One experience in NY state. Stopped by a State Trooper for speeding, who then asked for all my documents.
Took them away and when he came back to the car he gave me a ticket for speeding and one for IIRC being an unauthorised operator.
For clarity I had at the time and still have an 'old' paper licence ...the photo one has replaced these.
The dolt said I needed an IDP, to which I replied that I didn't and I knew I didn't . It got to the stage of "yeah whatever".
I also had one of the most bizarre conversations ever with a law enforcement person, about how I could proceed with this.
In the end I had to contact the DA in the appropriate area, who immediately waived that part of nonsense and let me plead guilty to a lower end speeding charge (to which they fined me the maximum possible).
I now always carry the appropriate info on driving licences copied from the DMV and US Embassy sites.

With regards to Hertz Gold service I'm sure I have to show rental agreement , licence and possibly passport (in my particular case) to security before being allowed to exit the lot.