The University Transportation Research Center at City College of New York has just released a powerful new study addressing the growing threat of unlicensed and illegal operators in our region. Authored by industry advocate (and frequent CD contributor) Matt Daus of Windels Marx, this paper elucidates the issue, which many local, regional, and national associations have been combatting intensely in recent months. Once the scourge of baggage claims at airports, the number of illegal operators has blossomed thanks to social media and Facebook groups.
Matt Daus of Windels Marx
Research was conducted in partnership with the Black Car Assistance Fund and the Chauffeured Transportation Association of New Jersey (CTANJ), both of which provided access to member perspectives and industry data.
“These rogue drivers operate without proper licensing, insurance, background checks, or drug testing — putting passengers and the public at serious risk,” says CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service.
CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service
In the report, the rise of illegal and unlicensed for-hire vehicle (FHV) operations in New York and New Jersey is examined, with a focus on unauthorized taxis, limousines, and off-platform rideshare drivers. It identifies the risks they pose, the regulatory gaps they exploit, and the enforcement challenges confronting state and local authorities.
Aimed at policymakers, regulators, law enforcement, and industry stakeholders, the report draws on legal analysis, field investigations, and case studies to highlight how these drivers evade oversight and undermine public safety and legitimate businesses.
“Unlicensed and illegal for-hire services undermine the very essence of the regulatory system, and put the riding public in harm’s way. Drivers and ringleaders have been using technology and new methods to avoid detection and run circles around regulators, sometimes exploiting legal loopholes. This must stop, and this report lays out, for the N.Y./N.J. metro region, the essence of the problem and proposed solutions—using both new enforcement techniques under existing laws, as well as new proposed laws and regulations to stop unlicensed ride hailers in their tracks. While there are common issues among states and cities, the luxury chauffeured transportation industry would benefit from a 50-state report and analysis, as every locality has different laws and issues. This should be our next step, and we are hoping to expand the footprint of this local report nationally,” says Daus.
Click here to read the whole study.
[09.30.25]
