they have any passenger age restrictions.
• You're responsible for wearing a seatbelt.
• Although child restraints are not required in limousines, you may be able to pre-book a vehicle with a child restraint. Alternatively, if you have your own child restraint, check with the service provider when you book the vehicle, to make sure you can use it.

Limousine driver and vehicle safety

• All drivers undergo criminal and traffic history checks before they can become an authorised driver. Once authorised, they're continually monitored.
• Your driver must comply with zero alcohol and drug limits.
• Your driver can't drive while fatigued.
• All vehicles must:
  • pass safety inspections every year
  • be covered by the relevant insurance, and
  • have a current Limousine or Special Purpose Limousine Licence issued by the Department of Transport and Main Roads

Service and fares

• When you book a ride, you must be given a fare estimate, unless you opt out of receiving it.
• Drivers can help you board and leave the vehicle, and load and unload your luggage at no additional charge.
• You can request a receipt. The receipt must include a break-down of your total fare and any payment surcharges.

Accessibility information

You can have your assistance animal in the limousine with you.