Can I cross a border with a rental car?

While car rental is becoming more and more popular for various reasons and needs, some questions may legitimately arise at the time of acquiring a rented vehicle. Among them, one thinks in particular of the capacity and especially, the right to go abroad.

This question is even more frequent if you wish to renting, for example with Skyscannerthis question is even more frequent if you wish to rent a vehicle in a branch located on the outskirts of a border. In France, the possibilities of this type are indeed numerous, from Perpignan to Strasbourg, via Nice or Lille. As you can see, the examples are striking and logically raise a question that many people ask themselves when they take the plunge on a car rental comparison site or simply when they arrive at their future rental vehicle.

As is often the case with vehicle rentals, this information can change depending on many factors, including that of the rental company itself. However, the rules generally remain the same if we stick to the European territory and especially, to the rental agencies based in France. With certain categories of vehicles and certain countries authorized or not by the agencies, it is necessary to make a clear point.

So, can we change countries when we drive in a rental car? Answers below!

Authorized countries from France

It seems logical, but it is always advisable to ask a manager of the agency if it is indeed possible to go abroad, in particular at the time of collecting your vehicle. Fortunately, most car rental companies in France allow foreign travel. Generally, a zone is defined by the agency itself at the national level and the first zone authorizes the drivers to circulate freely with the rental vehicle.

Mostly and usually, these destinations include border countries (Germany, Spain, Luxembourg, etc.) and others further away, in the European Union or simply on the continent (Norway, Great Britain, Switzerland, Portugal, etc.).

There is also a second zone with countries such as Croatia, Estonia or Slovakia. These countries are much longer in terms of travel time and also for other reasons, but the authorization to reach these countries depends on the rented vehicles in most cases. Luxury vehicles often have to be limited to the Hexagon or even to zone 1, and German vehicles, for example at Sixt, are not allowed to enter zone 2.

What are the risks involved?

The importance of finding out about the conditions in the contract or directly by talking to the agency manager seems even more important when you consider the risks taken and the potential fines received in the event of not respecting the borders with your rental vehicle.

Of course, fines and fees can change depending on the agency, but also keep in mind that most of these companies equip their fleets with GPS trackers to make sure of such things, especially on luxury vehicles.

It goes without saying that the driver is not covered in case of damage in a prohibited destination and that fines may be added to the bill, especially depending on the number of kilometers driven abroad.

Moreover, the border police are extremely vigilant at every checkpoint because of the large number of stolen rental vehicles in recent years, especially in the direction of second-rate countries, as mentioned above. Thus, it seems to be of utmost importance to respect every term of the contract and to inquire about the related authorizations before crossing any state border.

Things to think about before crossing the border

If all the conditions are met for you to cross the border with your rental car, and perhaps even after discussing it with a rental agency manager, there are still a few conditions that must be met . However, these are not specific to rental cars and can be the same as when you wish to cross the border of a country with a personal vehicle.

In this sense, remember to take your driving license and make sure that it is valid in the country you are visiting. Indeed, it is sometimes possible to see certain nations requesting international permits, as is common in the United States.

Also remember to check the different driving rules established in the country you are visiting! In Switzerland and Austria, for example, you have to pay a vignette to be able to drive on the highway. Some agencies provide it locally, but logically, not for drivers who want to go abroad.

Regarding local traffic laws, be aware of certain requirements and other laws regarding blood alcohol, telephone use and other general driving rules.

Finally, some countries also require driving during the day and even in bright sunlight, with headlights on. This is one more thing to check in order to drive safely, in France as elsewhere.