HB 2020: DOT; Traffic Safety; Driver's License; Renewal; Motor Vehicle Drivers

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO RENEWAL OF DRIVER'S LICENSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 286-107, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:

     "(e)  No driver's license shall be renewed by the examiner of drivers unless:

     (1)  The examiner of drivers is satisfied of the applicant's fitness to continue to operate a motor vehicle;

     (2)  The fee required by subsection (d) is tendered together with the application for renewal;

     (3)  The applicant complies with section 286-102.5; [and]

     (4)  The examiner of drivers is satisfied that the applicant does not have outstanding charges and fines relating to the disposition of an abandoned vehicle[.]; and

     (5)  If the applicant received a moving violation or traffic infraction within the five years preceding the renewal, the applicant completes an educational course that includes:

          (A)  An online road safety video developed by the department of transportation; and

          (B)  A written road safety examination that tests an applicant's:

               (i)  Ability to understand highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic;

              (ii)  Knowledge of the rules of the road based on the traffic laws of the State and the traffic ordinances of the county where the applicant resides or intends to operate a motor vehicle; and

             (iii)  Knowledge of any other rules of the road that the department of transportation deems necessary to determine the applicant's fitness to continue to operate a motor vehicle.

     The department of transportation may develop and implement a system to randomly require applicants for renewal of a driver's license to complete a written examination on traffic laws and road safety as a condition of renewal."

     SECTION 2.  The department of transportation shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, regarding the educational course requirements of section 1 of this Act and whether the department will implement a system pursuant to section 286-107(e), Hawaii Revised Statutes, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on March 22, 2075.

Report Title:

DOT; Traffic Safety; Driver's License; Renewal; Motor Vehicle Drivers

Description:

Requires certain applicants for driver's license renewal to complete an educational course that includes a road safety video developed by the Department of Transportation and a written examination.  Authorizes the Department to develop and implement a system to randomly require applicants for renewal of a driver's license to complete a written examination.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Effective 3/22/2075.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO RENEWAL OF DRIVER'S LICENSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 286-107, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:

     "(e)  No driver's license shall be renewed by the examiner of drivers unless:

     (1)  The examiner of drivers is satisfied of the applicant's fitness to continue to operate a motor vehicle;

     (2)  The fee required by subsection (d) is tendered together with the application for renewal;

     (3)  The applicant complies with section 286-102.5; [and]

     (4)  The examiner of drivers is satisfied that the applicant does not have outstanding charges and fines relating to the disposition of an abandoned vehicle[.]; and

     (5)  If the applicant received a moving violation or traffic infraction within the five years preceding the renewal, the applicant completes an educational course that includes:

          (A)  An online road safety video developed by the department of transportation; and

          (B)  A written road safety examination that tests an applicant's:

              (i)  Ability to understand highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic;

             (ii)  Knowledge of the rules of the road based on the traffic laws of the State and the traffic ordinances of the county where the applicant resides or intends to operate a motor vehicle; and

            (iii)  Knowledge of any other rules of the road that the department of transportation deems necessary to determine the applicant's fitness to continue to operate a motor vehicle.

     The department of transportation may develop and implement a system to randomly require applicants for renewal of a driver's license to complete a written examination on traffic laws and road safety as a condition of renewal."

     SECTION 2.  The department of transportation shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, regarding the educational course requirements of section 1 of this Act and whether the department will implement a system pursuant to section 286-107(e), Hawaii Revised Statutes, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOT; Traffic Safety; Driver's License; Renewal; Motor Vehicle Drivers

Description:

Requires certain applicants for driver's license renewal to complete an educational course that includes a road safety video developed by the Department of Transportation and a written examination.  Authorizes the Department to develop and implement a system to randomly require applicants for renewal of a driver's license to complete a written examination.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO RENEWAL OF DRIVER'S LICENSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 286-107, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:

     "(e)  No driver's license shall be renewed by the examiner of drivers unless:

     (1)  The examiner of drivers is satisfied of the applicant's fitness to continue to operate a motor vehicle;

     (2)  The applicant completes an educational course that includes:

          (A)  An online road safety video developed by the department of transportation; and

          (B)  A written road safety examination that tests an applicant's:

              (i)  Ability to understand highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic;

             (ii)  Knowledge of the rules of the road based on the traffic laws of the State and the traffic ordinances of the county where the applicant resides or intends to operate a motor vehicle, including any changes in state traffic laws; and

            (iii)  Any other knowledge of the rules of the road that the department of transportation deems necessary to determine the applicant's fitness to continue to operate a motor vehicle;

    [(2)] (3)  The fee required by subsection (d) is tendered together with the application for renewal;

    [(3)] (4)  The applicant complies with section 286-102.5; and

    [(4)] (5)  The examiner of drivers is satisfied that the applicant does not have outstanding charges and fines relating to the disposition of an abandoned vehicle[.];

provided that paragraph (2) shall only apply if the person received a moving violation or traffic infraction in a period of five years before renewal."

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of transportation may develop and implement a system to randomly require applicants for renewal of a driver's license to complete a written examination on traffic laws and road safety as a condition of renewal.

     (b)  The department of transportation shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, regarding the educational course requirements of section 1 of this Act and whether the department will implement a system pursuant to subsection (a) to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOT; Traffic Safety; Driver's License; Renewal; Motor Vehicle Drivers

Description:

Requires certain applicants for driver's license renewal to complete an educational course that includes a road safety video developed by the Department of Transportation and a written examination.  Authorizes the Department to develop and implement a system to randomly require applicants for renewal of a driver's license to complete a written examination.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to renewal of driver's licenses.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 286-107, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:

     "(e)  No driver's license shall be renewed by the examiner of drivers unless:

     (1)  The examiner of drivers is satisfied of the applicant's fitness to continue to operate a motor vehicle;

     (2)  The applicant completes an educational course that includes:

          (A)  An online road safety video developed by the department of transportation; and

          (B)  A written road safety examination that tests an applicant's:

              (i)  Ability to understand highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic;

             (ii)  Knowledge of the rules of the road based on the traffic laws of the State and the traffic ordinances of the county where the applicant resides or intends to operate a motor vehicle, including any changes in state traffic laws; and

            (iii)  Any other knowledge of the rules of the road that the department of transportation deems necessary to determine the applicant's fitness to continue to operate a motor vehicle;

    [(2)] (3)  The fee required by subsection (d) is tendered together with the application for renewal;

    [(3)] (4)  The applicant complies with section 286-102.5; and

    [(4)] (5)  The examiner of drivers is satisfied that the applicant does not have outstanding charges and fines relating to the disposition of an abandoned vehicle."

     SECTION 2.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

DOT; Traffic Safety; Driver's License; Renewal; Motor Vehicle Drivers

Description:

Requires applicants for driver's license renewal to complete an educational course that includes a road safety video developed by the Department of Transportation and a written examination.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1174-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2020

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 2020, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RENEWAL OF DRIVER'S LICENSES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require certain applicants for driver's license renewal to complete an educational course that includes a road safety video developed by the Department of Transportation, along with a written examination; and

     (2)  Authorize the Department of Transportation to develop and implement a system to randomly require applicants for driver's license renewal to complete a written examination.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from two individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Public Defender and two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General and Department of Customer Services of the City and County of Honolulu.

     Your Committee finds that Hawaii continues to face preventable roadway injuries and fatalities, many of which are linked to driver unawareness of current traffic laws or outdated driver education, roadway designs, and multimodal transportation environments.  Your Committee further finds that requiring a refresher course and written assessment for drivers with recent violations can help ensure that motorists remain aware of safety practices and legal changes that occur between renewal cycles.  This measure strengthens statewide road safety and promotes safer interactions among motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting language that would have required an applicant to be tested on their knowledge of any changes in state traffic laws;

     (2)  Codifying language that authorizes the Department of Transportation to develop and implement a system to randomly require applicants for renewal to complete a written examination, rather than placing it in session law; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2020, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2020, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  665-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2020

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 2020 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RENEWAL OF DRIVER'S LICENSES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require applicants for driver's license renewal to complete an educational course that includes a road safety video developed by the Department of Transportation and a written examination.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation; one member of the Honolulu City Council; and four individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Public Defender.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General and Department of Customer Services for the City and County of Honolulu.

     Your Committee finds that roadway safety depends not only on initial driver education, but also on continued awareness of traffic laws, signage, and evolving safety standards throughout a driver's lifetime.  As such, drivers may benefit from periodic refreshers to reinforce safe driving practices and ensure familiarity with updated rules of the road.  Requiring completion of an online road safety video and a written examination at the time of license renewal provides an opportunity to promote ongoing education, improve knowledge of current traffic laws, and enhance overall driver competency.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Clarifying that the educational course requirement for driver's license renewal shall only apply to persons who received a moving violation or traffic infraction in a period of five years before renewal;

     (2)  Authorizing the Department of Transportation to develop and implement a system to randomly require applicants for renewal of a driver's license to complete a written examination;

     (3)  Requiring the Department of Transportation to submit a report to the Legislature;

     (4)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (5)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committee further requests the Department of Transportation to evaluate how the intent to operate a motor vehicle in a certain county will be verified.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2020, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2020, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,