Car rental: New specifications since April 15
Since Monday April 15, driverless car rental agencies have been governed by new specifications. All operators are required to sign the entire 7-page document, legalize it and submit it to one of the Ministry’s regional offices.
Among the documents to be produced are a copy of the certificate of ownership of the head office or the lease contract, proof of professional capacity (specialized technical diploma or baccalaureate (G.E.D. / Junior High School Degree) plus 2 years or the last year of the baccalaureate with two years’ experience in the field, attested by the Moroccan Social Security Fund, (Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale, CNSS) and financial capacity (500,000 Dirhams, i.e. USD 50,000). Operators wishing to invest in this activity will be issued with an agreement in principle, valid for six months, after which they will be required to submit a file containing a number of supporting documents. These include a certificate of registration in the trade register, a certificate of registration for professional tax, a certificate of registration with the CNSS, a certificate of registration of the manager with the CNSS, and an administrative certificate proving that the rental agency has a minimum fleet. The person concerned has six months to purchase the vehicles required for his business. After this period, the agreement in principle lapses. In the event of refusal, regional management must justify its decision.
The new specifications include a number of provisions that will be applied for the first time. For example, a minimum fleet of 7 vehicles will be required, instead of the current five vehicles. The operator must never go below this number of vehicles, which require a type B driving license. With the same authorization, a car rental company can now open more than one branch, using the fleet belonging to the head office. The formalities required are limited to a copy of the initial authorization, the minutes of the general meeting called to approve the opening of a regional branch, proof of ownership or lease, and an administrative certificate confirming the registration of the 7 vehicles at the head office.
The other new feature concerns the duration of vehicle use. This will be limited to 5 years for thermodynamic cars and 7 years for hybrid or electric models. Rental agencies will also be able to strengthen their fleets by purchasing second-hand vehicles that have already been used by other companies, provided they do not exceed the age limits set by the new specifications.
Hassan EL ARIF
