Transportation for the Elderly

If your teenager is going to prom with a group of friends, you may be considering renting them a party bus. This ensures that they have a safe ride to and from prom, while also being able to enjoy the ride with their friends. However, many parents have never rented a party bus before. This may leave you with many questions about the procedure and liability. Here are some questions you may have if you are considering renting a party bus for your teen's prom.

Does a Parent Have to Ride With Kids Under the Age of 18?

If all of the children in the group are under 18 years of age, you may be wondering if a party bus will transport the minors, or whether you or another parent will be required to ride along. In most instances, a party bus or limo company will allow teenagers going to and from a function to ride without their parents. However, California does have a law which requires at least one adult be present, and a few other states are currently trying to pass similar legislation. Also, each and every company is allowed to set their own ground rules. Some companies may not allow minors to ride alone, while others may ask for waivers. When teenagers are being transported without their parents, there are often strict rules in place by the company. Always ask a party bus or limo company what their terms, rules and restrictions are when the people that will occupy the vehicle will all be under the age of 18.

Who is Liable if the Teens Cause Any Damage?

Unfortunately, accidents can occur on a party bus, especially with excited teenagers. A drink may get spilled or a seat may become ripped. As such, it is always important to understand your liability if you are renting a party bus to transport teens to and from their prom. Ultimately, responsibility for the accident falls on the adult who signed the contract to rent the party bus. However, if the teens all witness the accident, you may be able to sue the parents of the other teen and recoup the money. In some instances, it can be a good idea to draw up a contract and asking all of the parents to acknowledge that their teen is riding in the bus and they can be held liable if their teen causes damage.

Can a Request Be Made to Keep Alcohol Out of the Bus?

If you are renting a party bus to transport anyone under the age of 21, you should make the party bus operator aware. They will then legally be required to pull all alcohol from the party bus and ensure only non-alcoholic beverages are made available to those riding in the vehicle. Additionally, many states have laws that state a party bus operator cannot knowingly transport individuals under the age of 21 who have been drinking or who begin to drink in the bus. If the driver suspects the teenagers have been drinking, he can decline to drive them. If alcohol is consumed in the party bus, the bus driver can take the teenagers home and the contract will be terminated, with no money being returned.

What Happens if the Night Runs Late?

While the prom may be set to end at midnight, some things may cause the night to go a bit later. The music may end 15 minutes late, the teens may be posing for pictures, or it may take some time for kids to say their good-byes and gather up their entire crew. As such, you should always include a buffer when renting a party bus. However, if the night is still running late, you may wonder how you will be billed. Many companies will charge you a by-the-hour rate over and above any flat rate you have paid for the night. Always ask what this rate is when booking the party bus for your teenager.

When a teen goes to prom, they may want to arrive in style with their friends. When you rent a party bus for the night, you allow this to happen for them. However, getting answers to the questions you have ahead of time will help you to understand what your liability is, what happens if the night runs late, or ease your fears about underage drinking.

For more information and options, contact a local business that rents party buses and limos, like A&A Limousine & Bus Services.