License suspensions and Enterprise rentals

[Lawrence Kelly]

Until two years ago in New York, Enterprise ran computerized checks on the validity of drivers licenses presented by prospective renters. Then Congress passed the Graves Amendment (49 U.S.C. 30106) knocking out vicarious liability for the negligence of the drivers. Right after that, it is my understanding that there was no more computerized checking by Enterprise on the validity of drivers licenses presented in New York.

Since the 1996 internal Enterprise study noted that 7% to 8% of ERAC customers had license suspensions or no valid license, and management determined in 1997 not to do computerized checks anywhere but New York, how has the termination of the computerized check for validity impacted public safety in New York? One would expect that with the market open to those with license suspensions, Enterprise would, over time, see more of this population.