Yes, you can usually rent a car after a wet reckless conviction, but it is not guaranteed and depends heavily on the rental company's specific policies and how recently the conviction occurred. A "wet reckless" is a plea bargain for a DUI charge, and while it is a lesser offense, rental companies still treat it as a serious driving violation.
Most major rental companies conduct a check of your driving record, typically focusing on the past 3 to 5 years. They are primarily looking for major violations like DUI/DWI, reckless driving, or multiple serious offenses within that period. Since a wet reckless is a form of reckless driving involving alcohol, it will almost certainly appear on this check.
Your success will largely depend on the company's risk tolerance. Some may have a zero-tolerance policy for any alcohol-related offense, while others might approve you if a certain amount of time has passed (e.g., 3-5 years post-conviction). The table below outlines the general policies of major rental companies, but these can vary by location and are subject to change.
| Rental Company | Typical Look-Back Period | Policy on Wet Reckless / DUI |
|---|
| Enterprise Holdings (Enterprise, Alamo, National) | 3 years | Often denies rentals if violation is within 3 years. |
| Hertz (Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty) | 5 years | Strict policy; may deny for recent violations. |
| Avis Budget Group (Avis, Budget) | 5 years | High likelihood of denial for offenses within 5 years. |
| Sixt | 3-5 years | Case-by-case basis, but recent offenses are problematic. |
| Local/Independent Companies | Varies | Policies can be more lenient or more strict; requires direct inquiry. |
The best strategy is to be proactive. Call the specific rental location ahead of time and ask to speak to a manager about their policy. Do not simply book online and hope it goes unnoticed, as a denial at the counter is inconvenient. Be prepared for the possibility of higher insurance surcharges or being required to purchase the rental company's maximum coverage package if you are approved.
