Originally Posted by
sokolov
Or would I be allowed to return the car elsewhere in California without penalty, even if my reservation says otherwise?
Certainly not. That will void the original terms of the contract and they will recalculate it when you return the car - very expensive.
Some companies do indeed allow one-way rentals between
some California cities at certain times of the year.
Price out the ones you're looking at right up to but
not including the "confirm" screen. If there is a drop charge it will show on the quote, if there isn't one you're good to go.