Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc., announced that Dollar and Thrifty rental cars are now 100 percent smoke-free as a result of Dollar Thrifty's new policy prohibiting smoking by renters at all U.S. corporate stores and participating franchise locations. 

"We're extremely pleased to now offer a 100 percent smoke-free fleet," said Scott Thompson, Dollar Thrifty President and CEO. "We are passionate about providing our value-oriented customers with a rental experience that is consistent with our high standards, and we think that fresh, clean and smoke-free car interiors are essential to achieving our objectives."

Renters who do not comply with the new policy and return vehicles after smoking may face a charge of up to $250. This is necessary to cover the special cleaning required to remove all traces of tobacco residue and smoky odor from a vehicle's interior. Rental cars that have been smoked in will be immediately grounded upon inspection and removed for a thorough detailing before being returned for customer use. All rental cars in Dollar and Thrifty fleets display a "No Smoking" sticker notifying renters of the potential charge for noncompliance. 

"We think it is important to follow suit with the rest of the U.S. travel industry's non-smoking approach so that travelers always have a smoke-free means of transportation. We're confident this new policy will not only be widely-accepted by customers, but greatly appreciated as well," Thompson said.