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GENERAL DRIVING RULES IN HAWAII
Do not drink and drive! It is a serious criminal offense driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is illegal to carry any open containers containing alcohol (even empty ones) inside a car. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or above in Hawaii is against the law.
Seat Belts:Hawaii`s universal seat belt laws require that all passengers in a vehicle (front and back) wear a seatbelt at all times. The click or ticket law applies and drivers can be fined up to $112.
Cell Phones, Navigation Aids, etc:The use of a cell phone, smartphone, personal digital assistant, GPS or mp3 player while driving in Hawaii is illegal when operating a motor vehicle. This also applies when stopped at a traffic light or stop sign, the only time a device can be used, is when the vehicle is parked in a safe location and the car is turned off.
Drivers may use a hands-free (Bluetooth) device for voice communication through a smartphone
The driver must not use any screen based aid to navigation (or entertainment) while on the road. You must pull completely off away from traffic. (It makes sense really; after all, you are not allowed to drive down the road with a map on the steering wheel). DVD players and screen-based devices other than those directly needed to operate the car must be positioned so the driver cannot see them. However, in reality, the police rarely have anything to do with this law.
Speed Trap Detectors:In Hawaii, radar detectors and laser jammers are illegal in all vehicles. You are not allowed to have a radar speed detector in your vehicle, let alone use one.
Driving Age:To drive in Hawaii you must be aged 17 (15 ½ with a learners permit) or over. To rent a vehicle you must be 21 or over. Many companies also require you to have held your driver's license for a minimum of one or two years. Remember that you will also require a credit card to rent a vehicle.
Using Indicators:The use of indicators is required by law in Hawaii to signal for a minimum 100 feet when drivers are making a turn, slowing down or stopping.
Overtaking:Overtaking can only be done on the right side of the car that you wish to pass. Take care when overtaking - allow more space between you and the car in front so you can see further down the road ahead.
Roundabout:When approaching a roundabout give way to traffic already on the roundabout, on your right, unless signed otherwise.
Lights:Dipped headlights should be used in poor daytime visibility. Motorcycles must use dipped headlights during the day at all times.
Children:It is prohibited to carry children in your arms.
No one less than 12 years of age can sit in the front unless they use a device approved for this purpose.
Children under eight years must use an approved restraint system suitable for their height and weight and must always be placed in the back seat.
Any person over three years of age with a weight less than 80 lbs must use a restraint system adapted to their size and weight.
Accidents:If you are involved in a minor accident you and the other driver can sort it out yourselves. Otherwise, call the Police on 911. Get the license number, name and insurance company of the other driver. Then contact the rental car company and/or your insurance company. Should you have a crash, don't argue with the police and refer to them politely.