What Happens if You Get a DUI While Driving a Rental Car?
October 17, 2025
Pennsylvania laws that make Driving Under the Influence (DUI) illegal apply to everyone who owns the car that you were driving at the time of your arrest. Whether you have borrowed or rented a car, you could still be subject to severe penalties if you are convicted of the crime. If you are in a rental car, a DUI conviction can mean that there are additional penalties and difficulties that you could face, both now and in the future.
The Car May Be Impounded
Pennsylvania law allows the authorities to “impound” the vehicle that you were driving at the time of your arrest. This means that they can take it from you for a certain amount of time.
Under the case of Commonwealth v. Crosby, the authorities may even be allowed to permanently confiscate the vehicle that you were driving. There is no set determinant on the amount of time that the car can be impounded. Much would depend on the facts and circumstances of the situation.
If you do not own the car, you would be liable to pay the rental car company for the vehicle if you were not able to get it back. In addition, you would be responsible for any extra costs associated with even a temporary impoundment, including charges for towing and any extra rental charges. The rental car company may charge you additional fees in accordance with the rental agreement that you signed at the time you took the car.
A DUI May Make It Impossible for You to Rent a Car in the Future
The rental car company performs a check of your driving record before they agree to rent the car. They would be able to see that you have a DUI conviction. The rental car company could be legally responsible for any harm that you cause in their vehicle if they have rented a car to someone with a dangerous driving record. If they see that the accident occurred in a rental car, they may be even less likely to want to do business with you in the future.
You May Need to Pay More for a Rental Car in the Future
Even if you are allowed to rent a car in the future, it could cost you a considerable amount of money. The rental car company may require you to purchase additional insurance, which can greatly raise the costs. Even if you can rent a car, there may be more exclusions and conditions upon the rental.
You Would Still Face Criminal Penalties
Any type of DUI conviction in Pennsylvania can lead to significant potential penalties and costs. The exact penalties you would face depend on the circumstances of the DUI. Pennsylvania law has three tiers of DUI. Under either one, you could face probation. If your BAC was over .1 at the time of your arrest, you may face potential jail time. You could also lose your driver’s license for a year for the first offense.
When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, they will review the case against you and help determine whether you have any potential defenses. They may help you negotiate with the prosecutor to obtain the best possible outcome to your case through a plea bargain. Your lawyer may also communicate with the rental car company to help mitigate some of the potential expenses and consequences associated with a DUI while in a rental car.
Contact a West Chester Criminal Defense Lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes to Discuss Your DUI Charges
If you have been charged with DUI, whether it is in your own vehicle or a rental car, reach out to a West Chester criminal defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes. To schedule a free consultation, submit our online contact form or call us today at 610-431-7900. Located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.