Transportation Charter Permit (TCP)
What Is a Transportation Charter Permit (TCP)?
A Transportation Charter Permit (TCP) is issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and authorizes companies to LEGALLY provide pre-arranged, chauffeur-driven transportation. Who needs a TCP?
All companies offering:
- Luxury town car service
- Executive SUVs
- Premium vans or sprinter-style vehicles
- Limousines
- Charter buses or group transportation
- Corporate, airport shuttles, or event transportation
Must hold an active TCP to operate legally in California.
A TCP Is Essential When Booking Luxury Transportation in California
A TCP is a regulatory requirement! It separates legitimate luxury transportation providers from unlicensed operators. For discerning clients who value legality and safety, and reliability, choosing a company with an Active TCP is a must!
TCP Licensing Protects Clients
To obtain and maintain a TCP, transportation providers must meet strict state-mandated requirements, including:
- Commercial Liability Insurance
- Articles Of Incorporation
- Statements of Information
- DMV Pull Notification
- Commercial Vehicle Registration
- Be Registered In State Certified Drug Testing
- Motor Carrier Profile With The CHP For Vehicles Over 10 Passengers
- Regular fleet maintenance and reporting
“This oversight ensures every vehicle and chauffeur meets professional safety standards”
Proper Commercial Insurance No Exceptions!!
Companies with an Active TCP ARE REQUIRED to carry commercial-grade liability insurance designed for passenger transportation.
This means:
- Full protection for passengers
- Coverage that applies during paid charter service
- No risk of denied claims due to personal-use policies
“Unlicensed and illegal operators rely on personal auto insurance, which becomes invalid the moment money changes hands”
For clients the proper commercial insurance isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity! It’s the law!
TCP Compliance Is California Law
In California, offering or accepting charter transportation without a TCP is illegal.
Choosing a TCP-licensed company ensures:
- Your reservation is legitimate
- Your service won’t be interrupted by enforcement actions
- You’re protected under state transportation regulations
“Professional luxury transportation operates by the book and obeys all laws”
For this reason, TCP-licensed companies are subject to higher operational standards, including:”
- Pre-arranged reservations only
- Clearly identified, regulated business operations
- Oversight by the California Public Utilities Commission
“These higher standards ensure customer safety and company accountability”
The Displaying Of TCP Numbers Is A Requirement!
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) General Order 157-E requires charter-party carriers (TCP holders) to include their TCP number in all advertisements and all other representations to the public for services including:
- All forms of advertising, including brochures, websites, and business cards, must display the number.
- Contract proposals, written bids, and contracts must include the TCP number.
- The TCP number must be displayed on both sides of the vehicle, usually in at least 2-inch lettering, and on the front/rear bumper.
“Failure to properly display the TCP number can lead to enforcement actions from the CPUC”
Did You Know That In California:
- Improper display and failure to maintain insurance, operate without authority, or failure to produce records can lead to citations.
- Failure to display the TCP number correctly can result in a fine, with penalties of $1,000 or more
- Under California law that operating a charter-party carrier (such as a limousine, bus, or private driver service) without valid authority—or with a suspended/revoked authority—is a misdemeanor violation.
- In California, it is unlawful to advertise transportation services without a valid permit or operating authority. Under California Public Utilities Code Sections 1034.5 and 5414.5, advertising—including websites, business cards, and directories—without proper authority from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Is Illegal!
A Reputable Transportation Charter Company
A reputable luxury transportation company will always provide its TCP number upon request! If the company hesitates or flat out refuses to show proof of an Active TCP, they are probably an illegal operator! A Transportation Charter Permit is the foundation of safe, legal, and professional charter transportation in California.
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