Using a mobile phone while driving in Hawaii (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Hawaii bans holding a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle, including when stopped in traffic. The fine is USD 300, or USD 400 in a school zone or construction area. Drivers under 18 may not use a hands-free device.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $300.00 per offence [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car; School zones and construction areas | $400.00 per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Covered by the handheld ban: drivers may not hold a mobile electronic device (including a text messaging device) while operating a vehicle, including while temporarily stopped in traffic or at a light. There is no separate texting offence. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Drivers under 18 may not use a hands-free mobile electronic device while driving, except to make a 911 emergency call. [1] |
Notes
- 'Use' means holding a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle, including while temporarily stationary in traffic or at a signal. Using it solely for a 911 emergency communication is an affirmative defence. Emergency responders, certain two-way radio and amateur radio users, and vehicles at a complete stop with the engine off by the roadside are exempt. The section supersedes county ordinances.
- Only holding the device counts as use. A driver under 18 may not use a hands-free mobile electronic device, except solely for a 911 emergency communication.
- A violation is a traffic infraction under section 291D-2. The fine is USD 300, and USD 400 if the violation occurs in a school zone or construction area as defined in section 291C-104.
- USD 400 instead of USD 300 when the violation occurs while operating a motor vehicle in a school zone or construction area as defined in section 291C-104.
- The statute section read states no licence points. Whether points apply under other law was not checked.
Sources
- Hawaii State Legislature: HRS § 291C-137 Mobile electronic devices (Internet Archive snapshot of 22 August 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
More rules in Hawaii
- Cannabis
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: Set by county ordinance or signs · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): Set by county ordinance or signs
- 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
- 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.