Hawaii Traffic Violation Records

Records of traffic infractions and other traffic-related violations are maintained by the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) and the Hawaii Judiciary's Traffic Violations Bureau. These records include citations for offenses such as speeding, reckless driving, running red lights, DUI, and other violations of state or county traffic laws. Speeding tops the list of traffic violations in Hawaii. About 9.4% of drivers in the state have a prior speeding violation on their driving record. This figure is lower than the 10.5% national average.

Traffic violations in Hawaii may result in fines, license suspensions, mandatory court appearances, and driver education courses. However, unlike many states, Hawaii does not use a point system to track driver infractions. Instead, the state evaluates a driver's history based on the number and severity of convictions. Repeated violations or major offenses, such as DUI or reckless driving, may lead to license suspension or revocation by the state's administrative adjudication process.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in Hawaii?

Traffic violation records in Hawaii are generally considered public records pursuant to the Uniform Information Practices Act, but access varies depending on the type of record. The Hawaii State Judiciary provides public access to basic traffic case records through its online system, eCourt Kokua. While traffic court records are public, certain personal information may be redacted to protect individual privacy by the Federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act.

Note that some traffic records are maintained by the Traffic Violations Bureau of the district courts in Hawaii. Such records are also open to the public and may be accessed by interested persons.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in Hawaii?

You may look up traffic ticket information using the eCourt Kokua system. The system provides public access to traffic case records. However, to perform a search, you must enter your citation number, case ID, or name. Note that it may take up to 13 days or longer after the violation for your ticket to be entered into the system.

The public nature of basic traffic records in Hawaii means that third-party websites may provide access to them. Therefore, you may use one of such services, such as publicrecords.us, to look up Hawaii traffic ticket information.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

You may pay Hawaii traffic fines via the following methods:

• Online: If you admit responsibility for a traffic violation and have not been mandated to appear in court for the offense, you may use the eTraffic Hawai'i system to pay the applicable fines. To use this system, you must pay the total amount due within 21 days of receiving the citation. Payment may be made using MasterCard or VISA. You will need your citation number to complete payment on this system. If you do not have your citation number, you may contact the Hawaii courts at (808) 538-5500. Be aware that a fee of $1.50 plus 2.6% of the total citation amount applies as a service charge for payments made via credit card.
• Pay by Telephone: To make a payment by phone, call (800) 679-5949. You must pay the full amount shown on your citation within 21 calendar days from the date you received it. Before calling, ensure you have your citation number, your vehicle's license plate number, and a valid Visa or MasterCard available to complete the transaction.
• Pay in Person: You may also choose to pay your citation in person at any district court in the state. Payments may be made using an imprinted check or money order in U.S. dollars, payable to "District Court", or by using a VISA or MasterCard credit or debit card. A $25 service charge will apply to any payment that is returned or deemed invalid.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

Hawaii does not provide an online method for drivers to obtain their driving records. To obtain a driving record, you may visit or write to any of the district courts in the state. A completed Request for Hawaii Driver History Record will be needed, and with payment for a $9 fee.

A Hawaii driver's history record contains the driver's full name, date of birth, and mailing address. It also includes details about the driver's license, such as the license class, any endorsements or restrictions, its current status, and the expiration date. In addition, the record provides a history of crashes, moving violations, failures to appear in court, and any suspensions or revocations of the driver's license, including those reported by other states.

The report typically covers information from the past three years. However, it may also include suspensions and revocations older than five years if they are still active, as well as additional historical data where applicable.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Hawaii?

Moving violations in Hawaii are traffic offenses committed while a vehicle is in motion. Common examples of moving violations in the state include:

• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Distracted driving
• Driving Under the Influence
• Reckless driving
• Failure to yield

Penalties for moving violations in Hawaii include hefty fines, mandatory court appearances, license suspension or revocation, and increased insurance premiums. Although Hawaii does not use a point-based system, repeat or serious violations are still recorded and may lead to administrative action against your driving privileges.

On the other hand, non-moving violations occur when a vehicle is stationary or involves compliance issues unrelated to driving behavior. Examples include:

• Expired vehicle registration
• Illegal or unpaid parking
• No valid insurance
• Faulty or missing equipment

Penalties for non-moving violations in Hawaii typically involve fines, which are generally lower than those for moving violations. Although non-moving violations do not typically lead to license suspensions, they may require corrective action, such as repairing equipment or providing proof of insurance, and in some cases, may result in vehicle towing or impoundment if left unresolved.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Hawaii?

A DUI conviction in Hawaii will remain on your driving record and criminal record for five years from the date of the sentence. Hawaii ranks in the top ten for states with the lowest rates of drunk driving-related deaths. The state records about 300 DUI arrests and 4 DUI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers.

The penalties for DUI convictions in Hawaii include the following:

• First Offense
• License Revocation: 90 days to 1 year
• Jail Time: 2 to 5 days
• Community Service: Minimum of 72 hours
• Fines: $250 to $1,000, plus surcharges
• Substance Abuse Program: Mandatory 14-hour rehabilitation
• Ignition Interlock Device: Required during revocation period
• Second Offense (Within 5 Years of First)
• License Revocation: 1 to 2 years
• Jail Time: 5 to 14 days (minimum 48 hours served consecutively)
• Community Service: Minimum of 240 hours
• Fines: $500 to $1,500, plus surcharges
• Substance Abuse Program: Mandatory 14-hour rehabilitation
• Ignition Interlock Device: Required during revocation period
• Third or Subsequent Offense (Within 5 Years)
• Classification: Class C Felony (Habitual Offender)
• License Revocation: 3 to 5 years
• Jail Time: 10 to 30 days; up to 5 years for habitual offenders
• Fines: $500 to $2,500, plus surcharges
• Probation: Up to 5 years

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Hawaii?

Except where otherwise posted, the following are the absolute speed limits in Hawaii:

• Residential areas: 25 mph
• School zones: 25 mph
• Regular roads (non-residential): 45 mph
• Rural freeways: 50 mph
• Urban freeways: 60 mph

The fines for speeding depend on how many offenses a driver has committed within one year. For a first-time speeding violation, the fine can be as high as $200. If a driver commits a second speeding offense within the same year, the fine increases to a maximum of $300. A third or subsequent violation within that year may result in a fine of up to $500.

Note that speeding in designated school or construction zones carries even higher penalties. The base fine for such offenses is $250. Additionally, there is a surcharge of $100 for violations in construction zones and $125 for those in school zones, per § 291C-104 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Excessive speeding in Hawaii, defined as driving 80 mph or more or 35 mph over the limit, carries serious penalties. A first offense includes up to $1,000 in fines, a $125 surcharge, license suspension of up to 30 days, and jail or community service. A second offense brings harsher penalties, including mandatory suspension and longer service or jail time. A third offense attracts $1,000 in fines, surcharges of up to $125, license revocation of up to one year, and up to 30 days in jail.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Hawaii?

Speeding tickets remain on your Hawaii driving record for three years from the date of the offense.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

You may use the following strategies when defending yourself appeal a Hawaii traffic ticket using the following defenses:

• Challenge the Officer's Observations: Many traffic violations rely on an officer's subjective judgment, such as determining whether a driver was speeding or failed to yield. If the circumstances were unclear or the officer's view was obstructed, you may argue that their assessment was inaccurate.
• Question the Accuracy of Speed Detection Devices: If you received a speeding ticket, you may challenge the reliability of the radar or laser device used to clock your speed. Request maintenance records to check if the device was properly calibrated and functioning correctly at the time of the citation.
• Present Evidence of a Justifiable Defense: Certain situations may justify a traffic violation. For example, if you were speeding to avoid an imminent danger or swerving to prevent an accident, you may argue that your actions were necessary for safety.
• Dispute the Clarity of Traffic Signs or Road Conditions: If a traffic sign was missing, obscured, or unclear, you may argue that you were unaware of the violation. Similarly, if road conditions made it unsafe to follow standard traffic rules, such as avoiding a pothole or debris, this may serve as a defense.
• Request a Dismissal Based on Procedural Errors: If there are errors on your ticket, such as incorrect vehicle details, location, or time of the violation, you may be able to get the citation dismissed. Additionally, if the officer fails to appear in court, your case may be dropped.

Although you may manage minor traffic tickets on your own, it is advisable to hire a traffic attorney if you are facing criminal charges such as a DUI. Legal representation is also strongly recommended for commercial drivers or in situations where a traffic violation may lead to job loss and substantial fines.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

Many states participate in two interstate agreements, the Driver's License Compact (DLC) and the Nonresident Violator Compact (NVC), that govern how traffic violations are managed across state lines. The DLC ensures that traffic violations committed in another state are treated as if they occurred in the driver's home state. Therefore, a ticket received outside your home state may appear on your driving record. Per the NVC, if a driver fails to resolve a ticket received in a different state, their home state may suspend their license until the fine is paid.

Out-of-state traffic tickets may be resolved in the following ways:

• Notify the Court: Contact the court listed on your citation to inform them of your intent to contest the ticket. Request details about the hearing process and whether remote appearances are permitted.
• Collect Supporting Evidence: Gather all relevant evidence that may strengthen your case, such as photographs, witness statements, or maintenance records for any speed detection equipment involved.
• Consult or Hire a Local Attorney: Consider hiring an attorney experienced in the traffic laws of the issuing jurisdiction. They may help build a strong defense and represent you in court if needed.
• Request a Court Hearing: Schedule a hearing date with the court. If remote participation is not allowed, make arrangements to appear in person.
• Present Your Case: During the hearing, present your defense using the evidence you have gathered. You may challenge the officer's observations, question the accuracy of speed-measuring devices, or raise other valid legal defenses.

How Do Hawaii Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

Many traffic laws are commonly shared among states in the nation. However, a few are unique to each state. Some unique traffic laws in Hawaii include the following:

• No Point System: Unlike most states, Hawaii does not use a demerit point system to track traffic violations. Instead, the state monitors a driver's history through convictions and administrative actions.
• Statewide Uniform Traffic Code: Hawaii enforces a Statewide Traffic Code (HRS Chapter 291C) that applies uniformly across all counties. This contrasts with many states where counties or municipalities may adopt varying local traffic laws and ordinances.
• Universal Seat Belt Law: Hawaii mandates that all vehicle occupants, regardless of age or seating position, wear seat belts. Violators may face fines of $100 or more and be required to attend a driver's education class.
• Left-Lane Rules: Hawaii enforces strict left-lane passing laws, requiring drivers to return to the right lane after overtaking another vehicle.