It's prom season throughout the state for many high schools. With the recent surge in fatal traffic crashes involving Colorado teens, some parents have taken their kids from behind the wheel and placed them in the back of a stretch limo -- all in the name of safety. But an exclusive 7NEWS hidden camera investigation exposes potentially dangerous limo drivers.

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Are Those Limos Licensed? Insured? Watch Our Hidden Camera Investigation

A vast majority of drivers have a blue decal in their window, which means they are registered with the state and carrying proper insurance. But if you don't do you homework, a night on the town can become a risky ride with a dangerous driver, said 7NEWS Investigator Tony Kovaleski.

It's more than just prestige and luxury when parents shell out the cash for a sleek and stylish stretch limo.

"My parents were like, 'Yeah, that's good, you won't be driving, which is always a good thing,'" said a prom attendee.

At more than $1,000 for a night on the town, many parents believe they are also buying additional safety and security.

Mej Ellsworth hired a limo driver for her son and his friends on Prom Night.

According to a police report, the driver she hired did not have proper insurance or a valid driver's license and he also failed a field sobriety test. Police placed him under arrest, charged with driving under the influence and possessing 3.45 grams of methamphetamine.

"We were really shocked and rather numb because we thought we knew what was going on," said Ellsworth. "We didn't know that the person we trusted with 12 kids was in other trouble."

"There are some limousine companies out there that it is worse to put (your children) in that limo than it is for them to drive themselves," said investigator John Opeka, who works for the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. His job is to regulate limo drivers.

During a surprise inspection last weekend, he discovered another driver unqualified to drive a limo filled with teenagers.

Tony Kovaleski: "They've said you put kids in harms way. "
Limo driver: "I'm a little embarrassed ... and I guarantee you it won't happen again."

Remember the driver who failed the sobriety test? A few days after police placed him under arrest, 7NEWS' hidden camera found him back in business.

"I'll turn around and do it for $175 an hour if you do a four-hour minimum. I would love to take care of you guys," said limo driver Lawrence Torrez in an undercover video.

He not only faces criminal charges, the state of Colorado said he owes more than $28,000 in penalties for operating a limo without a registration or proper insurance.

When a 7NEWS employee asked if he had his license and if he had insurance, he said yes.

"We aggressively pursue people who are operating illegally and it's our belief that that's what he's doing," said Bruce Smith, director of Colorado's PUC.

Smith said Torrez and his two limo companies are not approved to sell their services and not authorized to drive in the state.

"Neither of the companies have permits in force and they don't have insurance on file," said Smith.

When confronted, Torrez said parents could trust him to drive their kids to prom. Despite the pending civil and criminal charges Torrez said he is innocent of all charges, not a risk on the road and qualified to drive his limo.

He also said he would continue to operate his limousine and that it's legal for him to be on the road right now.

"That's where the PUC is wrong," said Torrez.

As of late Thursday night, Torrez was booking reservations under the name of Limo USA. He also owns Absolutely Divine Limos.

7NEWS found more than 327 limo companies with revoked licenses in Colorado.

Have A Story Idea? Or Have Feedback On This Story? E-Mail Investigator Tony Kovaleski

Additional Information:

If you want to check out your limo company, the state has an updated status report. Just go to the Public Utilities Commission Web site.
If you are hiring a limo, the PUC recommends you ask the driver to show you the blue sticker and make sure he has a valid drivers license and the proper insurance.