Hawaii Driving Laws
Updated: December, 2024
Summary of common traffic laws in Hawaii – Speed limits, License Renewals, Learners Permits, Drunk Driving Laws, and more. For more information, visit the Hawaii Department of Transportation website.
Speed Limits
In Hawaii, the maximum speed limit for cars is 60 mph. The maximum highway speed for trucks is also 60 mph. Maximum speeds may only apply to small sections of designated roads - not all highways. Always observe posted traffic laws and drive safely for the weather and road conditions.
Learners Permits
Hawaii allows new drivers to get their learners permit at the age of 15 years and 6 months. You must have your provisional license for a minimum of 6 months. Drivers can then get their intermediate license at 16. An Intermediate License imposes restricts on when you are allowed to drive and how many passengers are allowed in the car, but allows you to drive yourself without an instructor in the car.
In Hawaii, drivers can obtain their full drivers license at the age of 17.
License Renewal
Hawaii requires you to renew your license every 8 years. Older drivers face additional renewal requirements:
View all Drivers License Renewal Info
Work Zones
The state of Hawaii enforces increased penalties for speeding violations within work zones. These increased penalties are known as Work Zone Enhancements. Work Zone Enhanced Penalties may be assessed even if workers are not currently present and working. In Hawaii, Work Zone Enhacements are:
Drunk Driving Laws
The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%. States often enforce more strict mandatory penalties for drivers above a certain BAC. In Hawaii, driving with a BAC above 0.15% will trigger automatic enhanced minimum penalties.
Texting while Driving
Texting while driving is illegal in most but not all states. In Hawaii, hand-held devices such as phones and mp3 player are banned for all drivers, regardless of age. Hands-free interaction with cellphones is allowed.
Texting while driving is banned in Hawaii. Texting while driving is concidered a primary offense. This means that you can be pulled over with texting as the only offense. In Hawaii, distracted driving is listed as a category on police crash report forms.
Seat Belt Laws
Hawaii requires seabelt use. Seatbelt enforcement is concidered primary, meaning you can be pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt. The fine for a seatbelt law violation in Hawaii is $45.00. Safety belt laws very state-by-state. Consult your states Department of Transportation for specific seatbelt use laws.
Data Source
Hawaii Department of Transportation
Data Source
United States Department of Transportation
