If you operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% in New Jersey, you will be charged with driving while under the influence (DUI). DUIs carry harsh penalties. This includes fines, license suspension, installation of an ignition interlock device, and even possible jail time. However, many do not realize the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction. Not only does a DUI conviction result in increased auto insurance premiums, but it could stop you from renting a car. If you have a DUI conviction on your driving record, a car rental company has the right to refuse to rent you a vehicle based on your past conviction. Please continue to follow along to learn more about the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction and how our qualified Bergen County DUI Attorneys can help you.
Can I rent a car if I have a DUI conviction on my driving record in New Jersey?
You may want to rent a car for a vacation or a business trip. However, you may be wondering if a previous DUI can affect whether a car rental company will rent you a vehicle. Ultimately, there are no restrictions barring you from renting a car if you have a DUI conviction on your driving record. However, car rental companies all have different standards. Car rental companies have the right to deny renting a car to anyone with a DUI conviction on their driving record. Most companies will run a check on the driving record of anyone who wants to rent a vehicle. Additionally, most car rental companies will refuse to rent a car to those charged with alcohol-related offenses such as DUI. This is because individuals charged with a DUI are considered high-risk drivers. High-risk drivers are more likely as a result of their reckless actions on the road to be involved in a collision. Nevertheless, some car rental companies will rent a vehicle to an individual with a DUI on their driving record. Whether or not a car rental company will rent an individual with a DUI conviction on their driving record depends on how long ago the conviction was. If you were charged with DUI 10 years ago, you may have a better chance of being approved to rent a vehicle. However, if you were recently convicted of DUI, a car rental company is unlikely to rent you a vehicle as you are seen as a high-risk driver.
Can an ignition interlock device impact my ability to rent?
As a result of a DUI conviction, one of the consequences you will face is the loss of your driving privileges until you install an ignition interlock device (IID). An IID is essentially a breathalyzer that is installed into your vehicle. You have to blow into the mouthpiece to submit a breath sample to test your BAC level. The vehicle will not start if it detects alcohol. If you are required to operate a vehicle with an IID, you cannot drive a vehicle that is not equipped with an IID. Therefore, vehicles from car rental companies are not equipped with IIDs. If you operate a vehicle without an IID and it is part of your sentence to operate a vehicle with one, you will be faced with additional penalties.
In the unfortunate event that you have been charged with DUI, contact one of our experienced attorneys who can help you prevent the harsh penalties and long-term consequences of this offense. Allow our firm to fight on your behalf today!
