📅 2026 Update: Recent Developments in Hawaii DUI Laws

Since the original article on Hawaii traffic fines was written, there have been no significant changes to Hawaii's DUI laws from 2024 to 2026. However, understanding current fees and penalties remains vital for anyone facing DUI charges. This update will highlight the most relevant changes and information, while the earlier article continues further down the page.

🚦 Current DUI Fines and Costs

Hawaii maintains a structured fine system for DUI offenses. The first offense fine ranges from $250 to $1,000. For a second offense, fines increase to between $1,000 and $3,000.

The third offense is treated as a felony, with fines determined by the court.

  • 🚗 Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Costs: Installing an IID costs approximately $150, with a monthly monitoring fee of about $80. This device is mandatory for all DUI offenders during their license revocation period.

📄 Forms and Processes

To contest a traffic ticket or conviction, individuals must complete Form 102, the Request for Administrative Hearing. Those needing an ignition interlock permit during their suspension must fill out Form ADLRO IIP.

⏳ License Reinstatement and Processing

Individuals can take reinstatement tests 30 days before their revocation period ends. However, a new license will only be issued once this period is fully complete.

📅 Important Deadlines

Requests for an Administrative Hearing must be submitted on time. If rescheduling is needed, individuals must use Form 41, the Request for Continuance/Notice of Continued Administrative Hearing.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • DUI fines: First offense $250 to $1,000; second offense $1,000 to $3,000; third offense as felony.
  • IID costs: Installation $150; monthly monitoring about $80.
  • Forms required: Form 102 for hearings; Form ADLRO IIP for IID permits.
  • Reinstatement tests can be taken 30 days before the end of the revocation.
  • Timely requests for hearings are crucial.

💡 Tips for Navigating DUI Situations in Hawaii

Review your unique circumstances with your attorney to understand your situation fully.

📜 Understand License Suspension Lengths

The length of your license suspension varies by offense. A first offense can lead to suspension from 1 to 18 months, while a second offense results in 2 to 3 years. A third offense can lead to a suspension of 3 to 5 years.

⚖️ Know the Penalties for Refusing Tests

If you refuse a chemical test, the penalties are severe. The first refusal results in a 1-year administrative license suspension, while a second refusal can lead to a suspension of 2 to 5 years.

🧒 Be Aware of Child Passenger Penalties

If you are caught driving under the influence with a child passenger under 15 years old, expect additional penalties. This includes a mandatory $500 fine and 48 consecutive hours in jail.

🚨 Understand the Implied Consent Law

Driving in Hawaii means you consent to breath, blood, or urine testing if arrested for DUI. Refusing such tests triggers administrative penalties, making it essential to understand this law.

🚦 Zero Tolerance for Underage Drivers

Hawaii has a strict zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21 years old. They cannot operate a vehicle with any measurable amount of alcohol, and a BAC of 0.02% or higher is illegal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🚔 What happens if I get a DUI in Hawaii?

A DUI in Hawaii can lead to significant fines, license suspension, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device during the revocation period.

📜 Can I contest a DUI charge?

Yes, you can contest a DUI charge by submitting Form 102 for an Administrative Hearing.

🔬 What is the BAC limit in Hawaii?

The legal BAC limit in Hawaii is 0.08% for drivers over 21. For drivers under 21, any measurable amount of alcohol is illegal.

⏳ How long does a license suspension last for a DUI?

For a first DUI offense, the suspension can last from 1 to 18 months, while a second offense can lead to a suspension of 2 to 3 years.

🧒 Are there additional penalties for DUI with a child passenger?

Yes, if caught driving under the influence with a child passenger under 15 years old, you face a mandatory $500 fine and 48 consecutive hours in jail.

⚖️ Can I get my license back before the end of the revocation period?

You can take reinstatement tests 30 days before the end of the revocation period, but a new license will only be issued after the full period has ended.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to DUI in Hawaii

Recent court rulings have clarified various aspects of DUI laws in Hawaii, impacting how cases are treated and penalties enforced. Understanding these rulings can help individuals navigate their situations more effectively.

You can browse more rulings on the news page for up-to-date information on recent cases affecting DUI laws.

End of October 2026 Update






 



Driving through Hawaii can be beautiful, but if you commit a traffic offense, you may be on the hook for Hawaii traffic fines that total hundreds or thousands of dollars.  This guide will talk about a few of the common offenses that Hawaii traffic fines are assessed for, and can help you to understand how much your fine will roughly be.  You will also learn about the difference between a civil infraction and a misdemeanor, and how this will affect your Hawaii traffic fines.



 

Hawaii Traffic Fines


 



It is important to remember that for many traffic offenses in the state of Hawaii, police officers have a great deal of discretion and can issue a ticket for any amount they feel is reasonable.  This means that it is impossible to estimate for sure how much your fine will be in a particular area for a particular charge, especially when you are a repeat offender.  If you need to know exactly how much your fine will be, you should contact your local courthouse and ask to speak to someone in the traffic court division about your fine.



 



 



Civil Infractions Versus Misdemeanors



 



 



The most common kinds of traffic violations in Hawaii are typically ticketed as civil infractions.  These infractions include moving violations of many types, and are punishable by Hawaii traffic fines as well as possible license suspension.  The point system for Hawaii licenses has been abolished, so no points will be assessed regardless of the charge.  Instead, judges can determine whose license to suspend based on the charge and how many times a person has been convicted of traffic offenses in the past.



 



 



Misdemeanor charges are significantly more serious, and carry the risk of jail time in addition to Hawaii traffic fines.  You may be charged with a misdemeanor for repeat traffic offenses as well as first-time serious offenses like DUI.  For many offenses, even if you are charged with a misdemeanor it is unlikely you will ever go to jail, especially if you work out a guilty plea agreement with the district attorney.



 



 



Speeding Tickets



 



 



First-time speeding offenders in the state of Hawaii have to pay no more than $200 in Hawaii traffic fines.  This is very close to the national average, and you may have to pay an additional $250 if you speed in a work zone, even one where workers are not present.



 



 



If you are going more than 30 miles per hour in excess of the posted speed limit, you can be charged with reckless driving.  Reckless driving is a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to $1000 in Hawaii traffic fines and up to 30 days in jail for a first-time offense.  You may also see your driver's license suspended for up to 5 years.



 



 



Driving with a Suspended License



 



 



It is always a serious crime to drive with a suspended license, but in Hawaii it is considered even more serious if you drive after your license is suspended due to a DUI charge.  This offense carries mandatory jail time of at least 30 days and Hawaii traffic fines of at least $250 the first time you are convicted.  If you are convicted of driving with a suspended license three times, you will have your license permanently revoked and owe $2000 in Hawaii traffic fines.