Is Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) Legal in Hawaii? (2026)
No — Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) is illegal in Hawaii as of 2026.
Quick Answer
Hawaii does not have any laws explicitly permitting lane splitting. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes §291C-33, motorcycles must operate within a single lane and lane splitting is considered unsafe and illegal.
What the Law Says
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291C-153(c) prohibits operating a motorcycle between lanes of traffic. However, riding on the shoulder is permitted in certain situations.
— Hawaii Revised Statutes §291C-33
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lane Splitting Rules | No specific rules related to lane splitting possession. |
| Lane Filtering Rules | No specific rules related to lane splitting sale or purchase. |
| Traffic Penalties | Violations may be cited under reckless driving or unsafe lane usage, punishable by fines and possible license suspension. |
| License Requirements | None |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
No significant changes since 2023.
Enforcement Reality
Enforcement of lane splitting laws in Hawaii is strict, with officers often citing general traffic safety statutes.
A common mistake in Hawaii is riders assuming that filtering in slow or stopped traffic is permissible, which is generally not the case.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Hawaii. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) is illegal in Hawaii. This activity can result in criminal charges. Do not assume enforcement is lax — penalties are real. Consult a licensed attorney if you have specific questions.
Hawaii vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, lane splitting on a motorcycle is fully legal in 1 states, restricted in 3, and illegal in 46. Hawaii falls in the ILLEGAL category.
View the full 50-state map →Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Comprehensive Hawaii Legal Guides
Explore all related legal topics in Hawaii — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.