HB 2026: Traffic Code; Oversized Commercial Vehicles; Towing; Restrictions; Penalties

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

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

     SECTION 1  Section 291C-55, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§291C-55[]]  Oversized commercial vehicles; prohibition from using left lane.  (a)  Upon any roadway having three or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction, no commercial vehicle weighing ten thousand pounds or more nor any motor vehicle towing a vehicle or trailer, as defined in section 286-2, shall be driven in the far left lane unless[:

     (1)  The commercial vehicle is able to maintain speed with existing traffic flow; and

     (2)  The] the commercial vehicle or motor vehicle towing a vehicle or trailer is in the process of overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement.

     (b)  This section shall not apply to [commercial vehicles]:

     (1)  Commercial vehicles or motor vehicles towing a vehicle or trailer occupying the left lane for the purpose of turning left or exiting, or preparing to turn left or exit[.]; and

     (2)  Authorized emergency vehicles and motor vehicles used for public transit, school buses, tour buses, or other commercially operated passenger buses.

     (c)  Violation of any of the provisions of this section shall subject the violator to the following penalties:

     (1)  For a first violation under this section, the person shall be fined no more than $          ;

     (2)  For a second violation under this section, the person shall be fined no more than $          ; and

     (3)  For a third or subsequent violation committed within three years of a violation under this section, the person shall be fined no more than $          , attend a traffic safety course, or both.

     (d)  This section shall apply only to a county with a population of five hundred thousand or more.

     [(c)] (e)  For the purposes of this section, "commercial vehicle" shall have the same meaning as in section 291-11.5.  "Commercial vehicle" does not include buses or van pools operated by the counties."

     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  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.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:

Traffic Code; Oversized Commercial Vehicles; Towing; Restrictions; Penalties

Description:

Restricts motor vehicles that tow a motor vehicle or trailer from the far left lane on roads with three or more lanes going in the same direction, with exemptions.  Specifies penalties for restricted motor vehicles who drive in the far left lane on roads with three or more lanes moving in the same direction.  Applies restrictions and penalties to a county with a population of 500,000 or more.  (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 transportation.

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

     SECTION 1  Section 291C-55, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§291C-55[]]  Oversized commercial vehicles; prohibition from using left lane.  (a)  Upon any roadway having three or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction, no commercial vehicle weighing ten thousand pounds or more nor any motor vehicle towing a vehicle or trailer, as defined in section 286-2, shall be driven in the far left lane unless:

     (1)  The commercial vehicle or motor vehicle towing a vehicle or trailer is able to maintain speed with existing traffic flow; and

     (2)  The commercial vehicle or motor vehicle towing a vehicle or trailer is in the process of overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement.

     (b)  This section shall not apply to [commercial vehicles]:

     (1)  Commercial vehicles or motor vehicles towing a vehicle or trailer occupying the left lane for the purpose of turning left or exiting, or preparing to turn left or exit[.]; and

     (2)  Motor vehicles used for public transit, school buses, and authorized emergency vehicles.

     (c)  Violation of any of the provisions of this section shall subject the violator to the following penalties:

     (1)  For a first violation, the person shall be fined not more than $          ;

     (2)  For a second violation under this section, the person shall be fined not more than $          ; and

     (3)  For a third or subsequent violation committed within three years of a violation under this section, the person shall be fined not more than $          , attend a traffic safety course, or both.

     (d)  This section shall apply only to a county with a population of five hundred thousand or more.

     [(c)] (e)  For the purposes of this section, "commercial vehicle" shall have the same meaning as in section 291-11.5.  "Commercial vehicle" does not include buses or van pools operated by the counties."

     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:

Traffic Code; Oversized Commercial Vehicles; Towing; Restrictions; Penalties

Description:

Restricts motor vehicles that tow a motor vehicle or trailer from the far left lane on roads with three or more lanes going in the same direction with exemptions.  Specifies penalties for restricted motor vehicles who drive in the far left lane on roads with three or more lanes moving in the same direction.  Applies restrictions and penalties to a county with a population of 500,000 or more.

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.  668-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2026

      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. 2026 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to, in a county with a population of five hundred thousand or more:

     (1)  Restrict motor vehicles that tow a motor vehicle or trailer from the far left lane on roads with three or more lanes going in the same direction with exemptions; and

     (2)  Specify penalties for restricted motor vehicles who drive in the far left lane on roads with three or more lanes moving in the same direction.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation and two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from Hawaii Transportation Association and Polynesian Adventure Tours.

     Your Committee finds that on multi-lane highways in high-density areas, unrestricted use of the far left lane by vehicles towing trailers or other motor vehicles may impede traffic flow, increase lane-changing conflicts, and elevate the risk of collisions.  Restricting these vehicles from occupying the leftmost lane, except when overtaking, turning, or otherwise exempted, promotes more predictable lane usage, enhances traffic efficiency, and supports roadway safety in counties experiencing significant traffic congestion.

     Your Committee further recognizes the need for practical exemptions to ensure that commercial vehicles and buses operating safely and at prevailing traffic speeds are not unduly restricted and that enforcement policies remain balanced and workable.  By establishing clear lane-use standards, defined exemptions, and enforceable penalties, this measure advances safer and more orderly traffic operations while accounting for the operational realities of Hawaii's transportation system. 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting language permitting a commercial vehicle or motor vehicle towing a vehicle or trailer to use the far left lane if the vehicle is able to maintain speed with existing traffic flow;

     (2)  Clarifying that tour buses and other commercially operated buses may use the far left lane, in addition to authorized emergency vehicles, school buses, or buses used for public transit; and

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

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider making the fine for a first violation $250, the fine for a second violation $500, and the fine for a third or subsequent violation $1,000.

     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. 2026, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2026, 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,