Driving Without a License or With a Suspended License in Hawaii

Like all other states, Hawaii prohibits driving without a license or driving while one's license is suspended or revoked. This article explains what constitutes these violations, the possible penalties, and the exceptions to the rule.

Driving Without a License Law

Generally, every person who operates a motor vehicle on Hawaii roads must possess and be able to display a valid driver's license. (Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 286-102, 286-116 (2025).)

Penalties for Unlicensed Driving

Driving without ever having been issued a license or with an expired license can result in up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A second conviction within five years carries up to a year in jail and a fine of $500 to $1,000. A third offense within five years is a class C felony, which carries up to five years, a fine of $10,000, and potential forfeiture of the driver's vehicle. (Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 286-136, 706-640, 706-660 (2025).)

Violators who are under the age of 18 can lose all driving privileges until the age of 18. (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 286-136 (2025).)

Penalties for Driving Without a License in Your Possession

Drivers who have a valid license but do not have it in their immediate possession can be cited for a traffic violation. However, this citation will be dismissed in court if the driver produces a license that was valid at the time of the citation. (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 286-116 (2025).)

Exceptions to the Driver's License Requirement

Non-resident drivers with valid driver's licenses from their home state or country can drive in the state without a Hawaii license, subject to Hawaii age restrictions. Farmers, federal employees, and emergency responders may also be exempt under certain circumstances. (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 286-105 (2025).)

Driving While Restrained (Suspended or Revoked)

It's illegal to drive with a suspended or revoked license in Hawaii. (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 286-132 (2025).)

A person who operates a vehicle while on a suspended or revoked license will generally face the same penalties as a person convicted of driving without a valid license. Those penalties are:

• First offense. Up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
• Second offense within five years. Up to one year in jail and a fine of $500 to $1,000.
• Third offense within five years (class C felony). Up to five years, a fine of $10,000, and potential forfeiture of the driver's vehicle.

(Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 286-136, 706-640, 706-660 (2025).)

Violators who are younger than 18 can also lose all driving privileges until the age of 18. (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 286-136 (2025).)

If the driver was suspended for failing to pay child support or for driving under the influence (DUI), the penalties are different than the above penalties.

Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License for DUI

Driving while suspended carries increased penalties if the restraint was related to a DUI incident. Convicted persons will face the following penalties.

• First offense. 3 to 30 days in jail, a fine of $250 to $1,000, and a 1-year license revocation.
• Second offense within 10 years. 30 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a 2-year license revocation.
• Third offense within 10 years. 6 months to 1 year in prison, a $2,000 fine, and a permanent license revocation.

(Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291E-62 (2025).)

Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License for Failure to Pay Child Support

A violator whose license was suspended for failure to pay child support faces three to 30 days in jail and a $250 to $1,000 fine. A second offense in five years will result in 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. And the driver's license will remain suspended until the family court issues a written authorization of compliance. (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291-4.6 (2025).)

Getting Help From a Defense Attorney

If you've been arrested for driving without a valid license in Hawaii, it's important to get legal assistance. The penalties for a conviction are serious, so having a knowledgeable attorney representing you is essential.