California Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB863 into law on Sunday, requiring limos be equipped with at least two rear side doors and at least one pop-out window so that all passengers of the vehicle can open from the inside in case of fire or emergency.
The legislation was introduced by Assemblyman Bill Dodd, D-Napa, and was among the 22 bills Brown signed into law on Sunday. The law mandates that drivers must also explain safety policies to their passengers. The law goes into effect immediately for new limos, and in January for existing limos.
The law stems from a fatal and fiery accident in May 2013, when five women, including a bride-to-be, were killed while trapped inside a 1999 Lincoln Town Car when their vehicle burst into flames on the San Mateo Bridge.
In 2013, Brown signed a bill requiring limousines that operate in California to have emergency exits, but vetoed another bill requiring annual Highway Patrol limo inspections, saying it fails to properly pay for them.
