Just because you’re renting a car doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to paying up for parking tickets and traffic violations. Here’s what you need to know.

Renting a car, no matter the length of time, establishes a contract that makes you responsible for any infractions.

If you get a fine, say, if you run a red light and an automated camera takes a picture of your license plate, the ticket will typically go directly to the rental company.

If you do the crime, you’re going have to pay the fine.

The rental company will likely identify you as the driver and give your information to the state or city that issued the ticket.

There’s also a good chance they’ll get in touch with you personally.

If you receive a ticket in the mail, you’re responsible for paying it.

Even if your name isn’t on it, the car rental company can eventually trace it back to you.

To avoid the mess altogether, consider brushing up on the local and state traffic laws wherever you’re driving, and check out The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Web site for a chart of up-do-date speed limit laws by state.

For more rental car tips, check out the Driving & Rental Cars section.

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