First of all I challenge their right as well.
- I havent yet seen the contractual evidence that would allow them.
- I clearly asked, with multiple witnesses, what extras that would possibly occur ( I asked this "stupid" question as I almost never rent cars). This fee was not mentioned. Possibly because the clerk was not aware of it, and if it exists in the contract, then its "hidden" deep in with small letters. I asked so I did not have to read pages of fine print. I ask you one question; do you always read all the fine print on all contracts as a consumer? In that case I bet you are a RPITA for not only the company but for all other customers waiting.
- What if I had signed my own death sentence? Or if that fee was said to be 500€? Have you heard about (european) consumer rights? There are limits to what extend professional companies can include in the standard t&c when dealing with consumers.
- I have yet to see the specific writing, but it might be some vague "appropriate fee". If thats the case, as I said when they are legally responsible for the bill a minor fee would be included in such term. But not charging a fee for doing whats obliged by law, witness in a criminal case, as part of Contrate Social.

So even if there is some wording in the contract that might allow the charge, multiple reasons suggest they shouldnt. As any clause is open to interpretation as well.
In any case a fee should not exceed the costs involved, and I assume you see there is a big difference between the 2 cases originally mentioned (1 where they have to deal with paying etc, and this one where a simple automated letter could be sent, even electronically, plausible fee 2$).

Let me also add that Hertz post-dealings with this might legally imply after a certain time that they no longer have a valid claim.


Let me ask how you feel about the fee, if the alleged offense is disputed and withdrawn?