Hawaii Driving Records

Hawaii driving records, also known as driver history records and traffic abstracts, provide essential information about motorists in the state. These records encompass traffic violations, convictions, collisions, license suspensions, and other details that comprehensively summarize an individual's driving history.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HIDOT) creates and maintains state driving records. However, the traffic violation bureaus of respective district courts diligently preserve and manage driving records, which provides interested parties avenues to access these crucial documents.

The state allows public access to driving records in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Yet, federal laws like the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) safeguard drivers' personal information from unauthorized disclosure. Therefore, only authorized entities or individuals with legitimate reasons can access sensitive data while upholding privacy and confidentiality.

Individuals and organizations can utilize Hawaii's driving records for various purposes. By having these documents, they can promote road safety, mitigate risks, and make sound business judgments based on accurate and reliable driver information.

Types of Driving Records Available in Hawaii

Drivers in Hawaii can access various types of driving records, each serving distinct purposes. These records include the driver history record (DHR), traffic abstract, and traffic court report.

Below is a comprehensive overview of the types of driving records available in Hawaii:

Driver History Record

Hawaii's DHR is valuable for both commercial and non-commercial drivers. For commercial operators, it records all disqualifying convictions related to their commercial driver's license. Meanwhile, non-commercial drivers can expect to see their citations and preliminary convictions.

Specifically, this type of report contains the following essential details from the past three years:

• Driver's personal information
• License status
• Traffic violations
• Accidents
• Failure to appear
• Current suspensions or revocations

Traffic Abstract

Hawaii traffic abstract, as outlined in Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Section 287-3, provides a record of all alleged moving violations, including convictions and any administrative license revocations, resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle. Notably, it excludes parking and equipment violations, which is why it is sometimes called an "abbreviated" abstract. 

This type of driving record is commonly requested for insurance evaluations, employment background checks, and other relevant matters where a person's driving history is significant.

Traffic Court Report

Often called a "complete" abstract, Hawaii’s traffic court report comprehensively records an individual's driving history. Unlike the standard traffic abstract, this report includes not only moving violations and administrative license revocations but also equipment and parking citations. 

This type of driving record is a convenient resource for those requiring a detailed case record history for various purposes, such as legal matters, employment screenings, or personal record-keeping, where a complete account of all traffic-related incidents is necessary.

How To Request a Hawaii Driving History Report?

Individuals interested in requesting a driver history report in Hawaii must follow a specific process depending on the type of record they need:

Requesting a Hawaii Driver History Record

Those interested in requesting a DHR in Hawaii have two options: visit any HI district court in person or request one by mail.

For an in-person request, the individual must bring a completed Request for Hawaii Driver History Record (Form DOTH 2067) to any HI district court. Proof of identification, such as a valid driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID card, is also required. Lastly, a $9 fee must be paid to finalize the request.

To request a DHR by mail, one should complete Form DOTH 2067 and get it notarized. The notarized form should then be enclosed in a legal-sized self-addressed envelope and sent to any district court along with a $9 fee in the form of a money or cashier's check payable to the district court. Mail requests are typically received within ten days.

Requesting a Hawaii Traffic Abstract

Individuals can order a traffic abstract in Hawaii in person or by mail.

To order a traffic abstract in person, visit any district court. At the court, be prepared to provide the applicant’s name, date of birth, and driver's license number. A fee of $20 must also be settled to complete the process.

For mail requests, applicants must send documentation containing their full name, date of birth, and driver's license number to any state district court. The submission should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a $20 cashier's check or money order payable to the district court.

Requesting a Hawaii Court Report

Hawaiian drivers can only request a traffic court report in person.

To initiate this procedure, visit any district court and present a valid photo ID. Applicants must also settle payment for the requested document, which includes $1 for the initial page and $0.50 for every subsequent page.

Note that requesters can only request their personal traffic court report as per regulations.

Uses of Hawaii Driving Records

Driving records in Hawaii are crucial. They serve several important purposes, including the following:

Insurance Purposes

Hawaii insurance companies use driving records to assess risk and determine auto insurance premiums. Drivers with clean records are considered low-risk, which usually results in lower premiums. Conversely, a history of traffic violations or accidents marks a driver as high-risk, leading to higher insurance rates.

Employment Assessment

Some employers, especially those hiring for driving positions or jobs that involve operating vehicles, often request driving records to assess a candidate's driving history and responsibility.

Legal Proceedings

Driving records in Hawaii can serve as legal evidence. They are instrumental in cases related to traffic violations, accidents, or disputes involving vehicle operations.

Personal Use

Drivers in the state can request their driving records to check for accuracy and monitor their driving history. Hawaiian drivers can also utilize their driving records as part of various applications, such as visas or rental car agreements.

Understanding Hawaii Driving Laws

Hawaii’s driving laws are codified in HRS Title 17. These regulations are in place to check driver’s legal compliance and safety when operating a vehicle.

Among the key aspects that motorists must understand regarding the state’s driving laws are the following:

Hawaii Licensing Requirements

All drivers in Hawaii, whether residents or foreigners, must possess a valid driver's license before they can legally drive on public highways. This code is stipulated in HRS Section 286-102.

Failure to comply with this mandate may result in fines, jail time, and court-ordered sanctions like community service. Furthermore, repeat offenders may face escalating penalties.

Hawaii Vehicle Registration Laws

According to HRS Section 286-41, every motor vehicle owner to be operated on public highways in Hawaii must apply for registration with the county's director of finance where the car is to be operated. All vehicles are required to display valid license plates and have current registration certificates.

Violations of the state's registration laws can result in a $5 to $1,000 fine and, depending on the severity of the offense, up to one year in jail.

Hawaii Auto Insurance Regulation

Drivers in Hawaii are mandated by the HRS Section 431:10C-301 to carry auto insurance that meets the following minimum coverage limits:

• $20,000 for bodily injury per person and $40,000 per accident
• $10,000 for property damage per accident
• $10,000 for personal injury protection per person and $20,000 per accident

Non-compliance with this regulation can result in fines ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, up to 30 days in jail, license and registration suspension, and potential vehicle impoundment or sale.

Hawaii Traffic Code

The Hawaii Traffic Code is covered in HRS Title 17, Chapter 291C. It outlines the general provisions, road rules, and responsibilities for drivers in the state.

According to this code, all drivers must obey all traffic control devices, signals, and police officers' lawful orders. Drivers involved in a collision must also stop, provide information, and render reasonable assistance to injured parties.

The code also includes rules for safely passing other vehicles, including restrictions on passing on the left and in no-passing zones. Besides that, vehicle operators are required to use proper turn signals when turning or changing lanes and follow requirements for turning at intersections.

Additionally, the state's traffic code prohibits using mobile electronic devices while driving, driving under the influence (DUI), and exceeding the allowable speed limits.

Failure to comply with any of Hawaii's traffic codes can lead to legal repercussions, which vary in severity depending on the type of violation committed.

The Points System in Hawaii

Hawaii does not have a traditional license points system for tracking driving offenses. Instead, it has a traffic violation system in which each road infraction is assessed a fine but does not accumulate points on a driver's record. 

All traffic tickets in the state, except parking tickets, will be recorded on a driver's record. If an individual accumulates multiple minor violations over time, the HIDOT can take action against the driver's license. Moreover, severe offenses like DUI can result in immediate license suspension, revocation, or cancellation. 

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Hawaii

Driving offenses in Hawaii are classified as either criminal or civil. Motorists in the state must understand the distinction between these to know the possible penalties and avoid committing them.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses in Hawaii are categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies based on the gravity of the offense. 

Felonies involve actions that significantly harm life and property, regardless of intent. These severe violations are prosecuted under Hawaii's criminal code and carry penalties ranging from a minimum one-year prison sentence to possible life imprisonment, substantial fines, or both.

Examples of felony traffic violations include:

• Vehicular homicide
• DUI leading to serious injury or death
• Hit-and-run incidents involving injury or death

In contrast, traffic misdemeanors are less severe than felonies but more serious than infractions. These offenses carry maximum jail terms ranging from 30 days for petty misdemeanors to one year for misdemeanors, fines, or both.

Common traffic misdemeanors in Hawaii include:

• Reckless driving
• Driving without a license
• First DUI offense without injuries
• Hit-and-run incidents causing damage to vehicles

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses in Hawaii, or traffic infractions, refer to violations of traffic laws governing movement and control within the state. Rather than imposing imprisonment, the court enforces monetary fines, community service, mandatory driving classes, or a combination of these sanctions on offenders. 

Additionally, since Hawaii does not utilize a point system for assessing traffic violations, the court has the authority to decide on penalties like license suspension or revocation based on the severity of the infraction.

Common infractions in Hawaii are the following:

• Speeding
• Running stop signs
• Driving without a seat belt
• Possessing an expired safety check sticker
• Texting while driving
• Parking in restricted areas

Hawaii Driving Statistics and Goals

Hawaii has made progress in reducing its 5-year rolling average of traffic fatalities, dropping from 106 in 2018 to 99 in 2023. 

Despite this improvement, the state is still among the highest traffic fatality rates nationally. In 2021, Hawaii reported 0.94 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, which is near the national average rate of 1.37.

Speeding has significantly affected nearly half of Hawaii's traffic fatalities recently. For instance, in 2020, speeding played a significant role in 44% of fatal traffic crashes in Hawaii, ranking third among all states, trailing behind South Carolina and Colorado. 

Distracted driving has also posed a notable challenge, contributing to 21.3% of traffic fatalities in Hawaii between 2018 and 2022.

Hawaii has implemented the Hawaii Injury Prevention Plan (HIPP) to address these concerns. This plan aims to reduce the 5-year motor vehicle mortality rate among Hawaiian residents.

Besides that, the HIDOT and its partners are committed to reaching the goal of zero traffic deaths. They implement various strategies like raised pedestrian crosswalks, roundabouts, speed humps, and red-light cameras to enhance road safety and work towards eliminating traffic fatalities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Driving Records

Hawaiian drivers seeking more information regarding driving records in the state can read the following frequently asked questions:

How Long Do Driving Offenses Stay on Hawaii Driving Record?

In Hawaii, the duration in which driving offenses stay on records varies based on the offense and severity. 

Typical violations can last in driving records for at least ten years. However, for more severe violations, especially those committed by commercial driver's license (CDL) holders, the offense may be reported for up to 55 years.

How To Correct Information on Hawaii Driving Record?

To rectify errors on a Hawaii driving record, individuals can contact the HIDOT at (808) 692-7656 or by email at driverrecords.hwyv@hawaii.gov. For inquiries about convictions listed on the record, contacting a district court is advisable.

Can Violations in Hawaii Driving Records Be Expunged or Sealed?

In Hawaii, the court may expunge or seal driving record violations under certain circumstances. Eligibility typically includes cases where the driver was acquitted, charges were dismissed, or convictions were overturned. The court considers both the individual's request and the public's right to access the record before deciding.

Helpful Links and Resources

Motorists in Hawaii can refer to the following resources for more information regarding driving records and related topics:

• Refer to this glossary for the definitions of acronyms or terms included in Hawaii driving records: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/files/2013/01/mvso-Glossary.pdf.
• Entities interested in purchasing bulk driving records in Hawaii can read through this page: https://portal.ehawaii.gov/page/help/subscriber-account/purchase-bulk-traffic-abstracts/.
• To learn more about Hawaii's moving and equipment violations, visit this link: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/self-help/traffic/moving_citations. 

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Counties in Hawaii

• Hawaii
• Honolulu
• Kauai
• Maui