Hawaii Driving & Vehicles Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for driving & vehicles in the state of Hawaii. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 8 different categories.
Driving Barefoot
LEGALHawaii does not have any statutes or regulations that prohibit or restrict driving barefoot. There are no specific laws addressing footwear requirements for drivers in the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
State Law
None
Practical Considerations
None
Penalties
N/A
Lane Splitting (Motorcycles)
ILLEGALHawaii 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.
Lane Splitting Rules
No specific rules related to lane splitting possession.
Lane Filtering Rules
No specific rules related to lane splitting sale or purchase.
Penalties
Violations may be cited under reckless driving or unsafe lane usage, punishable by fines and possible license suspension.
License Requirements
None
License Plate Covers
ILLEGALAll license plate covers, including clear ones, are illegal in Hawaii and subject to enforcement. Police will issue citations for any cover.
Usage Rules
Illegal — all covers prohibited
Purchase & Sale
Illegal to sell or use on vehicles
Penalties
Traffic violation with fines; may result in vehicle inspection failure.
Age Restriction
N/A
Radar Detectors
LEGALRadar detectors are legal for use and possession in private vehicles in Hawaii. There are no specific prohibitions in Hawaii Revised Statutes regarding radar detectors.
Passenger Vehicle Use
Legal to possess and use in private vehicles.
Commercial Vehicle Rules
No restrictions on sale or purchase.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Radar Jammers
ILLEGALRadar jammers are federally illegal in all states including Hawaii under FCC regulations. There have been no recent legislative changes in Hawaii regarding laser jammers.
State Law
Radar jammers: federally illegal. Laser jammers: legal
Federal Law
Laser jammers may be sold; radar jammers illegal
Penalties
Federal penalties for radar jammers. Laser jammers are unregulated.
Age Restriction
N/A
Right Turn on Red
LEGALRight turn on red is legal in Hawaii after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, unless a sign prohibits it at a specific intersection. In 2023, the state began a significant rollout of 'No Right Turn on Red' signs at major intersections in Honolulu, and this tr...
General Rule
Legal after complete stop
Exceptions & Restrictions
N/A
Penalties
Traffic violation if sign prohibits it at specific intersection.
Driver Requirements
N/A
Studded Snow Tires
RESTRICTEDThe use of studded snow tires is prohibited on public roads in Hawaii except on the designated Mauna Kea access road where they are allowed.
Usage Rules
Legal to possess but illegal to use on most public roads
Seasonal Restrictions
Legal to sell
Penalties
Civil citation and fines for use outside designated area
Age Restriction
N/A
Window Tinting
RESTRICTEDHawaii law restricts window tinting on vehicles to a minimum of 35% visible light transmission (VLT) on the front side windows. Windshield tinting is allowed only above the AS-1 line. These rules are codified under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291-11.5.
Tint Limits (VLT %)
Possession of a vehicle with illegal tint is allowed but the vehicle must comply with tint limits when operated on public roads.
Medical Exemptions
Sale of tint films that do not comply with state VLT requirements is prohibited.
Penalties
Violations may result in fines up to $100 and possible vehicle inspection failure.
Age Restriction
None