Is it allowed to drive a rental car across state lines?

It is generally allowed to drive a rental car out of state or even across national borders with a one-way rental that has unlimited mileage, though various regulations may apply depending on the area.

Are you permitted to take a rental car out of state?

Absolutely, but if you rent a vehicle specifically to travel across state or national borders, you must consider several factors. Different rental companies, car types, and regions have their own regulations regarding border crossings.

Driving Regulations in the US

In the US, most major national car rental companies do not prohibit driving across state lines. The table below features three key car rental groups that permit cross-country rentals. You can arrange a one-way car rental with unlimited mileage from any of these companies and travel to your destination without the concern of extra fees.

However, some companies may require you to reserve a one-way rental if you plan to return the car far from where you picked it up, which entails a one-time fee. This is the most cost-effective option for cross-country car rentals in the US. As the name suggests, an unlimited mileage rental car allows you to drive as far as you need, making it ideal for out-of-state trips.

If you rent from certain regional or smaller national chains, you may not be able to drive out of state. These companies often lack the infrastructure to manage drop-offs far from the original rental location and may be unable to assist with roadside emergencies. While some allow out-of-state driving, they may impose restrictions on which states you can visit, depending on your location. For instance, you might pick up a rental in California and drive to Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, or Washington, but not to Florida or New York, due to the significant distance involved.

Be aware of special regulations regarding non-contiguous states. Rentals in Hawaii typically must remain on the island they were rented from, and the same applies to rentals in Alaska, which usually must stay within the state. Regardless of your choice, it’s crucial to review the terms and conditions of your rental agreement, as special deals and weekend rates may not include the unlimited mileage needed for cross-border travel.

Is it possible to take a rental car to Canada or Mexico?

Along with cross-country driving, you might wonder if you can rent a car to drive to Canada or Mexico. Most providers allow driving to Canada with most vehicles, excluding luxury cars, exotics, and larger cargo or passenger vans. The same regulations that apply to state-to-state travel in the US generally extend to Canada.

Driving to Mexico tends to be more complex. If you inform your rental company beforehand and they allow it, you can acquire additional insurance to safely cross the border.

Driving Regulations in Europe and Beyond

If you intend to return the vehicle in a different country, you will incur a one-way fee along with the cross-border fee. Remember, Europe has specific country and zone regulations. For instance, your rental may not be insured if you exit the EU, and this may apply even when traveling to the Balearic Islands of Spain without crossing a border.

Depending on your travel plans, you might need additional documentation. In the UK, for example, it’s necessary to fill out a VE103 form with your rental company to confirm your permission to operate a hired or leased vehicle in another country.

In South America, Africa, and Asia, crossing borders can often be challenging, and extra border documentation may be required. These regions are generally more complex and need further elaboration beyond the scope of this article.

GPS Monitoring

If you're contemplating whether it's permissible to drive a rental car across borders, you might be curious about whether rental companies can track your location. There must be a way for them to monitor border crossings. The reality is that some rental vehicles come equipped with GPS tracking devices, though not all do. Your rental agreement will specify if the car you’re renting has such a device. These vehicles usually send an automatic alert to the provider when they cross state or international boundaries. However, this shouldn't concern you if you've informed the provider in advance and agreed to any applicable fees.

This article is part of our Car Rental Guide. If you're considering renting a car and have questions, you're not alone. Discover the answers in our detailed guide.