Just because you’re renting a car doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to parking tickets and traffic violations. So how do you deal with this when you’re driving that rental car?

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

If you get a fine without realizing it – say you’re speeding or 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.

They’ll identify you as the driver and give your information to the state or city that issued the ticket.

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 will eventually trace it back to you.

To avoid all this mess, start by checking the local and state traffic laws wherever you’re driving.

Speed limits and toll rules vary drastically between states, and sometimes even cities.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Web site has a chart of up-to-date speed limit laws by state.

For more information, check out our Driving & Car Rental section.

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