SB 2697: DOT; Counties; Motor Vehicles; Shoulder Lanes; Registration; Expired Registration; Out-of-state Motor Vehicles; High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes; Enforcement; Penalties
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-04-29
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-06-04: Act 073, on 06/03/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1173).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Prohibits vehicles from driving on the shoulder of a roadway, except in certain circumstances. Specifies that a vehicle with an expired registration of one or more years may be subject to impoundment. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Increases the fine amount for owners of out-of-state motor vehicles who fail to register the vehicle in the State. Establishes minimum and maximum statutory penalties for violations relating to the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes. (CD1)
Prohibits vehicles from driving on the shoulder of a roadway, except in certain circumstances. Beginning one year after the effective date of this Act, authorizes the Department of Transportation and law enforcement officers to impound vehicles with expired registrations of three years or more, under certain conditions. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Increases the fine amount for owners of out-of-state motor vehicles who fail to register the vehicle in the State. Establishes minimum and maximum statutory penalties for violations relating to the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Prohibits vehicles from driving on the shoulder of a roadway, except in certain circumstances. Authorizes the Department of Transportation, law enforcement officers, and other approved persons to impound vehicles with expired registrations of three years or more, under certain conditions. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Increases the fine amount for owners of out-of-state motor vehicles who fail to register the vehicle in the State. Establishes minimum and maximum statutory penalties for violations relating to the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Prohibits vehicles from driving on the shoulder of a roadway, except in certain circumstances. Authorizes the Department of Transportation and county police departments to impound or cause to tow vehicles with expired registrations of three years or more after verifying the vehicle's registration status. Allows the owner of an impounded or towed vehicle to recover the vehicle under certain conditions. Exempts an owner of an impounded or towed vehicle from liability for any towing or storage charges if the vehicle was improperly impounded or towed. Allows the owner of an impounded or towed vehicle to recover the vehicle without payment upon presenting the vehicle's current registration to the towing company. Requires a towing company to allow a vehicle owner to enter the vehicle to obtain the vehicle's current registration. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Increases the fine amount for owners of out-of-state motor vehicles who fail to register the vehicle in the State. Establishes minimum and maximum statutory penalties for violations relating to the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes. Effective 8/1/2027. (SD1)
Prohibits vehicles from driving on the shoulder of a roadway, except in certain circumstances. Authorizes the Department of Transportation and county police departments to impound vehicles with expired registrations of three years or more and seize and dispose of vehicles with expired registrations of five years or more, under certain conditions. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Increases the fine amount for owners of out-of-state motor vehicles who fail to register the vehicle in the State. Establishes minimum and maximum statutory penalties for violations relating to the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2697 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 2 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§291C- Shoulder lanes; use prohibited. (a) Except as otherwise provided in section 291C-26 or as permitted during hours designated by the department of transportation, no vehicle shall be driven on the shoulder of a roadway.
(b) Every person who violates this section shall be subject to the following penalties:
(1) For a first violation of this section, or any violation of this section not preceded within five years by a prior violation of this section, a fine of $250; and
(2) For a violation of this section committed within five years of a prior violation of this section, a fine of $1,000."
SECTION 2. Section 249-10, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§249-10
Delinquent penalties; seizure and sale for tax[.]; rules;
annual report. (a) Any tax imposed by sections 249-1 to 249-13
for any year and not paid when due, shall become delinquent and a penalty shall
be added to, and become part of, the delinquent tax. The amount of the delinquency penalty shall
be established by the county's legislative body. If the date that the tax is due is a
Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the tax shall become delinquent at the end
of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. The director of finance may require the
payment of any delinquent tax and penalty as a condition precedent to the
registration, renewal, or transfer of ownership of such vehicle. Any vehicle not having the number plates
required by sections 249-1 to 249-13, or any vehicle upon which taxes are
delinquent as provided in this section[,] for one or more consecutive
years, may be seized, wherever found, by the director of finance or by any [police]
law enforcement officer, and held for a period of [ten] thirty
days, during which time the vehicle shall be subject to redemption by its owner
by payment of the taxes due, together with the delinquent penalties and the
cost of storage and other [charges] costs incident to the seizure
of the vehicle[.]; provided that the owner of the vehicle shall not
be liable for the costs if the seizure of the vehicle was not conducted in
accordance with this section; provided further that the storage facility shall
allow the vehicle owner to enter the vehicle to obtain the vehicle's
registration certificate. The
director of finance, chief of police, or any [police] law enforcement
officer shall be deemed to have seized and taken possession of any vehicle,
after having securely sealed it where located and posted a notice upon the
vehicle, setting forth the fact that it has been seized for taxes and warning
all other persons from molesting it under penalty provided by section 249-11.
(b) All vehicles seized and sealed shall remain
at the place of seizure or at any other place that the director of finance may
direct, at the expense and risk of the owner.
If the owner of the vehicle fails to redeem it within [ten] thirty
days after seizure, the vehicle may be sold by the director of finance at
public auction to the highest bidder for cash, after giving [ten] thirty
days public notice in the county and by posting notices in at least three
public places in the district where the vehicle was seized; provided that the
requirements of public auction may be waived when the appraised value of any
vehicle is less than [$250] $500 as determined by the director of
finance or authorized representative, in which case the vehicle may be disposed
of in the same manner as when a vehicle is put up for public auction and for
which no bid is received. The amount
realized at the sale, less the amount of the tax and penalty due, together with
all costs incurred in giving public notice, storing, and selling the vehicle
and all other [charges] costs incident to the seizure and sale,
shall be paid to the owner of the vehicle.
If no claim for the surplus is filed with the director of finance within
sixty days from the date of the sale, the surplus shall be paid into the county
treasury as a government realization and all claim to that sum shall thereafter
be forever barred.
(c) The owner of any antique motor vehicle shall be exempt from the tax and delinquent penalty imposed under this chapter for the entire period of nonuse; provided that the owner of the antique motor vehicle shall first present to the director of finance a signed and sworn certificate attesting to the antique motor vehicle's period of nonuse.
(d) The department of transportation and law enforcement agencies may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 as necessary for the enforcement of this section.
(e) The department of transportation shall submit an annual report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to each regular session detailing, by county, the enforcement activity of this section."
SECTION 3. Section 286-61, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§286-61 Penalty. Any person who violates sections 286‑41,
286-42, 286-44.5 to 286-56.5, and 286-58 to 286-60 shall be fined not less than
$5 [nor] and not more than $1,000; provided that any corporate
owner of a motor vehicle who fails to register a motor vehicle as required by
section 286-41(a) following a transfer of the vehicle between counties shall be
fined $1,000 for each violation[.]; provided further that any owner
of an out-of-state motor vehicle brought into the State who fails to register
the out-of-state motor vehicle pursuant to section 286-41, 286-50, or 286-54
shall be fined not less than $500 and not more than $1,000 for each violation. Any person who violates section 286-43,
286-44, or 286-57 shall be fined not less than $5 and not more than $1,000 or
imprisoned not more than one year, or both."
SECTION 4. Section 291C-227, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§291C-227 Penalty. A person who violates any provision of this
part shall [for a first conviction thereof be fined $75; for conviction of a
second offense committed within one year after the date of the first offense,
the person shall be fined $150; for conviction of a third or subsequent offense
committed within one year after the date of the first offense, the person shall
be fined $200.], for each conviction thereof, be subject to a fine of not
less than $250 and not more than $1,000."
SECTION 5. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 6. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
DOT; Counties; Motor Vehicles; Shoulder Lanes; Registration; Expired Registration; Out-of-state Motor Vehicles; High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes; Enforcement; Penalties
Description:
Prohibits vehicles from driving on the shoulder of a roadway, except in certain circumstances. Specifies that a vehicle with an expired registration of one or more years may be subject to impoundment. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Increases the fine amount for owners of out-of-state motor vehicles who fail to register the vehicle in the State. Establishes minimum and maximum statutory penalties for violations relating to the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2697 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 2 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§291C-A Shoulder lanes; use prohibited. (a) Except as otherwise provided in section 291C-26 or as permitted during hours designated by the department of transportation, no vehicle shall be driven on the shoulder of a roadway.
(b) Every person who violates this section shall be subject to the following penalties:
(1) For a first violation of this section, or any violation of this section not preceded within five years by a prior violation of this section, a fine of $250; and
(2) For a violation of this section committed within five years of a prior violation of this section, a fine of $1,000.
§291C-B Expired registration; enforcement; penalties. (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department of transportation or any law enforcement officer may impound and cause to be towed, subject to section 290-11(b) to (i), a vehicle that is parked on a public roadway or in a commercial parking lot that is open to the public if, before towing the vehicle, the department of transportation or a county department of finance has verified that the vehicle is not currently registered and has not been registered for the three previous consecutive years or more.
(b) The owner of the vehicle may recover the vehicle pursuant to section 290-11 upon registering the vehicle and presenting proof of the vehicle's current registration at the time of recovery.
(c) The owner of the vehicle shall not be liable for any towing or storage charges under section 290-11 if the vehicle was improperly impounded or towed and shall be allowed to recover the vehicle upon presenting proof of the vehicle's current registration, without payment to the towing company. The towing company shall allow a vehicle owner to enter the vehicle to obtain the vehicle's current registration certificate.
(d) The department of transportation and law enforcement agencies may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 as necessary for the enforcement of this section.
(e) The department of transportation shall submit an annual report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to each regular session detailing, by county, the enforcement activity of this section."
SECTION 2. Section 286-61, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§286-61 Penalty. Any person who violates sections 286-41,
286-42, 286-44.5 to 286-56.5, and 286-58 to 286-60 shall be fined [not] no
less than $5 [nor] and no more than $1,000; provided that any
corporate owner of a motor vehicle who fails to register a motor vehicle as
required by section 286-41(a) following a transfer of the vehicle between
counties shall be fined $1,000 for each violation[.]; provided
further that any owner of an out-of-state motor vehicle brought into the State
who fails to register the out-of-state motor vehicle pursuant to section
286-41, 286-50, or 286-54 shall be fined no less than $500 and no more than
$1,000 for each violation. Any
person who violates section 286-43, 286-44, or 286-57 shall be fined [not]
no less than $5 and [not] no more than $1,000 or
imprisoned [not] no more than one year, or both."
SECTION 3. Section 291C-227, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§291C-227 Penalty. A person who violates any provision of this
part shall [for a first conviction thereof be fined $75; for conviction of a
second offense committed within one year after the date of the first offense,
the person shall be fined $150; for conviction of a third or subsequent offense
committed within one year after the date of the first offense, the person shall
be fined $200.], for each conviction thereof, be subject to a fine of no
less than $250 and no more than $ ."
SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 5. In codifying the new sections added by section 1 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.
SECTION 6. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000; provided that section 291C-B, Hawaii Revised Statutes, shall take effect one year after the effective date of this Act.
Report Title:
DOT; Counties; Motor Vehicles; Shoulder Lanes; Registration; Expired Registration; Out-of-state Motor Vehicles; High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes; Enforcement; Penalties
Description:
Prohibits vehicles from driving on the shoulder of a roadway, except in certain circumstances. Beginning one year after the effective date of this Act, authorizes the Department of Transportation and law enforcement officers to impound vehicles with expired registrations of three years or more, under certain conditions. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Increases the fine amount for owners of out-of-state motor vehicles who fail to register the vehicle in the State. Establishes minimum and maximum statutory penalties for violations relating to the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes. 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.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2697 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§291C- Shoulder lanes; use prohibited. (a) Except as otherwise provided in section 291C-26 or as permitted during hours designated by the department, no vehicle shall be driven on the shoulder of a roadway.
(b) Every person who violates this section shall be subject to the following penalties:
(1) For a first infraction, or any infraction not preceded within one year by a prior violation of this section, a fine of $250; and
(2) For a second or subsequent violation committed within five years of the first violation, a fine of $1,000.
§291C- Expired registration; enforcement; penalties. (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, after verifying the registration status of a vehicle, the department of transportation, any law enforcement officer, or any approved person, contractor, or government agency designated to carry out towing enforcement may impound a vehicle that is parked on a public roadway or in a commercial parking lot that is open to the public and cause the vehicle to be towed subject to section 290-11(b) to (i) when, prior to towing the vehicle, the department of transportation or a county department of finance has verified that the vehicle is not currently registered and has not been registered for the three previous consecutive years or more; provided that towing enforcement conducted pursuant to this section shall be exempt from section 290-11(b)(2).
(b) The owner of the vehicle may redeem the vehicle by registering the vehicle prior to recovering the vehicle pursuant to section 290-11 and shall present the vehicle's current registration when recovering the vehicle.
(c) The owner of the vehicle shall not be liable for any towing or storage charges under section 290-11 if the vehicle was improperly impounded or towed and shall be allowed to recover the vehicle upon presenting the vehicle's current registration without payment to the towing company. The towing company shall allow a vehicle owner to enter the vehicle to obtain the vehicle's current registration certificate to establish ownership.
(d) The department of transportation and law enforcement agencies may establish rules as necessary for the enforcement of this section.
(e) The department of transportation shall submit an annual report to the legislature detailing by county the enforcement activity of this section no later than twenty days prior to each regular session."
SECTION 2. Section 286-61, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§286-61 Penalty. Any person who violates sections 286-41,
286-42, 286-44.5 to 286-56.5, and 286-58 to 286-60 shall be fined [not] no
less than $5 [nor] and no more than $1,000; provided that any
corporate owner of a motor vehicle who fails to register a motor vehicle as
required by section 286-41(a) following a transfer of the vehicle between
counties shall be fined $1,000 for each violation[.]; provided
further that any owner of an out-of-state motor vehicle brought into the State
who fails to register the out-of-state motor vehicle pursuant to section
286-41, 286-50, or 286-54 shall be fined no less than $500 and no more than
$1,000 for each violation. Any
person who violates section 286-43, 286-44, or 286-57 shall be fined [not]
no less than $5 and [not] no more than $1,000 or
imprisoned [not] no more than one year, or both."
SECTION 3. Section 291C-227, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§291C-227 Penalty. A person who violates any provision of this
part shall [for a first conviction thereof be fined $75; for conviction of a
second offense committed within one year after the date of the first offense,
the person shall be fined $150; for conviction of a third or subsequent offense
committed within one year after the date of the first offense, the person shall
be fined $200.], for each conviction thereof, be subject to a fine of no
less than $250 and no more than $ ."
SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DOT; Counties; Motor Vehicles; Shoulder Lanes; Registration; Expired Registration; Enforcement; Penalties; Out-of-state Motor Vehicles; High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes; Violations; Fines
Description:
Prohibits vehicles from driving on the shoulder of a roadway, except in certain circumstances. Authorizes the Department of Transportation, law enforcement officers, and other approved persons to impound vehicles with expired registrations of three years or more, under certain conditions. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Increases the fine amount for owners of out-of-state motor vehicles who fail to register the vehicle in the State. Establishes minimum and maximum statutory penalties for violations relating to the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes. 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.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2697 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§291C- Shoulder lanes; use prohibited. (a) Except as otherwise provided in section 291C-26 or as permitted during hours designated by the department, no vehicle shall be driven on the shoulder of a roadway.
(b) A person who violates this section shall be subject to the following penalties:
(1) For a first infraction, or any infraction not preceded within one year by a prior violation of this section, a fine of $ ;
(2) For a second or subsequent violation committed within one year of the first violation, a fine of $ .
§291C- Expired registration; enforcement; penalties. (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, after verifying the registration status of a vehicle the department of transportation and the county police departments may impound a vehicle that is parked on a public roadway or in a commercial parking lot that is open to the public and cause the vehicle to be towed pursuant to section 290-11(b) through (i); provided that before towing the vehicle, the department of transportation or a county department of finance has verified that the vehicle is not currently registered and has not been registered for the three previous consecutive years or more.
(b) The owner of a vehicle towed pursuant to subsection (a) may recover the vehicle by registering the vehicle before recovering the vehicle under section 290-11 and shall present the vehicle's current registration when recovering the vehicle.
(c) The owner of a vehicle towed pursuant to subsection (a) shall:
(1) Not be liable for any towing or storage charges under section 290-11 if the vehicle was improperly impounded or towed; and
(2) Be allowed to recover the vehicle upon presenting the vehicle's current registration without payment to the towing company.
The towing company shall allow a vehicle owner to enter the vehicle to obtain the vehicle's current registration certificate to establish ownership.
(d) The department of transportation and the county police departments may establish rules as necessary for the enforcement of this section.
(e) The department of transportation shall submit an annual report to the legislature detailing by county the enforcement activity of this section no later than twenty days prior to each regular session."
SECTION 2. Section 286-61, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§286-61 Penalty. Any person who violates sections 286‑41,
286-42, 286-44.5 to 286-56.5, and 286-58 to 286-60 shall be fined not less than
$5 nor more than $1,000; provided that any corporate owner of a motor vehicle
who fails to register a motor vehicle as required by section 286-41(a)
following a transfer of the vehicle between counties shall be fined $1,000 for
each violation[.]; provided further that any owner of an out-of-state
motor vehicle brought into the State who fails to register the out-of-state
motor vehicle pursuant to section 286‑41, 286-50, or 286-54 shall be
fined not less than $
and not more than $
for each violation. Any person who
violates section 286-43, 286-44, or 286-57 shall be fined not less than $5 and
not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both."
SECTION 3. Section 291C-227, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§291C-227 Penalty. A person who violates any provision of this
part shall [for a first conviction thereof be fined $75; for conviction of a
second offense committed within one year after the date of the first offense,
the person shall be fined $150; for conviction of a third or subsequent offense
committed within one year after the date of the first offense, the person shall
be fined $200.], for each conviction thereof, be subject to a fine of not
less than $250 and not more than $500."
SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on August 1, 2027.
Report Title:
DOT; Counties; Motor Vehicles; Shoulder Lanes; Registration; Expired Registration; Enforcement; Penalties; Out-of-State Motor Vehicles; High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes; Violations; Fines
Description:
Prohibits vehicles from driving on the shoulder of a roadway, except in certain circumstances. Authorizes the Department of Transportation and county police departments to impound or cause to tow vehicles with expired registrations of three years or more after verifying the vehicle's registration status. Allows the owner of an impounded or towed vehicle to recover the vehicle under certain conditions. Exempts an owner of an impounded or towed vehicle from liability for any towing or storage charges if the vehicle was improperly impounded or towed. Allows the owner of an impounded or towed vehicle to recover the vehicle without payment upon presenting the vehicle's current registration to the towing company. Requires a towing company to allow a vehicle owner to enter the vehicle to obtain the vehicle's current registration. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Increases the fine amount for owners of out-of-state motor vehicles who fail to register the vehicle in the State. Establishes minimum and maximum statutory penalties for violations relating to the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes. Effective 8/1/2027. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2697 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to transportation.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§291C- Shoulder lanes; use prohibited. (a) Except as otherwise provided in section 291C-26 or as permitted during hours designated by the department, no vehicle shall be driven on the shoulder of a roadway.
(b) Every person who violates this section shall be subject to the following penalties:
(1) For a first infraction, or any infraction not preceded within one year by a prior violation of this section, a fine of $ ;
(2) For a second or subsequent violation committed within one year of the first violation, a fine of $ .
§291C- Expired registration; enforcement; penalties. (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department of transportation and the county police departments may:
(1) For a vehicle with an expired registration of three years or more that is parked on a public roadway or in a commercial parking lot that is open to the public, impound the vehicle, during which time the vehicle shall be subject to redemption by its owner by payment of an updated registration, together with any penalties incurred and the cost of storage and other charges incident to the impoundment of the vehicle; and
(2) For a vehicle with an expired registration of five years or more that is parked on a public roadway or in a commercial parking lot that is open to the public, seize and dispose of the vehicle, during which time the vehicle shall be subject to redemption by its owner by payment of an updated registration, together with any penalties incurred and the cost of storage and other charges incident to the seizure of the vehicle. If the owner of the vehicle fails to redeem the vehicle within ten days after seizure, the vehicle shall be disposed of in the same manner as when a vehicle is put up for public auction and for which no bid is received; provided that if no valid ownership is proven, a fifteen-day notice shall be made available to the public prior to the disposal of the vehicle.
(b) A law enforcement officer may use a traffic stop for the purpose of verifying the registration status of a vehicle in the enforcement of subsection (a).
(c) Enforcement of this section shall not apply to vehicles on private property that is not open for public use.
(d) The department of transportation and the county police departments may establish rules as necessary for the enforcement of this section.
(e) The department of transportation shall submit an annual report to the legislature detailing by county the enforcement activity of this section no later than twenty days prior to each regular session."
SECTION 2. Section 286-61, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§286-61 Penalty. Any person who violates sections 286-41,
286-42, 286-44.5 to 286-56.5, and 286-58 to 286-60 shall be fined not less than
$5 nor more than $1,000; provided that any corporate owner of a motor vehicle
who fails to register a motor vehicle as required by section 286-41(a)
following a transfer of the vehicle between counties shall be fined $1,000 for
each violation[.]; provided further that any owner of an out-of-state
motor vehicle brought into the State who fails to register the out-of-state
motor vehicle pursuant to section 286-41, 286-50, or 286-54 shall be fined no
less than $ and no
more than $ for
each violation. Any person who
violates section 286-43, 286-44, or 286-57 shall be fined not less than $5 and
not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both."
SECTION 3. Section 291C-227, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§291C-227 Penalty. A person who violates any provision of this
part shall [for a first conviction thereof be fined $75; for conviction of a
second offense committed within one year after the date of the first offense,
the person shall be fined $150; for conviction of a third or subsequent offense
committed within one year after the date of the first offense, the person shall
be fined $200.], for each conviction thereof, be subject to a fine of no
less than $250 and no more than $500."
SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
DOT; Counties; Motor Vehicles; Shoulder Lanes; Registration; Expired Registration; Enforcement; Penalties; Out-of-state Motor Vehicles; High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes; Violations; Fines
Description:
Prohibits vehicles from driving on the shoulder of a roadway, except in certain circumstances. Authorizes the Department of Transportation and county police departments to impound vehicles with expired registrations of three years or more and seize and dispose of vehicles with expired registrations of five years or more, under certain conditions. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Increases the fine amount for owners of out-of-state motor vehicles who fail to register the vehicle in the State. Establishes minimum and maximum statutory penalties for violations relating to the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Jun 4, 2026 | Act 073, on 06/03/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1173). |
| Jun 4, 2026 | Act 073, 06/03/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1173). |
| May 8, 2026 | Enrolled to Governor. |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888). |
| May 6, 2026 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Iwamoto, Pierick voting no (4) and none excused (0). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 20; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 5 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte, Fevella, Keohokalole, San Buenaventura). Excused, 0 (none). |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 44-26) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 29, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 44-26). |
| Apr 28, 2026 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 2 Ayes: Representative(s) Kila, Poepoe; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Muraoka. |
| Apr 28, 2026 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Inouye, Rhoads, Elefante; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Tuesday, 04-28-26 10:20AM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 839). |
| Apr 24, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Kila, Poepoe Co-Chairs; Muraoka. |
| Apr 21, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 718). |
| Apr 21, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Inouye Chair; Rhoads Co-Chair; Elefante. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 710). |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 691). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Iwamoto, Pierick, Shimizu voting no (5) and Representative(s) Quinlan excused (1). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Tuesday, 04-14-26. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2132-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 8, 2026 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Hashem, Kahaloa, Takayama; Ayes with reservations: none; 2 Noes: Representative(s) Garcia, Shimizu; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Sayama, Cochran. |
| Apr 6, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Wednesday, 04-08-26 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 24, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with Representative(s) Alcos voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Pierick, Reyes Oda voting no (3) and Representative(s) Garrett, Quinlan excused (2). |
| Mar 24, 2026 | Reported from TRN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1331-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA. |
| Mar 19, 2026 | The committee on TRN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Kila, Miyake, Evslin, Grandinetti, La Chica, Cochran, Muraoka, Pierick; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Kitagawa. |
| Mar 16, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by TRN on Thursday, 03-19-26 8:30AM in House conference room 430 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Referred to TRN, JHA, referral sheet 17 |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 284) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 20; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 5 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte, Fevella, McKelvey, San Buenaventura). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | One Day Notice 03-10-26. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2994) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in JDC were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 2 No(es): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Awa; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 24, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC will hold a public decision making on 03-03-26 10:15AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC. |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Reported from TRS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2447) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC. |
| Feb 17, 2026 | The committee(s) on TRS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in TRS were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Inouye, Elefante, Kanuha; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Lee, C., DeCorte. |
| Feb 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on TRS has scheduled a public hearing on 02-17-26 3:00PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Re-Referred to TRS, JDC. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Referred to TRS/PSM, JDC. |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Introduced. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 14, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 8, 2026 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
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| Mar 19, 2026 | The committee on TRN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Transportation |
Passed |
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| Mar 10, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
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| Feb 17, 2026 | The committee(s) on TRS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Transportation |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| Department of Transportation | ** Support | |
| Department of Transportation, State of Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2994
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2697
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2697, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Prohibit vehicles from driving on the shoulder of a roadway, except in certain circumstances;
(2) Authorize the Department of Transportation and county police departments to impound or cause to tow vehicles with expired registrations of three years or more after verifying the vehicle's registration status;
(3) Allow the owner of an impounded or towed vehicle to recover the vehicle under certain conditions;
(4) Exempt an owner of an impounded or towed vehicle from liability for any towing or storage charges if the vehicle was improperly impounded or towed;
(5) Allow the owner of an impounded or towed vehicles to recover the vehicle without payment upon presenting the vehicle's current registration to the towing company;
(6) Require a towing company to allow a vehicle owner to enter the vehicle to obtain the vehicle's current registration;
(7) Require an annual report to the Legislature;
(8) Increase the fine amount for owners of out-of-state motor vehicles who fail to register in the State; and
(9) Establish minimum and maximum statutory penalties for violations relating to the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation and one individual.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General, Department of Customer Services of the City and County of Honolulu, and one individual.
Your Committee finds that multiple vehicular issues threaten the public welfare and safety on state roads. First, any vehicular traffic on the shoulders of roadways risks harm to pedestrians and obstructs the passage of emergency vehicles. Second, abandoned vehicles encumber the regular and safe vehicular traffic along state roadways. Third, owners of out-of-state vehicles frequently neglect to register their vehicles in the State, withholding contributions toward the maintenance of state infrastructure. Your Committee notes that existing law does not authorize the Department of Transportation to impound or dispose of certain abandoned vehicles, nor does it impose sufficient fines to deter the unsafe conduct of driving on roadway shoulders or the failure by out-of-state drivers to obtain in-state registration. This measure will improve the safety, efficiency, and maintenance of the State's roadways.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2697, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,
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________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 8, 2026 | SB2697_HD1_TESTIMONY_JHA_04-08-26_.PDF |
| Mar 18, 2026 | SB2697_SD1_TESTIMONY_TRN_03-19-26_.PDF |
| Mar 2, 2026 | SB2697_SD1_TESTIMONY_JDC_03-03-26_.PDF |
| Feb 17, 2026 | SB2697_TESTIMONY_TRS_02-17-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
1MIN
Senate Floor
4MIN
Conference Committee
3MIN
House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
2MIN
House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
2MIN
House Standing Committee on Transportation
33SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary
1MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment
1MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Transportation
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
