Can a rented car be driven on the highway?
3 Answers
Rented cars can be driven on the highway, but driving safety should be noted. Highway speed limits: Highways should indicate the speed limit for each lane, with the maximum speed not exceeding 120 kilometers per hour and the minimum speed not less than 60 kilometers per hour. Precautions for entering and exiting highways: When entering a highway from an on-ramp, the left turn signal should be activated, and the vehicle should merge into the lane without interfering with the normal traffic flow on the highway. When exiting the highway, the right turn signal should be activated, and the vehicle should move into the deceleration lane, reducing speed before exiting.
As someone who frequently rents cars for travel, I can tell you that rented cars are definitely allowed on highways—there's no issue at all, as long as the vehicle is legally registered. Car rental companies generally permit highway driving, but the key is to check the rental agreement to ensure there are no distance restrictions or prohibited areas, otherwise you might face additional fees or breach of contract. Highways involve higher speeds and greater risks, so I recommend purchasing full insurance when renting, including coverage for accidental damage, to avoid complications in case of an accident. Before hitting the highway, make it a habit to check the vehicle's condition: Are the tire pressure, brake lights, and oil levels all normal? If anything seems off, it's best to address it at a service station first. Also, bring a navigation app to avoid missing exits and wasting time. Accidents on highways can have more severe consequences, so safety comes first. Last year, I drove from Beijing to Shanghai entirely on highways in a rented SUV, which handled smoothly and made the trip much more comfortable.
I've rented cars for highway trips many times, and it feels both convenient and safe. Renting a car is all about the freedom to travel, and highways are the best choice. Before each rental, I always choose vehicles from big companies like Hertz or local brands because they maintain their cars well, making them suitable for long-distance highway driving. Always check the speed limit rules—speeding fines can be hefty. Remember to record the starting mileage to avoid disputes over excess mileage when returning the car. On highways, the wind resistance is high, and using air conditioning increases fuel consumption, so it's good to have some cash ready for refueling. I recommend that beginners follow GPS navigation, stay in their lane, and avoid unnecessary overtaking; fatigue driving is a big no-no—take breaks at service areas. Once, I drove to the mountains for a trip, and it rained on the highway, causing the brakes to slip a bit—luckily, the rental car had ABS, so everything was fine. Overall, there's nothing to worry about; just enjoy the journey.
