Does Dollar Rent A Car waive trial by jury in any judicial action?

According to the 2025 Dollar Rent A Car Franchise Disclosure Document, both Dollar Rent A Car and the franchisee irrevocably waive trial by jury in any judicial action permitted by section 30 of the agreement. This waiver applies to any claim, including counterclaims, whether at law or in equity, brought by either party against the other, regardless of whether other parties are involved in the judicial action.

This means that a franchisee entering into an agreement with Dollar Rent A Car gives up the right to have disputes decided by a jury. Instead, disputes will be resolved by a judge. This can have significant implications for how legal disputes are handled, as a judge's decision may differ from that of a jury.

It is important to note that this waiver may not be enforceable in all jurisdictions or under all circumstances. For example, the addendum for the state of North Dakota indicates that requiring North Dakota franchisees to consent to the waiver of a trial by jury has been held to be unfair, unjust, or inequitable. Franchisees should consult with legal counsel to understand the implications of this waiver and whether it is enforceable in their specific situation.

Additionally, certain states like California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin have provisions that prevent franchisees from waiving claims under applicable state franchise laws or disclaiming reliance on statements made by the franchisor. This could potentially limit the enforceability of the jury trial waiver in those states.