Bill > HB231

This bill increases fines and penalties for motor vehicle insurance violations in Hawaii, specifically by raising the minimum fine for a first-time offense from $100 to $200 and the maximum fine from $5,000 to $5,500. For drivers caught without motor vehicle insurance, the first-time offense fine increases from $500 to $600, and subsequent offenses within a five-year period will now carry a minimum fine of $2,500 instead of $2,000. The bill also provides more detailed options for courts to handle fine payment, including the ability to grant community service in lieu of fines, suspend portions of fines if proof of current insurance is provided, and make individualized assessments of a person's ability to pay. Additionally, the bill maintains provisions for potential driver's license suspension, vehicle registration suspension, or even brief imprisonment for repeated offenses. The legislation offers some exceptions for operators driving employer-owned vehicles, borrowed vehicles, or vehicles covered by another insurance policy. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000, and does not affect any rights, penalties, or proceedings that occurred before its effective date.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=231&year=2025