Car speed limits in Hawaii (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Exceeding the maximum speed limit is an offence under section 291C-102. That limit is the one established by county ordinance or by official signs placed by the director of transportation on state highways. Limits in school zones and construction areas are set and signed by the State and the counties, and speeding there carries a $250 fine plus surcharges.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | The maximum speed limit is the one established by county ordinance or by official signs placed by the director of transportation on highways under the director's jurisdiction; no figure by road type is given in this section [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | The maximum speed limit is the one established by county ordinance or by official signs placed by the director of transportation on highways under the director's jurisdiction; no figure by road type is given in this section [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | The maximum speed limit is the one established by county ordinance or by official signs placed by the director of transportation on highways under the director's jurisdiction; no figure by road type is given in this section [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | The maximum speed limit is the one established by county ordinance or by official signs placed by the director of transportation on highways under the director's jurisdiction; no figure by road type is given in this section [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | Set by the director of transportation and the counties and shown on official signs; there is no statutory figure. Speeding in a school zone carries a $250 fine, a surcharge of up to $100 and a $25 surcharge. [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Construction-area limits are set by the director of transportation and the counties and must be signed by the person responsible for the works. Speeding there carries a $250 fine and a surcharge of up to $100. [1] |
Notes
- Section 291C-102 does not state a figure by road type. The limit that applies is the one set by county ordinance or by official signs; school zones and construction areas are covered by § 291C-104.
- The Hawaii Legislature's website blocks automated access; this is based on an Internet Archive snapshot of § 291C-104 from 19 May 2023. Driving 30 mph or more over the limit, or at 80 mph or more, is dealt with under § 291C-105.
Sources
- Hawaii State Legislature: Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291C-102 Noncompliance with speed limit prohibited; § 291C-104 (Internet Archive snapshots of 14 February 2025 and 19 May 2023) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
More rules in Hawaii
- Cannabis
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15½ (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3 · Minimum age: Class 2/3: 16 or supervised
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Oahu: No (firecrackers with permit) · Minimum age to buy: Oahu: 18 (firecracker permit)
- Knives and pepper sprayLocking or one-handed knives: Switchblade or butterfly knife: concealed carry banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (holding) · Hands-free use: Allowed (not under 18)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.