A first chauffeured ride raises small questions people are often too polite to ask, plus a couple of legal ones most people have never looked up. Here are the answers, with the Pennsylvania and New Jersey rules quoted from the source.
Where should I sit?
Most passengers sit in the back, behind the front passenger seat, which leaves the most legroom and the easiest exit at the curb. Sit wherever you are comfortable; nobody minds a passenger up front.
Should I carry my own bags?
No. Leave them by the door or the trunk and the chauffeur loads them. Tell us the bag count when you book, so the right size of car turns up; our guide to choosing a sedan or an SUV explains what fits.
Will the chauffeur wait for me?
On an hourly booking, yes, nearby, until you are ready. On a single trip, tell us the return time and we book it as a second ride. At the airport, waiting time is included on our pickups and the flight is tracked, so a late landing moves the pickup.
Can I ask for the temperature, music or a quick stop?
Yes. That is part of the job. A stop that adds real time is easiest on an hourly booking, so mention it when you book.
Do I tip the chauffeur?
Gratuity is not included in our quotes; 15 to 20 percent of the fare is typical. It is a thank you for the service, so judge it on the ride you had.
What are the child seat rules?
Child seat laws apply in a chauffeured car just as they do in your own. Pennsylvania’s rules are in 75 Pa.C.S. § 4581; New Jersey’s are summarised by the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
| Child | Pennsylvania | New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 | Rear-facing seat until the child outgrows its limits | Rear-facing seat with a 5-point harness (under 2 and 30 lb) |
| Under 4 | A child safety seat | Rear-facing, then forward-facing with a 5-point harness (under 4 and 40 lb) |
| 4 to 7 | A booster seat with the seat belt | Harness seat, then a booster, until age 8 or 57 inches |
| 8 and older | A seat belt, required to age 17 | A seat belt |
Child and booster seats are available on request. Ask when you book, with the children’s ages, so the seats are fitted before pickup rather than at the curb.
Do I need to wear a seat belt in the back?
Wear it; the rules differ across the river. New Jersey requires every adult in the back seat to buckle up, and the ticket goes to the passenger, not the driver, according to the state’s seat belt bulletin. In Pennsylvania the law covers the driver, the front seat and everyone under 18; adults in the back of an ordinary car are not covered, but the physics are the same on I-95.
What if my plans change?
Changes need at least 6 hours’ notice. Local trips can be cancelled up to 24 hours before pickup. The full terms are in our cancellation policy.
What if I cannot find the car?
Call 215 960 1777 straight away and stay where you are; leaving the pickup point can be treated as a no-show under our cancellation policy. At Philadelphia International Airport, car services load at Zone 6 on the Commercial Transportation Roadway, which our PHL guide explains.
More on what a chauffeur does: private chauffeur service, or the eight qualities of a good chauffeur.
Frequently asked questions
Should I talk to the chauffeur?
Chat or stay quiet, whichever you prefer. A good chauffeur follows your lead.
Do child seat laws apply in a chauffeured car?
Yes. Ask for child or booster seats when you book, with the children’s ages.
Do adults have to wear a seat belt in the back in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey requires back-seat adults to buckle up, and the ticket is issued to the passenger.
Can I eat or drink in the car?
Ask our team when you book about the vehicle you have chosen.
What if I am running late?
Call our team on 215 939 3111 so the chauffeur knows.
Who do I call if something changes on the day?
Our team on 215 939 3111, at any hour.
