Motorcyclists face more risks on the road than drivers of enclosed vehicles. Without seatbelts, riders must rely on appropriate safety gear to avoid head injuries and bodily harm in a crash. This includes a helmet, reflective clothing, gloves, and other gear that offers protection. Wearing the right equipment, having a valid motorcycle license, and following safety regulations help keep riders safe and legally covered.
Hawaii’s motorcycle laws also give riders legal recourse if they are hurt in an accident with a negligent driver or another party. A biker or passenger who is hurt in a motorcycle crash in Hawaii could be eligible to recover significant compensation if the accident was caused by someone else’s carelessness, recklessness, or otherwise negligent actions.
At Recovery Law Center in Honolulu, we’ve represented many motorcycle riders after crashes, so we understand the importance of understanding Hawaii’s motorcycle helmet laws and other traffic rules. Not only does following the law help protect you from serious injuries, but it can also make a major difference if you’re ever involved in an accident.
Recovery Law Center is committed to rider safety. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, we’re here to explain your rights and guide you through your next steps.
Hawaii Motorcycle Helmet and Safety Laws
According to the State of Hawaii Motorcycle Operator Manual, riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (FMVSS 218) sets requirements for helmets with several factors in mind, which include:
- Inner Lining — Federally approved helmets will typically have a thick lining of polystyrene foam. The minimum thickness is one inch, and it may or may not be visible, but you should be able to feel the padding.
- Chin Strap and Rivets — DOT-approved helmets will have a strong chin strap and durable rivets to further secure the helmet in the event of a collision or accident.
- Helmet Weight — Unsafe helmets are lighter than those approved under FMVSS 218. Due to the structure and padding, substantial and safe helmets usually weigh around three pounds.
- Visibility — Helmets should allow drivers to see as far in their periphery as possible while still complying with other safety standards. Full-face helmets include eye protection to guard against debris. Three-quarter or open-face helmets do not include eye shields but are still allowed if they meet other standards.
When looking for an approved helmet, be aware of the labeling. Under the regulations, approved helmets will have a DOT sticker on the back. In addition to the exterior DOT label, high-quality helmets approved by organizations like the American National Standards Institute or the Snell Foundation have another label inside the helmet.
Hawaii Motorcycle License Requirements: What You Must Know
Regardless of your age, obtaining a motorcycle license in Hawaii is a complex process. The various steps prospective motorcyclists must take are designed to provide them with the knowledge and exposure they need to navigate the road safely. The following generally outlines the timeline for obtaining a motorcycle license:
1. Temporary Instruction Permit
You must have a motorcycle instructional permit when learning on the road. Such a permit is due to be awarded to you after satisfactory completion of the pre-trial tests and satisfaction of all applicable conditions or prerequisites. You cannot carry passengers and operate a motorcycle during hours of darkness, but you will learn to ride under the guise of obtaining permits. You may be granted more than six months’ notice of renewal if you fail an aptitude test before this expiry. If your permit expires after a minimum of one attempt to make it through a process, you have three months in which to apply.
2. Written Exam
The specifics of the written exam will depend on what kind of license you already possess or need to obtain. Typically, a motorcycle is known as a class-2 permit in Hawaii. It permits the operation of a bike or motor car. You may not be required to sit a basic knowledge test. For this reason, you must only take motorcycle-specific sections. Both tests are multiple-choice and written in a multiple-choice format. If an applicant intends to test for any motorcycle, they should prepare thoroughly using the instruction manual and complete practice tests prior to the exam.
3. Preliminary Examinations
To achieve success, a general driver’s examination and a specialized motorcycle examination are required. These tests are designed to assess one’s understanding of highway rules and signs, as well as one’s skills in operating motorcycles. Additionally, you have to give vision tests. On satisfactory completion of the knowledge evaluation and vision exam, you will obtain an instruction permit with a validity of one year.
Insurance Requirements for Motorcyclists in Hawaii
Insurance coverage offers crucial protection for motorcyclists and others on the road. For this reason, motorcyclists in Hawaii are required to have liability insurance for their motor scooter or motorcycle at all times. Drivers must have proof of insurance with them while operating their vehicles. Anyone driving without proof of insurance is subject to a citation of at least $100.
To purchase motor vehicle insurance, drivers must provide either a valid motorcycle license or a learner’s permit. In many instances, completing a motorcycle safety education course makes drivers eligible for a discount on their insurance premiums.
Minimum coverage for a motorcycle insurance policy includes:
- $20,000 coverage per person for bodily injury
- $40,000 coverage per person, where multiple people were hurt
- $10,000 coverage per incident for property damage
In addition to these provisions, insurance companies must offer drivers optional coverage, including medical payment coverage for injury expenses, an income disability plan in the event of serious injuries, and higher liability coverage.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Hawaii?
Lane splitting (the practice of driving between lanes) is a maneuver that some motorcyclists use to get through traffic more easily. This practice is also commonly referred to as filtering or white lining. Although many motorcyclists in Hawaii participate in lane splitting, it is not a legal practice.
Over the years, there has been some debate about whether lane splitting should be permitted, with the legislature ultimately not settling on legalization. However, in 2018, the Hawaii legislature passed House Bill 2859, which allows for two-wheeled motorcycles to drive on the shoulder.
Currently, California is the only state where lane splitting is expressly permitted by law.
Call the Recovery Law Center After a Motorcycle Accident in Hawaii
No matter your vehicle of choice, practicing safety on the road is important. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you face substantial medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
Reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, Glenn Honda, and the team at the firm to discuss your legal options in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. If the carelessness of another person caused your injuries, you should not be left to deal with the consequences alone.
Call us at (808) 374-5174 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
