Hawaii Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

While driving is a routine activity for many people, maintaining control over a vehicle involves a complex interaction of motor movements and situational awareness. As we age, many important functions related to competent driving can deteriorate, increasing the risk of accidents. Senior drivers in Hawaii should be aware of age-specific licensing requirements aimed at preserving road safety while helping older Hawaiians retain their independence.

Driver's License Renewal Requirements for Older Drivers in Hawaii

Hawaii is unique in being the only state in the U.S. that doesn't have a statewide DMV or equivalent licensing agency. Instead, these functions are performed by the following municipal governments:

• City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Service
• County of Hawaii Vehicle Registration and Licensing
• County of Kauai Division of Motor Vehicles, and
• County of Maui Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing.

Between the ages of 25 and 72, Hawaii driver's licenses are valid for eight years. (Drivers younger than 25 must renew every four years). Prior to 2023, drivers 72 years of age and older used to have to renew their driver's license every two years, but after a bill—commonly known as the Kupuna License Extension—was enacted, drivers between the ages of 72 and 80 can now renew their licenses every four years instead of two. (HI Rev Stat § 286-106 (2024))

Drivers over the age of 80 aren't covered under the Kupuna License Extension and must still renew their driver's license every two years. Vision tests are required on renewal by all counties in Hawaii, regardless of age.

Hawaii Driver's License Application and Renewal Procedures

To start the renewal process, you'll need to complete a Driver's License Application and bring it to the appropriate office so you can take the eye exam. You can find the specific procedures for your municipality below.

City and County of Honolulu

There are about one dozen offices you can choose from on Oahu to renew your driver's license. You can make an appointment using the AlohaQ online portal at a Driver Licensing Center (with locations in Honolulu, Kapolei, Kaneohe, Pearl City, Wahiawa, and Waianae) or Satellite City Hall (with several locations in Honolulu as well as Aiea, Kaneohe, Pearl Harbor, Wahiawa, and Waianae).

County of Hawaii

You can schedule an appointment online at offices in Hilo, Kona, Pahoa, and Waimea. Offices are typically open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Hilo office has limited walk-in availability, but for all other offices you'll need to make an appointment.

County of Kauai

Book your appointment online before you head to the Division of Motor Vehicles Office, located at the following address:

4444 Rice Street
Suite A480
Lihue, HI 96766

Between 8:00 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. ("Kupuna Hour"), office operations are reserved only for drivers 65 years of age or older. All customers younger than 65 are welcome from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

County of Maui

There is one licensing service center in the county of Maui, located in Kahului. The address for the service center is:

110 Alaihi Street
Suite 101
Kahului, HI 96732

The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You'll need to make an appointment online before you go.

Possible Driver's License Restrictions

Certain restrictions aimed at keeping both the driver and the roadways safe can be placed on a driver's license. One of the most common restrictions for drivers of all ages is the requirement to wear corrective lenses, such as glasses or contacts, while driving. Other restrictions on Hawaii driver's licenses that may be relevant to older drivers include:

• restrictions on the type of vehicle you can drive (such as only vehicles with power steering or an automatic transmission)
• mechanical modifications necessary before you can drive a vehicle (such as additional outside mirrors, mechanical signals, or a steering knob)
• driver adjustments (such as using a cushion, hearing aids, or prosthetic devices while driving), and
• temporal restrictions (such as no nighttime driving).

Drivers who get behind the wheel in violation of the conditions on their license are at risk of having their driving privileges suspended or revoked. Unlike most states, Hawaii doesn't have a set procedure for concerned friends and relatives to report when a driver is engaging in hazardous driving practices. However, the Hawaii Department of Transportation and county licensing 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.

How to Get Parking Placards or Plates for a Driver with a Disability

Drivers with impaired mobility can submit an application form for disabled person parking placards or license plates which enables them to park in designated accessibility spots. You'll need to have a licensed physician, physician's assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse attest that you have certain specific limitations as a result of your medical condition.

Physical Limitations Due to Bone and Organ Damage

One way to get a disability placard is if you have a medically diagnosed arthritic, neurological (nerve-related), orthopedic (bone or muscle-related, oncological (cancer-related), renal (kidney-related), or vascular (blood vessel-related) condition that drastically limits your mobility. You'll need your medical provider to state that, as a result of an impairment listed above, you are:

• incapable of walking more than 200 feet on your own without stopping to rest
• unable to walk on your own physical power without an assistive device (such as a cane, wheelchair, or crutches) or without help from another person, or
• in need of portable oxygen.

Make sure that you get an acceptable licensed medical provider to check the appropriate box on the application form that best describes your physical limitations.

Physical Limitations Due to Respiratory Impairment

Hawaiians who have severe lung diseases can get a placard or plate if they have one of the following results on spirometry (breathing tests):

• an FEV₁ value of less than one liter or arterial-oxygen tension at rest less than 60 mm/hg, or
• arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) of less than 60 mm/Hg on room air at rest.

These spirometry results demonstrate greatly reduced lung functioning that would necessitate easier access to buildings as provided by disabled parking spots.

Physical Limitations Due to Cardiac Disorders

You can qualify for a disability placard or plate if you have a heart condition that causes a degree of functional limitations categorized as Class III or Class IV by the American Heart Association.

• Class III conditions result in marked limitations of physical activity, meaning you're comfortable at rest but less than ordinary physical activity causes fatigue, palpitation, dyspnea, or anginal pain.
• Class IV conditions result in the inability to carry on any physical activity without discomfort. You may experience symptoms of cardiac insufficiency or angina even at rest, and any physical activity at all causes increased discomfort.

Once you've gotten the parking permit application signed by your medical provider, you can mail the completed form to the county issuing site. For the City and County of Honolulu, this means any Satellite City Hall; Maui County, the Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing; Hawaii County, the Office of Aging; and for Kauai County, the Department of Finance.

Additional Information for Older Drivers

Senior drivers generally are at an increased risk of involvement with traffic-related injuries. Age-related loss of vision and slower reaction times can contribute to a higher chance of an automobile collision. If you're a senior driver dealing with the aftermath of a collision or driving infraction, you may want to contact an attorney to help you fight your traffic ticket, handle your car accident claim, or get your license reinstated.

Knowing when to ask for help is a major factor in keeping senior drivers safe and independent, so it's key to recognize your limitations and the limitations of loved ones who are getting behind the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains a useful website of special interest to older drivers. Closer to home, the Hawaii Driver's Manual contains up-to-date information about licensing, vehicle registration, road rules, and includes a brief section on particular challenges older drivers may face.