
No, you almost certainly cannot rent a car from a major rental company if you are required to use an ignition interlock device (a breathalyzer connected to a vehicle's ignition system). Standard rental agreements universally prohibit tampering with the vehicle's electrical systems, which installing an interlock device would require. Renting a car is intended for licensed drivers with no restrictions that would prevent them from operating the vehicle as manufactured.
The primary reason is contractual. When you sign a rental agreement, you warrant that you have a valid, unrestricted driver's license. A license requiring an interlock is considered restricted. If you were to install the device, it would be a breach of contract and could be classified as damage to the rental vehicle, making you liable for significant costs. Furthermore, attempting to rent a car without disclosing this restriction could be seen as misrepresentation.
Your practical options are limited. Major companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis have policies that explicitly forbid the use of interlock devices in their fleets. Your best alternatives are to use your own personal vehicle that is already equipped with the device or explore peer-to-peer car sharing services like Turo. On Turo, you must contact the individual car owner before booking to disclose your situation and get their explicit, written permission. Some owners may agree, but many will decline due to liability and concerns.
| Rental Company | Policy on Interlock Devices | Alternative Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | Explicitly prohibited in rental agreement. | Policy applies to all subsidiaries (Alamo, National). |
| Hertz | Prohibited; violation constitutes a breach of contract. | Includes Dollar and Thrifty brands. |
| Avis | Not permitted due to vehicle modification terms. | Includes Budget brand. |
| Turo (P2P) | Not explicitly prohibited platform-wide. | Decision is at the sole discretion of the individual car owner. |
| Sixt | Requires a valid, unrestricted driver's license. | License restriction would invalidate the rental agreement. |
The safest and most legally sound path is to complete your court-ordered or state-mandated interlock period using your own vehicle. Attempting to circumvent rental policies can lead to denied rental, forfeited fees, and potential legal issues. Always prioritize full compliance with your legal requirements.

Nope, the big rental companies won't allow it. Their contracts are very clear about not messing with the car's wiring, which is exactly what installing that device would do. I found this out the hard way after a DUI when I tried to rent a van for a move. They checked my license, saw the restriction, and turned me away. It was embarrassing and a waste of time. Your own car or maybe a car-sharing app where you can ask a real person are pretty much your only bets.

From a standpoint, renting a car with an interlock requirement is not feasible. Your driver's license is coded with the restriction, which rental agents are trained to identify. Renting a vehicle under these conditions would violate the terms of service, potentially nullifying insurance coverage and creating significant liability in the event of an accident. The requirement is tied to you as a driver, not to a specific car. The court order mandates you only operate vehicles equipped with the device, which rental fleets are not.

Think of it this way: the rental company owns that car. Letting you install a piece of equipment into their dashboard is a huge risk and a liability nightmare for them. They have zero incentive to allow it. It's not personal; it's strictly business and risk . Your best move is to plan ahead. If your personal car is in the shop, talk to your mechanic about a loaner car and see if they can accommodate the interlock installation. Otherwise, rely on rideshares or public transit for the duration.

It’s a firm no from all the major agencies. I manage a small auto repair shop and we sometimes get asked about this. The electronic systems in modern rental cars are complex, and an improper installation could cause faults the company would blame you for. Even if you found a way, the cost and hassle of having a certified technician install and then uninstall the device for a short rental would be enormous. It’s simply not a practical or approved solution. Focus on completing your program with your primary vehicle.


