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Committee advances package aimed at reducing rental‑car break‑ins: barcode limits and required disclosures
Summary
The committee forwarded two related ordinances — one limiting visible barcodes/advertising on rental cars and one requiring rental companies to give written disclosures to customers warning them to remove valuables and lock doors — after testimony from SFPD, rental‑car companies and numerous community groups; committee adopted amendments and sent both items to the Board with positive recommendations.
The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee advanced two companion ordinances intended to reduce auto burglaries targeting rental vehicles: (1) a police‑code amendment restricting visible barcodes/advertising on rental cars (one sticker no larger than 5 square inches in an inconspicuous bottom‑of‑windshield location, four‑month phase‑in), and (2) a police‑code requirement that rental‑car companies provide written disclosures advising customers to remove valuables and lock doors.
Supervisor Yee framed the package as part of a broader effort to reduce auto burglaries in tourist areas. Commander David Lazar of the San Francisco Police Department presented data and strategy, reporting a citywide rise in auto burglaries (citing about 14,235 reported burglaries in 2016 and 17,928 so far in 2017) and describing prevention measures such as hotspot maps, signage and the "Park Smart" messaging campaign. Lazar told the committee that many offenders operate in organized groups and that prevention plus targeted enforcement is needed.
The industry responded that it had already taken steps on disclosures and customer training. Brian Raffrey of Enterprise Holdings said Enterprise/Alamo/National had implemented signs, key‑tag warnings and employee scripting and supported the ordinance package, while noting operational costs and a need for phased implementation.
A broad set of neighborhood groups, merchants, airport staff and residents testified in support and urged complementary measures—more cameras, better data sharing, signage and improved reporting mechanisms. Airport staff said the rental center already uses signage and sticky reminders on contracts and reported a decline in airport‑rented vehicles that were broken into.
Supervisors asked SFPD about staffing and evidence challenges for prosecution; Commander Lazar said the department is conducting a staffing study, described use of targeted enforcement teams in hotspot areas and stressed that education and data collection (including cooperation from rental companies) are essential to measure impact. The committee adopted proposed amendments and forwarded both items to the full Board with positive recommendations without objection.
