Renting a car while dealing with an ignition interlocking device has certain limits for convicted drivers. But, can you rent a car with an ignition interlock license and still enjoy driving rental cars? In this article, you will find the answer to this question.
Why renting a car with an ignition license is problematic
Interlock restrictions are usually imposed on drivers caught driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol.
Multiple known punishments are committed to the driver, including the suspension of driver’s license, fines and fees, and obligatory installation of an Ignition Interlock device (IID).
As an outcome of those restrictions, it is now nearly impossible to rent a car with an ignition license from many car rental companies.
Obligation on the installment of Ignition interlock device
A judge who decides the sentencing of the violator is capable of imposing an obligatory installation of an IID.
Drivers who are committed to IID must obey the laws on imposed restrictions, such as limited periods of driving. The IID prevents the committed driver from driving under drunk conditions.
Therefore, it is illegal for a person with a restricted license to rent a vehicle from rental companies that are not equipped with an IID.
Renting a car to a person with an ignition interlock requirement
Loaning a car to a person with an ignition interlock device requirement can be considered as a serious offense.
Almost all rental car companies do not allow the installation of ignition locks in their rental vehicles.
If you are a driver with an interlock license and want to rent a vehicle without an IID installed, then your proposal will most likely be rejected. That never happens because the company employee making rent for you will be at risk of filing charges, fines, and losing his job.
This is why a person with an ignition interlock is disadvantaged by a car rental company.
Is there a way to rent a car legally with a restricted license?
So, there is only one way of getting a vehicle from a rental car company, which is by finding a company that allows the installation of an IID. Not only is it difficult to find such car rentals, but it can also be financially demanding for you.
Once you find such a company, most often they require payment for the following services:
- Installation costs of the IID
- Potential costs on the adjustments needed on a rental car to install the IID
- Performing monthly calibration
- Removal of the IID
This is a legal method for renting a vehicle with an ignition interlock device installed. So, your success purely depends on a rental company you need to convince on installing the device as well as on your driving record.
How can the rental company spot your interlock requirement?
When receiving the ignition interlock license, your driver’s license will be renewed with the status RESTRICTED or with any other symbols.
How it usually happens in the car rental industry, the person hiring a car receives a driver registration number and a rental company can check your license in the National Driving Registry.
Even if the renter of the vehicle does not try to see your license visually, it will still be available in the database of interlock restrictions.
As a consequence, you will be rejected from renting because they do not rent people with interlocked requirements.
Do I have to get an interlock device if I don’t own a car?
In case you do not have your own vehicle or rarely drive cars, there might be situations where you will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed as a consequence of a DUI. Fortunately, there is a legal solution to this problem.
For this, you need to complete the Declaration of Unauthorized Use form. This document is only one page long and is submitted to the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV )of your hometown once the sentence is set.
If you do not own a vehicle and want to waive the court-ordered mandate on IID, you must ensure that the following points are satisfied:
- You do not own any vehicles at the present moment
- You do not use or have access to any vehicles at the present moment
- You do not use or have access to your employer’s vehicles at the present moment
Once you are assured that you satisfy these criteria, you need to complete the form within 30 days of receiving the IID mandate. It is important to follow this deadline since the court from which you received the sentence will not consider your case, otherwise obligating its installation.
Alternative ways to overcome vehicle renting with a restricted license
There are always tremendous opportunities for travelers to overcome the problem of restricted licenses.
Many travelers around the world enjoy riding with services such as Uber and Lyft, which do not require the installation of an interlock device.
Alternatively, travelers can take advantage of public transportation, including buses, metros, and subways. This is the optimal solution for travelers who want to explore local venues without dealing with potential problems.
Conclusion
Overall, it is most likely that you cannot rent a car from a rental company while under an ignition interlock program. Not only is it illegal; but it is also a requirement for customer safety.
It is good if you find a company that allows the installation of an IID, but its likelihood is very low due to potential difficulties.
That being said, there are many possibilities you can overcome this problem. Have a licensed person drive a rental vehicle; and use the subway, metro, taxi, bus, and other available vehicles.
FAQ
Renting a vehicle with a restricted license causes many problems and questions. Here are the answers to some of the most popular questions on this topic:
Can you rent a car with a hardship license in Florida?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to rent a car with a hardship license in Florida. Car rental companies require a valid license for driving rental cars.
Can I rent a car with a DUI in California?
No. Drivers who have had three or more traffic convictions in the past 48 months, including DUI, cannot rent a car from many rental car companies in California.
Can I rent a car with a DUI in California?
No. Drivers who have had three or more traffic convictions in the past 48 months, including DUI, cannot rent a car from many rental car companies in California.
Can you get around an interlock?
Trying to get around an ignition interlock device is illegal for committed people. It is almost impossible to avoid installing an ignition interlock device (IID).
Do I have to get an interlock device if I don t own a car in Texas?
It can be the case that you need to have an interlock installed when you do not own a car. However, it can be waived by completing the Declaration of Unauthorized Use form and submitting it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of receiving the court-ordered sentence.
