Mopeds remain one of the easiest ways to move around the islands. Yet Hawaii treats these machines like other motor vehicles, and the rules can surprise new riders. This guide breaks down the current moped laws on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island—covering licenses, registration, parking, and safety—so you can ride within the law and avoid tickets.
Do you need legal help after a crash? Recovery Law Center has helped injured riders across the state for over two decades. Schedule a free consultation today to learn your options.
What Counts as a Moped in Hawaii?
Under HRS 286‑2, a moped is a two‑ or three‑wheeled vehicle with:
- An automatic power drive system
- A motor that displaces no more than 50 cc or produces no more than 2 HP
- A top speed of 30 mph on level ground
Anything faster is a motor scooter or motorcycle, which faces stricter rules.
License Rules for Moped Drivers
1. Minimum Credential
- The minimum credential is a valid driver’s license (Class 3) or an instruction permit. A valid motorcycle license (Class 2) also works, but is not required.
- Tourists may ride with an out-of-state license as long as it is still current.
2. Permit Phase and Tests
- Riders who choose the permit route must pass the written test first, then a skills test (sometimes called a practical test) before the permit expires. If the skill test before the deadline is missed, you must wait three months for a new motorcycle instructional permit.
- Teen riders must complete driver education requirements under Hawaii’s GDL program.
3. Age Limits
- The state sets 15 years and 6 months as the minimum age to apply for a permit.
- Riders under 18 must wear a helmet and cannot carry passengers during the permit phase.
Registration, Plates, and Annual Safety Inspection
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Moped license plate | Each moped needs a plate showing the license plate number and renewal decal. |
| Annual safety inspection | Conducted at certified safety inspection stations; proof is needed to renew registration. |
| Liability insurance | State law now requires at least the minimum 20/40/10 coverage for mopeds. |
| Moped inspection sticker | Affixed to the fork or body after passing inspection. |
Tip: Bring the registration, insurance card, and driver’s license when you visit an inspection station.
Required Safety Equipment
Hawaii police can ticket a moped driver if an ordinarily observant person can see a defect. The machine must have:
- Headlamp, tail lamp, brake light, and rear reflector
- Working horn audible at 200 feet
- Rear‑view mirror free of fixed or moving objects that block the view
- A muffler that does not create excessive or unusual noise
- Tires with at least 1⁄32‑inch tread
A full-body enclosed cab is rare on mopeds, but if fitted, the rider must still wear seat belts if supplied.
Where You May Ride
| Location | Rule |
|---|---|
| Marked traffic lanes | Mopeds must stay as close to the right as practicable. |
| Bicycle lanes or such bicycle lanes | Allowed unless a sign bans motorized traffic. |
| Bicycle paths or such bicycle paths | Not allowed. |
| Shoulders | Permitted only when keeping up with normal traffic is impossible. |
| Freeways | Prohibited for all mopeds. |
| Official traffic control devices | Follow them exactly; traffic laws apply to mopeds. |
Riders should treat mopeds like any other motor vehicles when signals, stop lines, and crosswalks are present.
Parking Rules: Streets, Stalls, and Meters
Hawaiʻi Revised Ordinances § 15‑13.11 sets special rules for parking motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds:
- Designating parking stalls specifically. The city may mark stalls just for two‑wheelers. Park the vehicle only inside the lines.
- On-street parking stalls. Where no special stalls exist, a moped may use a standard parallel parking space. Park at the front of such a space so a car can still fit.
- Metered parking space. One paid meter covers all mopeds in the stall. Riders share the parking fee and obey the parking time permitted.
- Standing vehicle. Do not leave a moped idling in a stall longer than needed to lock it.
Practical Safety Tips for Everyday Riding
- Wear a DOT‑approved helmet and bright vest—basic rider safety equipment.
- Keep both hands on the bars; never text and ride.
- Scan marked traffic lanes for debris and potholes.
- Slow before corners; loose sand can send a driver’s ride sliding.
- Use a U‑lock through the wheel and frame to deter theft of such a vehicle.
After a Moped Crash: Steps to Protect Your Rights
- Move out of traffic if you can do so safely.
- Call 911 and request an ambulance for any injury.
- Take photos of the vehicle parked positions, skid marks, and license plates.
- Exchange information and note the driver’s license issued to the other party.
- Seek medical care even for small aches; soft‑tissue injuries often appear later.
- Contact Recovery Law Center to discuss your claim before you talk to an insurance adjuster.
Ride Smart and Know Your Rights
Hawaii’s moped rules cover much more than a quick spin to the beach. From the annual safety inspection to limits on parallel parking, every moped owner must follow state and county codes to avoid fines and stay safe.
When a crash happens, the law can feel confusing, and time limits apply. The team at Recovery Law Center stands ready to help. Schedule a consultation today, and let us handle the legal work for your case.
