Renting a car has become very common alternative to public and private transport; most of the people get rental cars when travelling mainly if they don’t have a car (Check
uk.getaround.com for more about car hire). But, what happens if you receive a fine with a rental car? What are your rights and possible remedies?
When renting a car, who gets the fine and what happens?
Here are some examples of offences (non-exhaustive list) that may result in a fine:
- Violation of traffic regulations
- Non-compliance with the speed limit
- Unauthorized parking
- Unpaid parking ticket
The car rental company is the first to be informed of the fine. Indeed, since the vehicle is registered in his name, it is he who receives the report and who must answer for it in accordance with the law.
The lessor, who is not liable, "denounces" the driver of the vehicle then registered at the time of the offence. The main driver registered on the rental contract will therefore receive the fine. It does not matter if an additional driver was registered on the rental contract. The main driver, i.e. the lessee of the vehicle, is liable to pay by signing the rental contract
Is it possible dispute over a fine with a rental car?
The main driver must in all cases pay the fine. It does not matter if he was not driving the vehicle at the time of the offence. But it is possible to save points. We explain how:
If it was the additional driver who was driving when the offence was committed, it is possible to report it in turn. It must be written on the rental contract so that the insurance is always valid. Be careful if you decide to report an unregistered driver.
If you think it is not possible to recognise the person who was driving at the time of the offence, it is possible to request a photograph taken by mobile or fixed radar, for example. Most often, it is the license plates that are flashed, not the driver. Be very careful though, because if the photograph proves that you were driving well, you will have lost time and points. If it is not possible to identify the driver, your points will be saved.
There is one exception to explain sudden speeding: force majeure. Cases of force majeure may be theft or childbirth, for example. However, it must be proven by written documents that the driver had to accelerate in this particular situation.
Pay a fine with a rental car abroad?
The process observed abroad for a fine with a rental car is similar. The difference is that the lessor, once he receives the fine, can charge the customer's credit card to pay the amount of the fine.
The client may also receive the ticket by mail. But this only applies if the country has incorporated a European directive into its national legislation or concluded a bilateral agreement with France for the transmission of data.
Do you have any questions about this? Feel free to leave a comment, we will answer it! And above all, be careful on the road!