Fines with a rental car: What happens and how it works
What happens if you get a fine while driving a rental car? This is one of the most common concerns for those unfamiliar with car rental services or using them for the first time. If you've been wondering about this, you'll find all the answers you need in our article!
How to avoid fines when driving a rental car
It’s often said that prevention is better than cure, so the first piece of advice we can give you is to pay close attention when driving the car you've rented. It might sound obvious, but when you're driving in an unfamiliar city or on unknown roads, it’s much easier to get a fine.
One of the most common infractions is speeding. Many drivers, for example, are misled by long straight roads, thinking they are highways and allowing themselves to speed up, only to find that the speed limit is much lower. It's also common to encounter roads with varying speed limits in consecutive stretches, which you might not notice. Using a GPS can be a smart strategy to keep track of the speed limits on the road you’re traveling.
Another frequent issue is receiving fines for entering restricted traffic zones (ZTL). The rental agency can provide valuable information about local traffic, including restricted traffic zones, convenient parking options where you can leave your car for free, and the color-coded parking areas designated for special uses. They can also direct you to the appropriate offices to request a daily pass for entering the city's ZTL zones.
It’s important to note that it’s your responsibility to pay for parking when required, avoid parking in prohibited areas, and obey traffic laws. These laws are the same throughout Italy; if you're visiting from abroad and unfamiliar with the system, make sure to inform yourself to avoid breaking the law. Always carry your driver’s license and an identification document in case of checks or accidents, along with the documents provided when you picked up the car. If any problems arise, you can still contact the rental office during its business hours.
What to do if you get a fine with a rental car
First of all, the fine will not be sent directly to you, but to the rental company. The responsible authority—whether it’s the Municipal Police, Highway Patrol, Carabinieri, or others depending on the infraction—will notify the agency. The rental agency will then provide your personal details to the authorities, who will send the fine to you by mail. At that point, you can pay the fine using your preferred method (at a post office or via an app).
While this process may seem more complicated due to the intermediary, it won’t result in any additional costs for you, nor will it prevent you from taking advantage of the reduced payment option within the legally stipulated period.
