Typically, you cannot immediately rent a car after a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) in California. Most rental car companies make drivers wait at least two years after a conviction before allowing a rental. Some companies have harsher policies.
You can learn more about the effects of a DUI on your ability to rent a vehicle with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer. An attorney can also provide information about other DUI penalties and help you build a defense.
To protect yourself from the range of consequences following a DUI conviction, secure legal representation from a Los Angeles DUI Attorney.
Can You Rent a Vehicle with a DUI?
Car rental companies can deny you access to their vehicles after a DUI conviction. There is no set policy all companies must follow, but for some, the amount of time that has passed since your conviction is an important factor. For example:
- Avis and Budget only rent cars to drivers with a clean driving record for at least 48 months.
- Enterprise requires a valid driver’s license or a verifiable temporary license.
- Hertz will not rent to drivers who have any license restrictions that require the use of a breathalyzer.
Companies that do not conduct initial background checks may still have conditions for those with restricted licenses. You may not learn of these rental policies until you attempt to pick up the car. The best plan is to speak to a representative and explain your situation thoroughly.
You can also take steps to avoid issues with the strict policies of rental car companies by hiring a criminal defense lawyer immediately after a DUI arrest to handle these charges.
Car Rental Companies Are Not Required to Do Background Checks
Car rental companies can rent vehicles to any driver with a valid license and insurance coverage. Rental companies are not legally required to access the drivers’ DMV records.
If a driver has a DUI accident in a rental car, the company is not liable as long as the driver had a valid license at the time of the accident and did not demonstrate impairment.
However, car rental companies want to protect their assets. While they may not be liable for a driver’s DUI accident, they may still conduct background checks to ensure drivers operating their vehicles have clean records and a safe history.
Rental companies conducting background checks will contact the DMV that issued your license. If anything in your record conflicts with their policies, they can deny your rental.
A DUI Can Restrict Your Driving Privileges
Arrests and convictions for driving under the influence charges result in potential driving restrictions from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the court system, and private companies.
DMV Restrictions
After even just an arrest for DUI, not a conviction, the arresting officer will confiscate your license, issue you a temporary license, and give you official notice about the suspension of your license.
The officer is required under California law to forward your license and order of suspension to the DMV. You have ten days to appeal for a hearing to fight the suspension.
If you do not appeal, the DMV will enforce a suspension. Should you lose your fight at the hearing, the DMV will suspend your license for a period ranging from four months to three years, depending on prior convictions and the circumstances prompting your arrest. An attorney can explain how to win a DMV hearing in California.
Court-Issued Restrictions
The DMV suspension is separate from additional license suspensions, which the criminal court may issue upon your conviction. A first-time DUI conviction can bring a six-month license suspension, and that duration can extend if you receive a felony conviction or have prior offenses on your record.
You cannot legally drive in California if you have a suspended license.
Car Rental Company Restrictions
Since driving with a suspended license is illegal, a rental company cannot allow you to rent and drive one of its vehicles. If you present an invalid license to a company in an attempt to rent, you can wind up in serious legal and financial trouble if discovered or if you get into an accident.
Or, if you take a chance that the company will not do a check and lie about your DUI, the company will most likely not cover your costs in the event of an accident.
However, even once your suspension ends, or if you have a restricted license, you will typically face car-rental roadblocks. Car rental companies are private businesses and, as such, can enforce whatever additional restrictions they choose on their clientele. So, can you rent a car with a DUI? The answer varies based on the company you choose.
Protecting Your Access to Rental Cars After a DUI Arrest
Whether you are going on vacation or traveling for business, you want to be able to rent a car when you need one. A restricted or suspended license limits your access to rentals and complicates your travel plans.
Protect your license and your access to rental cars by securing high-quality representation from an experienced Los Angeles DUI Attorney following a DUI arrest. Your attorney will fight to have your charges and penalties reduced or completely dismissed.
DUI Defenses
Not every DUI arrest is executed lawfully or with proper care. After investigating your situation, your attorney may find grounds to argue:
- There was no true probable cause for pulling you over
- The “signs of intoxication” the officer recorded, such as watery or bloodshot eyes, were caused by allergies
- The police improperly administered field sobriety or breath tests
- A medical condition, such as diabetes, inflates your blood alcohol concentration
These or other defenses may apply to your case, and an experienced DUI attorney can use them to dismantle the prosecution’s allegations and protect you from penalties that disrupt your life, deplete your finances, and preclude you from renting a car or enjoying other conveniences.
An attorney can help you avoid the long-term consequences of DUI allegations, including high fines, jail time, and higher rates with your insurance company. Fortunately, you can hire a lawyer immediately after an arrest for impaired driving to review the five best DUI defenses in California.
Learn More About DUIs and Car Rentals
Can you rent a car with a DUI in California? Many rental car companies place restrictions on individuals with DUIs and will refuse to provide a vehicle. To avoid the spectrum of consequences and inconveniences that come with a DUI conviction, put your case in the hands of a strong legal defender.
By partnering with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney promptly after your arrest, you are more likely to see your initial DMV suspension removed and have your criminal charges reduced or dismissed.
Our team can help you contact a lawyer who can assist with any legal issues you face after an arrest.
