Yes, renting a car despite having a DUI is possible, though some rental companies will not rent out their cars to individuals with DUI and they are legally allowed to do this. Certain companies who rent out cars to individuals with a DUI history often have certain requirements which must be met to ensure that their cars are in safe hands. Most major corporations will refuse to rent out their cars to anyone with a DUI on their record, though the time that has passed between your DUI conviction and your request for a rental also plays a major role in whether they will deny you. You might need to shop around or consider renting from a smaller company, as most of them do not check people’s records before renting out a car to them. Do not rent a car if you may not drive a vehicle for any reason and as an individual who has a DUI, it is important to ensure that your driver’s license has been reinstated to avoid running into any more legal problems. Some rental car companies will rent automobiles to drivers who have had a DUI within the last 48 months. Individuals who seek to rent a car should have a valid driver’s license with no restrictions and are not required to take a Breathalyzer.
Rental Companies That Rent Out Cars To People With DUI
Certain rental companies will rent out their cars to individuals irrespective of their DUI status, and they are:
ACE: Ace is one of the rental companies which rents out cars to individuals who have DUI as long as they can present a valid driver’s license. Alamo: Individuals who have DUI but are not repeat offenders required to use a breathalyzer may rent cars at Alamo. Avis: Individuals who have not had DUI charges against them for 48 months after a DUI charge may rent cars at Avis. Budget: to rent a car at a budget just like Avis, you must not have had a DUI charge in the past 48 months (4 months). Dollar: You can hire a car at Dollar rental locations if the DUI isn’t really relatively new and you’ve a valid driver’s license. Enterprise: The condition for individuals with DUI to rent a car is to ensure that they must have a valid driver’s license and not be required to use a breathalyzer. National car rental: This rental company also rents out cars to DUI offenders who are not required to use a breathalyzer.
Other factors may not allow individuals to rent a car, all of which might vary by rental companies. When renting a car, you will almost certainly be required to sign a document acknowledging the rental company’s regulations. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, and Thrift check customers’ driving records. There’s a distinction to be made between criminal and driving records.
Factors That Might Make It Difficult For You To Rent A Car
Drug-related issuesSuspended license. Lack of international driver’s license (applies to foreigners). Alcohol or drug-related charges. Must be over 18 or 21 years depending on the state. Felons were recently released in less than 48 hours. Being in a recent accidentHaving unpaid parking ticketDriving while intoxicated
Most rental companies check driving records before renting out a car to a person and those that do not check driving records will request a valid driver’s license, which might be an issue for those with DUI charges.
Your driving record will contain the following information:
Reason for license suspensionLength of suspension depending on the gravity of the offenseSpecial requirements. A DUI suspension may cause completion of a substance addiction class. Alternatively, a license suspension for reckless driving may necessitate enrollment in a defensive driving school.
How To Reinstate Your Driver’s License
Check suspension status to know your suspension status and any special requirements needed for reinstatement. Pay reinstatement fee, which may differ by state. Show your proof of insurance. In some circumstances, such as DUI, this is required to demonstrate financial responsibility. Demonstrate that you have an ignition interlock device installed in your car (if applicable). Show documentation of completing a specified course, such as driving school or a substance misuse treatment program. If your license suspension resulted from an active lawsuit, you will be required to resolve any criminal charges.
You may be asked to complete the following text to restore your Class D, Class M, or commercial driver’s license (CDL) or learner’s permit:
Class D learner’s permit examClass M learner’s permit examClass D road testClass M road testCDL learner’s permit examCDL road test
After committing a DUI, very often than not, your driver’s license becomes revoked, making it difficult to rent a car, but there are ways to reinstate your driver’s license as required by the state, noting that they vary from state to state. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) would send you a notice of license suspension towards the address on file if your driver’s license is suspended. You may also verify the validity of your driver’s license with a copy of your driving record. The restoration circumstances for a suspended license for too many points may differ from those for a suspended license for driving while drunk. A request for a driver’s license reinstatement can be done physically or online depending on whichever one suits you.
Is a DUI a turnoff for rental companies? Yes, a DUI is a turnoff for most rental companies as they do not want to incur any damage or loss to their cars. Is it possible to hire a car with an Ignition Interlock Device? If an IID is necessary, you will not be able to rent a car.
