When you think about the consequences of a DUI conviction, your first thoughts are often fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. However, there are many lesser-known consequences as well. One of these is the difficulty you may run into when trying to travel and rent a car.
Car Rental Restrictions
Did you know that over 40 million people travel by car over Thanksgiving weekend? With the holiday season quickly approaching, it’s important to know how a DUI conviction affects your ability to rent a car and get to your destination.
Most car rental companies have policies in place for renting to individuals with a DUI on their record. For example, Budget and Hertz require 48 months to have passed since your conviction in order to rent a car. This is something that you should check with each company prior to making a reservation.
When you rent a car, the company will review your driving record. If they believe you are a liability for any reason, they do not have to rent a vehicle to you.
This means that a DUI isn’t the only thing that could prevent you from getting a rental; you may also be rejected for:
- Operating a vehicle without a license
- Unpaid tickets
- Past car accidents
IID Restrictions
If you are required to use an ignition interlock device, you will also be unable to rent a car. When you are sentenced to mandatory IID use, this means that you must have an IID installed in each vehicle you drive. This is not something that rental cars come equipped with. If you choose to take the risk and are caught driving a rental car with no IID, you can face additional criminal consequences.
South Carolina DUI Defense
If you were planning on renting a car to travel for Thanksgiving but have a DUI on your driving record, make sure you check in with the rental car company about this in advance to avoid any surprises.
Renting a car is just one of many obstacles that come as a result of a DUI conviction. At The Law Offices of Marion M. Moses, LLC, our Columbia DUI attorney wants to help prevent you from getting a conviction on your criminal record. One mistake shouldn’t have to impact your life for years. Contact us today to set up a consultation and learn more about what The Law Offices of Marion M. Moses, LLC can do for you.