Hawaii Bicycle Laws

Required under age

Required under age 16

Applies to passengers

Yes

Standard

CPSC (16 C.F.R. Part 1203).

Penalty

Civil violation; fine of up to $25 for a first offense. Courts often waive the fine on proof that the minor has obtained a CPSC-certified helmet.

Statute

¹

See our find your helmet size and kids bike sizing guide.

Statewide rule

Allowed with conditions

Notes

HRS § 291C-145 prohibits bicycle operation on a sidewalk within a business district. Outside business districts, sidewalk cycling is permitted but the rider must travel at no more than 10 mph, yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, and give an audible signal before overtaking. Counties may impose stricter rules - Honolulu prohibits sidewalk riding throughout downtown and Waikiki.

Statute

¹

See our commuter bike sizing guide and bike fitting guide.

Applies to bicycles

Yes

Separate cycling DUI statute

No

BAC limit

0.08

Penalty

HRS § 291E-61 makes it unlawful to operate or assume actual physical control of a 'vehicle' while under the influence, and HRS § 291C-1 defines vehicle to include bicycles. A bicycle DUI carries the same statutory penalty range as an auto DUI - fines from $250 to $1,000 on a first offense, possible jail time, and a one-year driver-licence revocation if the rider holds a Hawaii licence.

Statute

¹²

— Not yet researched.

Front light required

Yes

Front spec

White lamp on the front, visible from a distance of at least 500 feet.

Rear requirement

Rear reflector or light

Rear spec

Red reflector on the rear visible from a distance of 50 to 300 feet when directly in front of lawful upper-beam headlamps. A red rear lamp visible from 500 feet may be used in addition to the reflector.

Side reflectors

No

Pedal reflectors

No

When required

Darkness

Statute

¹

See our bike lights that meet the law and winter and low-light cycling setup.

— Not yet researched.

Two abreast allowed

Yes

Conditions

May not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. UVC §11-1205 derivative.

Statute

¹

Rule

—

Statute

—

— Not yet researched.

Bicycle registration required

No

Operator license required

No

Interstates

Prohibited

Notes

Bicycles and pedestrians are prohibited on Hawaii's Interstate H-1, H-2, H-3, and H-201 freeways under HRS § 291C-101 and HDOT signage. The Interstate corridors on Oahu are urban controlled-access expressways; all are signed prohibited at on-ramps. Conventional state and county highways across the islands are open by default.