Do you want to rent a vehicle and the car rental company requires payment for the use of the electronic toll payment device (Via Verde system)?
This article will cover the main points related to this legal requirement and explain how it works.
The concept of e-Toll service (Via Verde)
Via Verde is an electronic system that enables automatic toll payment on Portuguese highways. With an electronic device installed in the vehicle, users can pass through tolls without stopping, streamlining the process and avoiding long queues. The toll amounts are directly debited from an account associated with the device, making payment quick and convenient.
Use of Via Verde in Car Rental Services
There have been many questions regarding the imposition of Via Verde payment in car rental services in Portugal. Until recently, some car rental companies included the Via Verde device in their vehicles, while others did not. This disparity raises questions about who is responsible for toll payments during the rental period.
The Decree-law
On January 8, 2023, Decree-law No. 84-C/2022 of December 9, 2022, came into effect. It stipulates that all car rental companies must equip their vehicles with an automatic toll payment system (Via Verde device).
Article 27, paragraph 3 of this Decree-law determines that this service, which was previously optional, becomes mandatory and automatically added to your rental. Therefore, whenever you rent a vehicle, you are immediately subscribed to this toll service.
As a result, unlike before where the customer was responsible for toll payment, this responsibility now falls on the car rental companies. They are responsible for settling the toll amounts, which will then be invoiced to the customers.
SCUT
Before this legal requirement, tolls on SCUT highways were paid by customers through the CTT portal. With this legislation update, this option is no longer possible.
Just like tolls, the charges will now be directly collected by the car rental company and invoiced to the customer afterward.
Benefits for the Customer
This service brings numerous benefits to customers, making it easier their car rental and driving experience in Portugal:
- Time-saving:
With the Via Verde device, you can pass through tolls without stopping and making manual payments, reducing travel time and avoiding queues.
- Convenience:
The automatic toll payment feature eliminates the need to search for change or deal with toll booths, providing a smoother driving experience.
- Wide Coverage:
Via Verde covers the entire network of Portuguese highways, ensuring that you can travel across the country easily without toll-related concerns.
- Safety:
Avoid fines and other administrative costs.
Service and respective amounts
Now that we have clarified the details of this legal requirement, it is important to understand the costs associated with this service when renting a car in Portugal.
When renting a vehicle, the customer will be charged for the tolls used plus a daily fee of €2.21, up to a maximum of €22.14 per rental (or any other amount imposed by regulation).
If no toll passages (tolls and SCUT) are registered during your rental, the service fee will be refunded to you 10 days after the contract is closed.
Renting a Car with Hertz
Renting a car with Hertz is easy and convenient. Make your reservation online and choose the pick-up and drop-off location that is most convenient for you.
It is important to mention that when renting a car with Hertz, you will have access to a wide variety of vehicles, from compact cars to spacious SUVs. This allows you to choose the car that best suits your needs and preferences.
Additionally, Hertz offers quality and transparent service, ensuring you have a smooth experience when renting a car. Our team is always available to assist and answer any questions that may arise regarding automatic toll payment or any other topic. We want to ensure you have all the necessary information before picking up your rented vehicle.
So, if you are planning a journey in Portugal and need a car for your itinerary, do not hesitate to rent a car with Hertz. With our competitive prices, quality service and transparency, we are here to make your car rental experience the best possible. Learn more about our car rental options on our website.
Via Verde Service at Hertz
As explained above, this service is acquired at the beginning of the rental contract and is automatic.
Payment for the Hertz Toll Service can be made with a valid credit card.
Now that you are aware of this new decree-law, rent a Hertz vehicle with peace of mind and without future surprises. Also, explore all the additional services you can add to your rental to enhance your experience.