The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) ordered Tucker, Ga.-based passenger carrier Best Limo Service to immediately cease all operations, declaring its drivers and vehicles pose an imminent hazard to public safety.

This is the second shutdown of a passenger carrier following the deployment earlier this month of more than 50 specially trained safety investigators targeting high-risk passenger carriers.

"The traveling public deserves the highest level of safety, whether they board a plane, take a train or travel by commercial bus or van," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Passenger carriers that fail to comply with federal safety regulations and put people's lives at risk will not be allowed to operate."

Best Limo Service operates both motorcoaches and passenger vans providing tours and charter services throughout the southeastern U.S.

An investigation by FMCSA investigators launched earlier this month uncovered serious regulatory violations demonstrating Best Limo Service's disregard for motor coach passenger safety.

Drivers who had previously tested positive for a controlled substance, or who had a suspended commercial driver's license, were allowed by the company to transport passengers.

In addition, FMCSA investigators found that Best Limo Service's lack of oversight of its drivers' compliance with federal hours-of-service requirements resulted in overly fatigued drivers being allowed to transport passengers.

Best Limo Service's vehicle maintenance program was found to be inadequate and found to pose an imminent hazard. On-site inspections of three of Best Limo Service's buses resulted in all three placed out-of-serve for critical safety violations.

To view a copy of the imminent hazard out-of-service order, click here.