Helmet Laws

Motorcycles

All riders 17 years old and younger must wear a helmet.

Bicycles

All riders 15 years old and younger must don a helmet.

Motor Scooters

Helmets are required for all riders 17 years old or younger.

Cell Phones

If you're visiting, bring your Bluetooth for your cell phone.

• On Oahu (the island everyone first arrives on, where Honolulu is), you may not use a handheld cell phone or any other handheld electronic device while behind the wheel.

• Even holding a phone in your hands at a traffic light can get you a $67 ticket if there's a police officer next to you.

• This law applies to iPods, cameras, and any other electronic handheld device, too.

On January 1, 2010, the Big Island (Hawaii) will follow suit, issuing fines of up to $150 for not using a handsfree device. The other islands are expected to pass these laws as well.

Headlight Laws

• Daytime use is NOT required for motorcycles.

• There are no mandatory headlight laws for cars or trucks.

Reporting Drunk and/or Unsafe Drivers

Hawaii does not employ a statewide DUI reporting net. If you suspect s driver of being drunk or unfit to be on the road, dial 911. Try to include the driver's license plate number and which direction he or she is headed.

Unattended and Kids and Pets

Kids

A person can be be slapped with a second-degree misdemeanor for injuring a minor. But due to the law's vagueness, it is rarely used as a detriment against parents or guardians leaving children unattended in cars. Hawaii's state legislature has been debating tightening the screws on this law, but as of now lacks the strength of consensus.

If you suspect an unattended child is in danger, call 911 and remain with the vehicle until authorities arrive.

Pets

Hawaii does not possess a law against leaving pets unattended in cars. If you suspect a pet is in danger, dial 911 and remain with the vehicle until authorities arrive.

Child Car Seat Laws

The Law

• All kids under the age of four must be secured in a Federally-approved child safety seat.

• All kids between the ages of four and seven must ride in either a booster seat or a car seat. Kids 4'9'' or taller or those riding in vehicles with lap-only seat belts in rear seats are exempt.

If you're in the market for one, you can shop online for a child car seat at any time. When ordering, be sure the car seat matches your child's height, weight and age.

Penalty

If caught in violation you can be slugged with a stiff fine and be forced to attend a four-hour class.

Tax Break

The state allows a $25 tax break, per year, towards the purchase of a federally-approved child safety seat.

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