SB 1481: RELATING TO MOTORCYCLE INSTRUCTION PERMITS.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO MOTORCYCLE INSTRUCTION PERMITS.

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

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require, starting on July 1, 2026, that applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit successfully complete a basic motorcycle rider course approved by the department of transportation before becoming eligible for the permit; and

     (2)  Exempt drivers of motorcycles, motor scooters, or mopeds on an enclosed training course that has been certified by the State from driving restrictions for training purposes.

     SECTION 2.  Section 286-110, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§286-110  Instruction permits.  (a)  Any person aged fifteen years and six months or more who, except for the person's lack of instruction in operating a motor vehicle, would be qualified to obtain a driver's license issued under this part may apply for a temporary instruction permit or a limited purpose instruction permit at the office of the examiner of drivers in the county in which the applicant resides; provided that the applicant complies with section 286-102.5.

     (b)  No person shall be issued a motorcycle instruction permit unless the person successfully completes a basic motorcycle rider course approved by the department of transportation.

     [(b)] (c)  The examiner of drivers shall examine every applicant for an instruction permit.  The examination shall include tests of the applicant's:

     (1)  Eyesight and other physical or mental capabilities to determine if the applicant is capable of operating a motor vehicle;

     (2)  Understanding of highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic; and

     (3)  Knowledge of the traffic laws, ordinances, or regulations of the State and the county where the applicant resides or intends to operate a motor vehicle.

     [(c)] (d)  If the examiner of drivers is satisfied that the applicant is qualified to receive an instruction permit, the examiner of drivers shall issue the permit entitling the applicant, while having the permit in the applicant's immediate possession, to drive a motor vehicle upon the highways for a period of one year; provided that:

     (1)  An applicant who is registered in a driver training course shall be issued a temporary instruction permit for the duration of the course and the termination date of the course shall be entered on the permit; and

     (2)  If the applicant is a legal immigrant, the permit shall expire no later than the applicant's authorized period of stay in the United States.

     A person who is not licensed to operate the category of motor vehicles to which the driving training course applies shall not operate a motor vehicle in connection with the driving training course without a valid temporary instruction permit unless the person is operating a motorcycle, motor scooter, or moped as defined in section 286-2 that is being used for training purposes on an enclosed training course that has been certified by the State.

     [(d)] (e)  Except when operating a motor scooter or motorcycle, the holder of an instruction permit shall be accompanied by a person who is twenty-one years of age or older and licensed to operate the category of motor vehicles in which the motor vehicle that is being operated belongs.  The licensed person shall occupy a passenger seat beside the permit holder while the motor vehicle is being operated; provided that if the holder of the instruction permit is under the age of eighteen years and is driving between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.:

     (1)  A licensed driver who is the permit holder's parent or guardian shall occupy a passenger seat beside the driver while the motor vehicle is operated, unless the permit holder is an emancipated minor;

     (2)  The licensed driver shall be licensed to operate the same category of motor vehicles as the motor vehicle being operated by the holder of the instruction permit; and

     (3)  All occupants of the motor vehicle shall be restrained by a seat belt assembly or a child passenger safety restraint system as required under sections 291-11.5 and 291-11.6, notwithstanding any other law to the contrary.

     [(e)] (f)  No holder of a temporary instruction permit shall operate a motorcycle or a motor scooter during hours of darkness or carry any passengers.

     [(f)] (g)  No holder of a category 1 or 2 temporary instruction permit shall have the permit renewed, nor shall the holder be issued another temporary instruction permit for the same purpose, unless the holder has taken the examination for a category 1 or 2 license at least once prior to the expiration of the temporary instruction permit.  If the holder of a temporary instruction permit fails to meet the requirements of this section, the holder shall not be permitted to apply for another category 1 or 2 temporary instruction permit for a period of three months.  Nothing in this subsection shall affect the right and privilege of any holder of a category 1 or 2 temporary instruction permit to obtain a temporary instruction permit or driver's license for the operation of any other type of motor vehicle.

     [(g)] (h)  The examiner of drivers may accept an application for renewal of an instruction permit no more than thirty days prior to or ninety days after the expiration date of the instruction permit, whereupon the applicant for renewal of an instruction permit shall be exempt from subsection [(b)(2) and (3).] (c)(2) and (3).  If an application for renewal of an instruction permit is not made within ninety days after the expiration date of the permit, the applicant shall be treated as applying for a new instruction permit and examined in accordance with subsection [(b).] (c).

     [(h)] (i)  Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the examiner of drivers may issue an instruction permit to an applicant with a disability who has completed a medical review with this State, and as a condition to licensure is required to pass a road test, but has failed the road test on the applicant's first attempt.  The instruction permit issued under this subsection may be renewed no more than thirty days prior to or ninety days after the expiration date of the instruction permit upon receiving an updated medical report.  Subsections [(b)(2) and (3)] (c)(2) and (3) shall not apply to the issuance or renewal of an instruction permit issued under this subsection.

     For the purposes of this subsection, "applicant with a disability" means an applicant who the examiner of drivers has reasonable cause to believe may have a mental or physical infirmity or disability that would make it unsafe to operate a motor vehicle pursuant to section 286-119(a)(1) and has been medically evaluated by the medical advisory board established pursuant to section 286-4.1."

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall not apply to applicants who submit applications for a motorcycle instruction permit before its effective date.

     SECTION 4.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DOT; Motorcycle Instruction Permits; Basic Motorcycle Rider Course

Description:

Starting on July 1, 2026, requires all applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to successfully complete a basic motorcycle rider course approved by the Department of Transportation before becoming eligible for the permit.  Designates exemptions for certain drivers on an enclosed training course.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (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 MOTORCYCLE INSTRUCTION PERMITS.

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

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to require, starting on July 1, 2026, that applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit successfully complete a basic motorcycle rider course approved by the department of transportation before becoming eligible for the permit.

     SECTION 2.  Section 286-110, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§286-110  Instruction permits.  (a)  Any person aged fifteen years and six months or more who, except for the person's lack of instruction in operating a motor vehicle, would be qualified to obtain a driver's license issued under this part may apply for a temporary instruction permit or a limited purpose instruction permit at the office of the examiner of drivers in the county in which the applicant resides; provided that the applicant compliles with section 286-102.5.

     (b)  No person shall be issued a motorcycle instruction permit unless the person successfully completes a basic motorcycle rider course approved by the department of transportation.

     [(b)] (c)  The examiner of drivers shall examine every applicant for an instruction permit.  The examination shall include tests of the applicant's:

     (1)  Eyesight and other physical or mental capabilities to determine if the applicant is capable of operating a motor vehicle;

     (2)  Understanding of highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic; and

     (3)  Knowledge of the traffic laws, ordinances, or regulations of the State and the county where the applicant resides or intends to operate a motor vehicle.

     [(c)] (d)  If the examiner of drivers is satisfied that the applicant is qualified to receive an instruction permit, the examiner of drivers shall issue the permit entitling the applicant, while having the permit in the applicant's immediate possession, to drive a motor vehicle upon the highways for a period of one year; provided that:

     (1)  An applicant who is registered in a driver training course shall be issued a temporary instruction permit for the duration of the course and the termination date of the course shall be entered on the permit; and

     (2)  If the applicant is a legal immigrant, the permit shall expire no later than the applicant's authorized period of stay in the United States.

     A person who is not licensed to operate the category of motor vehicles to which the driving training course applies shall not operate a motor vehicle in connection with the driving training course without a valid temporary instruction permit.

     [(d)] (e)  Except when operating a motor scooter or motorcycle, the holder of an instruction permit shall be accompanied by a person who is twenty-one years of age or older and licensed to operate the category of motor vehicles in which the motor vehicle that is being operated belongs.  The licensed person shall occupy a passenger seat beside the permit holder while the motor vehicle is being operated; provided that if the holder of the instruction permit is under the age of eighteen years and is driving between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.:

     (1)  A licensed driver who is the permit holder's parent or guardian shall occupy a passenger seat beside the driver while the motor vehicle is operated, unless the permit holder is an emancipated minor;

     (2)  The licensed driver shall be licensed to operate the same category of motor vehicles as the motor vehicle being operated by the holder of the instruction permit; and

     (3)  All occupants of the motor vehicle shall be restrained by a seat belt assembly or a child passenger safety restraint system as required under sections 291-11.5 and 291-11.6, notwithstanding any other law to the contrary.

     [(e)] (f)  No holder of a temporary instruction permit shall operate a motorcycle or a motor scooter during hours of darkness or carry any passengers.

     [(f)] (g)  No holder of a category 1 or 2 temporary instruction permit shall have the permit renewed, nor shall the holder be issued another temporary instruction permit for the same purpose, unless the holder has taken the examination for a category 1 or 2 license at least once prior to the expiration of the temporary instruction permit.  If the holder of a temporary instruction permit fails to meet the requirements of this section, the holder shall not be permitted to apply for another category 1 or 2 temporary instruction permit for a period of three months.  Nothing in this subsection shall affect the right and privilege of any holder of a category 1 or 2 temporary instruction permit to obtain a temporary instruction permit or driver's license for the operation of any other type of motor vehicle.

     [(g)] (h)  The examiner of drivers may accept an application for renewal of an instruction permit no more than thirty days prior to or ninety days after the expiration date of the instruction permit, whereupon the applicant for renewal of an instruction permit shall be exempt from subsection [(b)(2) and (3).] (c)(2) and (3).  If an application for renewal of an instruction permit is not made within ninety days after the expiration date of the permit, the applicant shall be treated as applying for a new instruction permit and examined in accordance with subsection [(b).] (c).

     [(h)] (i)  Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the examiner of drivers may issue an instruction permit to an applicant with a disability who has completed a medical review with this State, and as a condition to licensure is required to pass a road test, but has failed the road test on the applicant's first attempt.  The instruction permit issued under this subsection may be renewed no more than thirty days prior to or ninety days after the expiration date of the instruction permit upon receiving an updated medical report.  Subsections [(b)(2) and (3)] (c)(2) and (3) shall not apply to the issuance or renewal of an instruction permit issued under this subsection.

     For the purposes of this subsection, "applicant with a disability" means an applicant who the examiner of drivers has reasonable cause to believe may have a mental or physical infirmity or disability that would make it unsafe to operate a motor vehicle pursuant to section 286-119(a)(1) and has been medically evaluated by the medical advisory board established pursuant to section 286-4.1."

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall not apply to applicants who submit applications for a motorcycle instruction permit before its effective date.

     SECTION 4.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act, upon its approval, shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

DOT; Motorcycle Instruction Permits; Basic Motorcycle Rider Course

Description:

Starting on July 1, 2026, requires all applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to successfully complete a basic motorcycle rider course approved by the Department of Trnasportation before becoming eligible for the permit.

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. 259

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1481

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.B. No. 1481 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MOTORCYCLE INSTRUCTION PERMITS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to, starting on July 1, 2026, require all applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to successfully complete a basic motorcycle rider course approved by the Department of Transportation before becoming eligible for the permit.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation and Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Division of Motor Vehicle Registration of the Department of Customer Services for the City and County of Honolulu.

     Your Committee finds that between 2019 and 2023, there were one hundred twenty-three motorcycle fatalities on Hawaii's roadways, with sixty-three involving individuals without a motorcycle license.  Your Committee further finds that requiring all applicants seeking a motorcycle instruction permit to complete a basic motorcycle rider course would improve public safety throughout the State.  Accordingly, this measure mandates completion of a basic rider course prior to receiving a motorcycle instruction permit with the goal of increasing traffic safety for motorcycle riders and all other roadway users.

     Your Committee notes the comments brought forth by the Department of Transportation concerning exemptions for instructional purposes.  Your Committee finds that is proper to allow for a potential rider to use a motorcycle, motor scooter, or moped without a license while completing the required practical rider skills portion of the training course.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Adding language to allow a person to operate a motorcycle, motor scooter, or moped on an enclosed certified training course without a valid temporary instruction permit;

     (2)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion;

     (3)  Amending section 1 to reflect its amended purpose; and

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

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1481, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1481, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,