From 1 June 2026, a new usage fee applicable to car hire contracts without a driver will come into force in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. This measure was published in Ministerial Order No. 214/2026 of 21 May and stems from the regional legal framework governing the car hire industry in Madeira.
In practice, this fee will be charged per day of hire, up to a maximum of 10 days per contract. The set amount is €2 per day for conventional vehicles and €1 per day for zero-emission vehicles, i.e. electric vehicles.
What is this new car rental fee in Madeira?
This is not a fee created by Hertz, nor is it a condition exclusive to our brand. It is a legal obligation set by the regional authorities and applies to all car rental companies operating in Madeira.
The amount is not included in the booking price and will be itemised separately on the final invoice. Furthermore, the fee will be collected at the time the contract is finalised by the company, which will then pass the amounts on to the relevant authorities.
How does this new fee work in practice?
For contracts entered into in Madeira, the fee is calculated based on the number of full days of hire. If the vehicle is electric, the reduced rate of 1 euro per day applies, which also makes electric car hire an option with a lower daily rate.
For those looking to hire a car in Madeira, it is important to know that this fee will be presented transparently and separately from the booking. This allows the customer to see exactly the total amount payable and distinguish the cost of the hire from the new statutory fee.
How does the fee impact the rental of electric cars in Madeira?
The decree provides for a favourable rate for zero-emission vehicles, applying a fee of 1 euro per day. This means that those who choose to hire an electric car will pay a lower rate, in line with the regional policy to encourage more sustainable mobility.
Nevertheless, this is a general legal rule, applicable to all car rental companies in Madeira. Therefore, whether booking combustion-engine vehicles or electric options, customers will see this fee explicitly reflected in the contract.
What customers need to know
If you are planning to hire a car in Madeira, please note that this fee will be included in the final contract price for hire agreements starting from 1 June 2026. The maximum duration for which this fee applies is 10 days per contract, even if the hire period is longer.
To book with greater certainty, it is best to always confirm the final amount shown at the time of check-out, where this mandatory fee should be itemised. This avoids surprises and makes it clear that this is a legal measure and not an additional charge specific to Hertz.
In summary
The main change is the introduction of a mandatory usage fee for every vehicle hired in Madeira. This fee applies to all car rental companies, is regulated by regional law and will be charged separately from the booking, with a reduced rate for electric vehicles.