Traffic Violations in Hawaii

Hawaii traffic violations refer to driving offenses committed within state limits. There are several traffic violations in Hawaii that drivers as specified by the Hawaii road statutes. These laws are enforced by Hawaii law enforcement agencies and overseen by the state's courts.

Offending road users in Hawaii are penalized with fines, jail time, or points on their driver's license. Drivers who accumulate too many points on their license may also be subject to additional penalties, such as a suspension of their driving privileges.

Per Hawaii's point system, these points are assigned based on the severity of the offense and can stay on the offender's record for up to two years. If a motorist accumulates too many points, their license may be suspended.

Hawaii is a no-fault state. This means that drivers are responsible for their damages in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. To protect themselves in the event of a collision, motorists are required to obtain uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage will help pay for their damages if the other driver is not covered or does not have enough insurance to cover their costs.

Records of Hawaii traffic violations are typically included in the Hawaii traffic records of the offender concerned. These records may be deleted or sealed if the offending party satisfies the state's eligibility requirements for expungement.

Types of Traffic Violations in Hawaii

In Hawaii, traffic violations are classified into three categories: moving violations, parking violations, and equipment violations.

Moving violations involve the actual operation of a vehicle, such as speeding, running a red light, or careless driving. These offenses can result in fines or points being assessed against the driver's record.

Parking violations include parking in a no-parking zone or parking without a valid permit. These violations can result in fines, towing, or impounding the car.

Equipment violations are offenses such as having a burned-out headlight or an expired registration sticker.

Traffic cases in Hawaii are typically heard by the state’s traffic courts, and the penalties for traffic violations vary depending on the severity of the offense and the driver's history of violations. However, most traffic violations will result in a fine, and some can also lead to points being assessed against the driver's license. Drivers who accumulate too many points may have their license suspended or revoked. It is important to note that drivers who are not United States citizens may also face additional penalties, such as deportation, for committing traffic violations.

Hawaii Traffic Violation Code

The Hawaii traffic code is a comprehensive document covering all aspects of driving in the state. It includes rules and regulations for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists and information on licensing, registration, and insurance.

The traffic code is regularly updated to reflect changes in the law and ensure that it reflects the best traffic management and safety practices.

Some of the key points covered in the traffic code include:

Driving regulations, including speed limits, use of seat belts, and use of mobile phones while driving
Rules for pedestrians including crossing the road safely and using pedestrian crossings
Rules for cyclists, including using cycle lanes where available and wearing a helmet
Licensing requirements, including the need to hold a valid driver's license and insurance requirements.
Penalties for breaking the traffic laws, including fines and imprisonment

Hawaii Felony Traffic Violations

According to Hawaii's traffic law, a felony traffic violation is a crime that is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. Some of the most common Hawaii felony traffic violations include driving under the influence (DUI), vehicular manslaughter, and reckless driving.

Hawaii Felony DUI
One of the most common felony traffic violations is driving under the influence (DUI). If convicted of DUI in Hawaii, a motorist could face significant penalties, including jail time, fines, and a driver's license suspension.

Vehicular homicide in Hawaii
Another common felony traffic violation is vehicular homicide. If convicted of vehicular homicide in Hawaii, a motorist could face up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Reckless driving in Hawaii
Reckless driving is also a common felony traffic violation in Hawaii. If convicted of reckless driving, a motorist could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Hawaii Traffic Misdemeanors

In Hawaii, certain types of traffic violations are considered misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are generally less severe than felonies but can still result in fines or jail time.

Some of the most common misdemeanor traffic offenses include driving without a valid license, reckless driving, and operating a vehicle under the influence of intoxicants (OVI). Penalties for these offenses may vary depending on the severity of the crime and the individual's previous criminal record.

Hawaii Traffic Infractions

Under Hawaii law, selected traffic offenses are deemed infractions. A traffic infraction is defined as any violation of the state's motor vehicle code, including but not limited to speeding, running a red light, or failure to yield.

A traffic infraction is a criminal offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for 30 days. In addition, a person who commits a traffic infraction may have their driver's license suspended for up to one year.

Hawaii Traffic Violation Codes and Fines

The Hawaii traffic violation code is a set of laws established by the state of Hawaii to promote road safety. The code sets forth the types of offenses that are considered traffic violations and the corresponding fines. It was designed to deter drivers from engaging in dangerous or illegal behavior. The code establishes a system of fines for various offenses, ranging from minor infractions to major crimes. The amount of the fine depends on the severity of the offense.

The code is outlined in the Hawaii Revised Statutes, section 2911, and some of the most common traffic offenses in Hawaii include:

Speeding: Speeding is a significant contributor to accidents and fatalities on Hawaii roads. The maximum speed limit on all highways is 55 mph unless posted otherwise. The minimum speed limit is 20 mph. Drivers caught speeding can be fined up to $200 for their first offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses.

Reckless Driving: reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers the safety of others. This can include speeding, swerving in and out of lanes, tailgating, and running red lights or stop signs. Drivers caught driving recklessly can be fined up to $500.

Driving Under the Influence: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense in Hawaii. Drivers who are caught driving under the influence can be fined up to $1,000 and may be required to complete a DUI education program. However, depending on the intoxication level, the severity of the accident, and the offender's criminal history, the driver may be charged with a felony offense.

Failure to Yield: failure to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians or other vehicles can result in an accident. Drivers who fail to yield can be fined up to $100.

Running a Red Light: running a red light is extremely dangerous and is one of the leading causes of accidents in Hawaii. Drivers caught running a red light can be fined up to $200.

How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in Hawaii

Motorists who have been issued a traffic violation ticket in Hawaii can pay the associated fines through one of several available options. Motorists in Hawaii can pay their traffic tickets online, by mail, or in person at the District Court of the First Circuit.

Paying a Hawaii Traffic Ticket Online
Motorists can pay their traffic violation fines online through the Hawaii State Judiciary website. To do so, they will need to visit the website and enter their case number and payment amount. Once the payment is processed, a motorist will receive a confirmation email.

Paying by a Hawaii Traffic Ticket Via Mail
To pay a Hawaii traffic ticket by mail, the offender can send a check or money order to:

District Court of the First Circuit Traffic Violations Bureau P.O. Box 3498 Honolulu, HI 96811

Requestors must be sure to include their citation number and personal information along with the payment.

Paying in a Hawaii Traffic Ticket Person
Interested persons may also pay for their Hawaii traffic ticket in person at the District Court of the First Circuit. The court is located at:

1111 Alakea Street, 3rd Floor Honolulu, HI 96813

Further questions regarding the traffic ticket payment process may be directed to the Traffic Violations Bureau at (808) 539-4983.

Traffic Violation Lookup in Hawaii

Motorists who have received a traffic ticket in Hawaii can look up their violations online. To do so, interested motorists can visit the website of the Hawaii State Judiciary. Once there, click on the "Traffic Violation Lookup" link, enter the ticket number and last name, and click "Search". The required information will come up on the screen, and information about the fine amount and how to pay it.

Interested parties may also look up a traffic violation by contacting the Hawaii State Judiciary by phone or in person.

When contacting the Hawaii State Judiciary by phone, the requesting party will be required to provide them with their ticket number and last name so they can locate their traffic violation information.

How to Plead not Guilty to a Traffic Violation in Hawaii

If issued a ticket for a traffic violation in Hawaii, an offender has several options. They can:

Pay the ticket
Contest the ticket in court
Submit a plea of no contest
Request a hearing to contest the ticket

If the motorist chooses to pay the ticket, they will need to do so within 30 days of receipt. If they opt to contest the ticket in court, they will need to file a written plea with the court. On the other hand, if they choose to submit a plea of no contest, they will need to do so within 30 days of receipt, and the motorist will not be able to contest the ticket in court. If the motorist chooses to request a hearing, they will need to do so within 20 days of receipt.

In Hawaii, traffic offenders can plead guilty or not guilty. If they choose to plead guilty, they must pay the fine and may be subject to other penalties, such as points on their license. If not, they will have the opportunity to have their case heard by a judge.

To plead not guilty to a traffic violation in Hawaii, the motorist must first complete a "not guilty" plea form and submit it to the court. The motorist will then be given a date for their hearing. At the hearing, a motorist will have the chance to present their case and argue why they are not guilty of the violation. The judge will then decide on their case. If found guilty, a motorist will be required to pay the fine and may be subject to other penalties.

If a motorist has been cited for a traffic violation in Hawaii, it is important to understand their rights and options before making a decision on how to plead. Pleading not guilty may give a motorist the best chance of having their case dismissed or avoiding penalties. However, it is important to keep in mind that a motorist will be required to pay the fine if found guilty. Motorists should also be aware that they may still be required to pay court costs even if their case is dismissed.

What Happens if a Motorist Plead No Contest to a Traffic Violation in Hawaii

If a motorist pleads no contest to a traffic violation in Hawaii, the court may find a motorist guilty and impose a sentence. The sentence will be based on the severity of the offense and their criminal history. If they have no prior record, the court may order the offender to pay a fine or attend traffic school. If the motorist has a prior record, the court may order them to pay a higher fine, attend traffic school, or serve jail time. In some cases, the court may also order a motorist to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. This device prevents their car from starting if it detects alcohol on their breath.

No contest pleas are common in traffic court. Many people choose to plead no contest because they do not want to admit guilt. However, a no-contest plea has the same legal effect as a guilty plea. The court will find a motorist guilty and impose a sentence.

Pleading no contest may be a good option if a motorist has a clean driving record and minor offense. Pleading no contest can also help a motorist avoid points on their license. Points on their license can lead to higher insurance rates and may even cause their license to be suspended.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on a Record in Hawaii?

Traffic violations can stay on an offender's record in Hawaii for up to 3 years. However, the length of time that a traffic violation stays on a record will depend on the severity of the offense. Minor offenses, such as speeding, will typically remain on their record for 1-2 years. More serious crimes, such as DUI or reckless driving, can stay on their record for up to 3 years. If a motorist has multiple traffic violations on their record, they may stay on their record for a longer period.

Traffic violations can lead to higher insurance rates and even license suspension. If a motorist has a traffic violation on their record, they may be able to take defensive driving courses or complete community service to have the violation removed from their record.

Can Traffic Violations Be Expunged or Sealed in Hawaii?

Yes, traffic violations can be deleted or sealed in Hawaii. However, certain conditions must be met for this to happen. For example, the breach must not have resulted in a conviction, and it must not be a pending case. The violation cannot be for a serious offense such as DUI or hit and run. If a motorist meets these criteria, they can file a petition with the court to have their traffic violation expunged or sealed.

To seal a traffic violation in Hawaii, the court must find good cause to do so. Good cause can include the fact that the violation is minor or that sealing the record would be in the best interests of justice. If the court grants their petition, their traffic violation will be sealed and will not show up on most background checks.

Expunging a traffic violation in Hawaii is a bit more complicated than sealing it. To have a traffic violation expunged, the motorist must first obtain a certificate of rehabilitation from the Hawaii Department of Public Safety. This certificate shows that they have been rehabilitated and are unlikely to commit another offense. Once a motorist has this certificate, they can file a petition with the court to have their traffic violation expunged. If the court grants their petition, their traffic violation will be removed from their criminal record.

There are a few things to keep in mind if seeking to have a traffic violation expunged or sealed in Hawaii:

It is important to make sure that a motorist meets the eligibility criteria.
A motorist will need to obtain a certificate of rehabilitation from the Hawaii Department of Public Safety.
A motorist will need to file a petition with the court.

If a motorist does all of these things, a motorist stands a good chance of having their traffic violation expunged or sealed.

What Happens if a Motorist Misses a Court Date for a Traffic Violation in Hawaii?

If a motorist misses a court date for a traffic violation in Hawaii, they may be subject to several penalties. These can include having their driver's license suspended or revoked, being placed on probation, or being fined. In some cases, a motorist may also be required to appear before a judge to explain why a motorist missed their court date. If a motorist has a valid reason for missing the court date, the judge may reschedule the case. However, if a motorist does not have a valid excuse, the judge may find a motorist in contempt of court and sentence a motorist to jail time.