Hawaii's Speeding Laws and Ticket Penalties

Most drivers will, at some point, get a speeding ticket. This article explains how Hawaii's speed limits work and the penalties for a speeding violation.

How Do Hawaii's Speed Limit Laws Work?

Hawaii has two types of speeding laws: a "basic speeding rule" and maximum speed limits. Below, we explain the differences between the two.

Hawaii's Basic Speeding Law

Hawaii's basic speeding rule prohibits driving at a speed greater than is "reasonable and prudent" under the circumstances. The basic speeding rule requires drivers to take into account all current conditions and existing hazards such as weather, traffic, visibility, and the like. (Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 291C-101 (2024).)

Hawaii's Maximum Speed Limits

Hawaii's maximum speed limits are straightforward—if you exceed the maximum limit, you've violated the law and can be ticketed. Maximum speed limits should be posted and generally apply to all drivers. However, in addition to the posted limits, Hawaii imposes a maximum speed limit on mopeds of 35 miles per hour. (Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 291C-198 (2024).)

Penalties for a Speeding Ticket in Hawaii

For most speeding tickets, you'll just be facing fines. However, in some circumstances, speeding can also result in jail time.

Fines for Most Speeding Tickets in Hawaii

The consequences of a speeding violation depend on the circumstances. Generally, the fines for a speeding ticket are:

• up to $200 for a first violation
• up to $300 for a second within a year, and
• up to $500 for a third or subsequent violation within a year.

There's also a $10 surcharge added to tickets involving a speed of more than ten miles per hour over the limit. (Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 291C-161 (2024).)

Hawaii's Fines for Speeding Tickets in Construction and School Zones

The fine for speeding in a school or construction zone is $250 plus a surcharge of $100 (construction zone) to $125 (school zone). (Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 291C-104 (2024).)

Fines and Jail Time for Excessive Speeding Violations in Hawaii

Motorists caught driving 80 miles per hour or faster or exceeding a speed limit by at least 35 miles per hour can be cited for "excessive speeding"—a petty misdemeanor. The penalties for excessive speeding include:

• First offense. A first violation within five years carries a fine of $500 to $1,000, surcharges of up to $125, license suspension of up to 30 days, and 36 hours of community service or 48 hours to five days in jail.
• Second offense. A second violation within five years carries a fine of $750 to $1,000, surcharges of up to $125, a mandatory 30-day license suspension, and at least 120 hours of community service or five to 14 days in jail.
• Third offense. A third violation within five years carries a fine of $1,000, surcharges of up to $125, license revocation of 90 days to one year, and ten to 30 days in jail.

All drivers convicted of excessive speed must also complete an assessment for driver education and an instruction in driving retraining course. (Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 291C-105 (2024).)

Reckless Driving and Vehicular Homicide Charges in Hawaii

If a speeding violation involves a "reckless" "disregard of the safety of persons or property," the driver can be charged with reckless driving. And if a speeding violation leads to the death of another person, negligent (vehicular) homicide charges are a possibility.