Can a rented car be driven on the highway?
2 Answers
Rented cars can be driven on the highway. However, it is important to pay attention to driving safety. Traffic Safety Law: First of all, according to the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," regulations regarding highways stipulate that pedestrians, non-motor vehicles, tractors, wheeled special machinery vehicles, articulated buses, full-trailer towed vehicles, and other motor vehicles with a designed maximum speed of less than 70 kilometers per hour are not allowed to enter the highway. This means that as a small passenger vehicle, as long as the shared car has a designed speed higher than 70 kilometers per hour, it can be driven on the highway. Of course, once on the highway, shared cars are treated the same as other vehicles, and toll fees must still be paid. Driving on the Highway: Whether you can drive on the highway depends on the driver's qualifications. If you have just obtained your driver's license and are still in the novice period, naturally, you cannot drive on the highway. This applies not only to shared cars but also to ordinary cars. Another requirement is that highways have certain speed limits, and you cannot drive below 60 kilometers per hour. If the shared car you are driving cannot meet this requirement, then naturally, it cannot be driven on the highway. However, most shared cars can meet this speed requirement, so they are generally eligible.
Rental cars can certainly be driven on highways. Based on my practical car rental experience, this is very common. When picking up the car, I carefully read the contract terms to ensure there are no restrictions prohibiting highway use. Most rental companies allow it, but it's important to check whether the vehicle insurance covers accidents on highways—otherwise, you could be held liable in case of an incident. I usually test the brake performance and tire pressure since high speeds on highways make the car more prone to skidding if the tires are underinflated. Additionally, the increased wind resistance on highways leads to higher fuel consumption, so I always fill up the tank and check the cooling system before setting off. For long trips, using an ETC device is recommended to avoid congestion at toll booths, saving time and hassle. Safety-wise, obeying speed limits and maintaining a safe following distance are crucial—don’t take the rental car for granted. In short, with proper route planning, renting a car for highway driving is a perfectly viable and efficient choice.
