In Hawaii, depending on the county, driving laws are enforced by the:
While the myriad rules and regulations enforced by the various Hawaii driving authorities apply to drivers of all ages and stages, the state imposes some special requirements and restrictions on older drivers.
Hawaii state rules are explained in more detail below, but a couple of them focus on identifying and handling older drivers who may have become unsafe.
Specifically, Hawaii:
All those who wish to renew their licenses must complete a Driver's License Application. Special rules apply to drivers who are 72 and older who seek to renew their licenses.
Time limits: Drivers age 72 and older must renew every two years. Drivers 21 to 71 must renew every six years and those under 21 can be issued a license that is valid for four years.
Vision test: Required on renewal.
Written test: May be required in the discretion of the licensing authorities.
Road test: May be required in the discretion of the licensing authorities.
Driving authorities can place restrictions or conditions on a person's driver's license aimed at keeping both the driver and the roadways safe. The most common restriction for older drivers is to require glasses or corrective contact lenses.
In Hawaii, other common requirements the DMV may impose on older drivers and their vehicles include:
Unlike most states, Hawaii does not have a set procedure for family members, friends, and other concerned individuals to report that a driver may have become unsafe behind the wheel. Driving authorities are authorized to request medical exams of drivers who may have become unsafe behind the wheel; medical practitioners are required to record their results on a Medical Report Form.
For more information, contact the licensing authority in your county.
Disabled person parking placards and plates, administered by the Hawaii Office of Aging, can be issued to drivers with impaired mobility if a licensed medical practitioner certifies the condition.
The placards and plates are available for those who:
To obtain a disabled placard or plate, you must:
Of special interest to Hawaii drivers is the "Driver's Manual," which includes information about licensing drivers, registering vehicles, rules of the road, and a brief section on particular challenges older drivers may face.
You can use Nolo's Lawyer Directory to find a local lawyer experienced in representing older people who need help with auto accidents or traffic tickets in Hawaii.
Need a lawyer? Start here.