If you get pulled over in a rental car in CA, the process is largely the same as if you got pulled over in your own vehicle. The police will check your ID, run your plates, and issue you a ticket/citation. For more serious offenses, such as a DUI or reckless driving, you may be arrested.
When you get pulled over, it doesn’t matter what car you are driving. Having a rental car does not change how traffic stops work or the legal consequences of breaking the law. However, it can cause additional problems with the rental car company.
If you have been pulled over in a rental car and are facing a traffic violation or other criminal charge, a California criminal defense lawyer can assist.
Getting Pulled Over in a Rental Car: What to Expect
Driving a rental car does not change what you should expect at a traffic stop. The only thing that changes is that you are not the owner of the car.
- The officer will first ask questions and request your license and registration.
- They will then run your information and license plate number through the system.
- If the police have suspicions, they may ask you to take a breathalyzer or field sobriety test. They may also ask to search the car.
- If your record is clean and the officer determines you haven’t violated the law, they will let you go.
- If the officer believes you are driving drunk or has evidence that you violated another traffic law, they can arrest you.
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What Do Police See When They Run a Rental Car’s Plates?
When police run the plates of a rental car, they see the vehicle’s registration details and that the rental company owns it. To get your personal information, the police will ask for your driver’s license. The police can also contact the rental company to verify whether you are the authorized driver.
What Happens to the Rental Car if I Am Arrested?
If you get pulled over while driving a rental car in CA and get arrested, the police will likely impound the vehicle. While impounded, you will be responsible for any storage fees. The rental company might charge you for the entire rental, even if you didn’t get to drive the car.
If the car stays impounded beyond the return date, you could face additional fees and late penalties.
Many rental agreements stipulate that being arrested while driving the car is a breach of contract, so you could face potential legal action from the rental car company if you get pulled over and charged with a crime.
Unpaid Tickets in a Rental Car
Most rental car agreements state that the driver is financially responsible for all tickets and fines incurred during the rental period. If you get a traffic ticket and don’t pay it, the state may send it to the rental agency, since it is the car’s legal owner.
For example, if you get a red-light camera ticket while renting, the state will send it to the rental company because the car is registered to them. In these cases, the rental company will usually process the ticket and send it to you, plus an administrative fine.
So if you get a ticket while renting a car, it’s important to address it promptly before you incur any additional penalties. If you fail to pay or fail to appear in court for a traffic ticket in California, you could face fines, license suspensions, and even jail time.
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Does Getting Pulled Over in a Rental Car Affect Your License and Insurance?
Getting pulled over in a rental car can impact your license and insurance, just like getting pulled over in a vehicle you own would. Traffic infractions put negligent operator actions (points) on your license, which could result in a license suspension if you go over a certain amount.
Similarly, getting pulled over in a rental and convicted of a crime can cause your insurance rates to rise. Convictions for certain crimes, such as a DUI, can also impact your ability to rent a car in the future.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney in CA Today
Getting pulled over in a rental car in California can carry the same criminal and administrative penalties as getting pulled over in your own vehicle. However, you can face additional complications from the rental company itself.
Regardless of why you were pulled over, it’s important to deal with any tickets or citations promptly. A California traffic violation attorney from Simmrin Law Group can help you avoid the worst consequences of a conviction and, in some cases, get your charges dismissed entirely.
We have defended thousands of clients in California from criminal charges and want to help you next. Contact us online or call today to schedule a case consultation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form