Safety Laws

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

There are currently no laws against cell phone use. A bill banning cell phone use while driving is, however, currently being debated by the state legislature.

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 Safety Seats

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.

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.