After a limousine carrying 17 people to a birthday celebration on Oct. 6, 2018, sped down a hill at up to 118 mph before crashing in a wooded area near a shop in Schoharie, killing all the passengers, the driver and two pedestrians, a new state law is setting safety requirements specific to stretch limos.

The safety requirements apply specifically to stretch limousines altered on or after Jan. 1, 2021.

Limousine operators are required to give passengers a safety presentation before the trip, covering emergency exits, fire extinguishers and window break tools. There must also be at least two seatbelts in the front seat and one seatbelt for each rear passenger seat.

Stretch limousines must also be equipped with roll-over protection and anti-intrusion devices to protect rear compartment passengers.

All drivers of for-hire vehicles with nine or more passengers are required to have a CDL license and will undergo mandatory pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.

Any stretch limousines that are over 10 years old or have mileage exceeding 350,000 miles must be retired.

Violations of any of these requirements could lead to penalties and fines. For more information, check the state Department of Transportation website.