Hawaii (HI) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

Hawaii joined the mainland states in early 2006, when it adopted the Graduated Driver Licensing system. Under the old system, Hawaii teens could obtain a restriction free driver’s license at age 16. Today, Hawaii teens are not eligible for unrestricted driving privileges until the age of 17. Hawaii has also added a new law to its Graduated Licensing System, all teens must complete 30 hours of classroom instruction in order to obtain a driver’s license. The law became effective January 9, 2006. Since then, Hawaii has seen a 27% decrease in teen auto accidents. Continue reading to learn more about Hawaii’s teen driving laws and the penalties for violating them.

Hawaii Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

Hawaii Graduated Licensing (GDL) applies to teen’s ages 15 ½ -17. The minimum age to obtain an instruction permit is 15 ½. It is valid for one year. Teens may apply for a provisional license at 16 and a unrestricted driver’s license at 17. Instruction permits must be held for 180 days before applying for a provisional license. During this time, a person age 21 or older, with a valid driver’s license, must be seated next to the driver at all times. To obtain a provisional license, the teen driver must be at least 16 years of age. Provisional licenses must be held for 6 months before the teen is eligible to apply for an unrestricted driver’s license.

At age 17, Hawaii teens are eligible to apply for an unrestricted license. In addition to the requirements listed above, the teen must also have a clean driving record in order to apply for an unrestricted license.

The first step in the GDL process is to obtain your instruction permit. This process will require certain documents and tests. In order to obtain an instruction permit, you must you must be at least 15 years of age. If this is your first time applying, you must provide the following documentation to the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles in Oahu, Maui, Kauai or Oahu:

•    Two forms of identification (state ID, certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, etc.)
•    Social security card
•    Consent or parent or legal guardian
•    $10 permit fee

You must also pass a vision test, a rules of the road test, and a test that will determine if you can identify Hawaii road signs.

Hawaii Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

In the state of Hawaii, teens that hold provisional licenses cannot operate a motor vehicle between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless he or she is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian must be seated next to the teen driver at all times. Provisional license holders are allowed to drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unsupervised:

•    When driving to and from work, only if a car is required for employment
•    When driving to and from school authorized activities

Provisional licenses also carry passenger restrictions. The provisional licensee cannot transport more then one person under the age of 18, without being accompanied by a licensed driver that is also a parent or guardian or other household member. All occupants must wear their seatbelts at all times.

If any of the above laws are violated, the provisional license will be suspended for 90 days for a first offense. For second offenses, the license will be revoked for 6 months. If a provisional licensee is convicted of an offense relating to the operation of a motor vehicle, first offenses carry a 6-month license suspension and second offenses carry a 12 month license suspension.

Hawaii Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

In Oahu, it is against the law to talk or text on a cell phone while driving. Drivers are prohibited from using cameras, iPods, and any other electronic devices while driving as well. If you get caught using a cell phone or any of the devices listed above, you will have to pay a $67 fine. Even holding the holding the device in your hand will cost you. Oahu does allow drivers to use hands-free accessories while driving. Beginning January 1, 2010, Hawaii (The Big Island) will enforce the same law, but the fine will be bigger. Try $150 a pop.

Hawaii Teen DUI Laws

In Hawaii, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with any measurable level of alcohol in his system. This means that Hawaii has a true zero tolerance law. Proof of any measurable amount of alcohol in the system is enough to convict a Hawaii teen of DUI. If you are under the age of 18, and you get caught driving with any measurable amount of alcohol in your system, you and your parents will have to spend 10 hours in an alcohol abuse education and counseling program. Your license will be suspended for 30-180 days, and you may end up paying fines in the amount of $50 up to $500. These penalties are for a first offense.

Second offenses that occur within 5 years of the first will cost $300-$1,000, your license will be suspended for 1 year, and you will have to do 50 hours of community service to be determined by the judge. Third violations carry a 2-year license suspension, 100 hours of community service, and fines ranging from $300 up to $1,000. It is important to note that the person that furnished the alcohol will be charged with a misdemeanor and sentenced to up to 30 days in jail. When you drink and drive in Hawaii, you will end up taking everyone down with you.

Hawaii Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

No matter which island you inhabit , all Hawaii motorists must carry minimum levels of liability coverage and all drivers must be covered. Teens are no exception. In Hawaii, motorists must carry at least $20,000 per person for bodily injury, $40,000 per accident for bodily injury, $10,000 per accident for property damage, and $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP). Because the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel, Hawaii auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, instead or purchasing a separate policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year - or an average of $2,171 a year.

Although auto insurance premiums will increase if you add a teen to your policy or purchasing teen auto insurance will always be pricier than other policies, there are ways to qualify for discounts on teen auto insurance. Auto insurance companies offer discounts ranging from 10-15% or more for:

•    Maintaining at least a B average
•    Successful completion of a state approved safe driver course

You can also lower your premiums on teen auto insurance if you avoid purchasing sports and luxury cars for your teen, if you opt for a higher deductible, or if you combine insurance policies into one (i.e. life, home, health, renter’s, etc.).