The state of Hawaii offers motorcyclists an unparalleled tropical paradise with breathtaking scenery, rich island culture, and many terrains to explore.
As a motorcycle rider in Hawaii, it is always recommended to determine whether you’re compliant with the state’s motorcycle insurance requirements & safety regulations before riding.
Understand that having adequate motorcycle insurance protects you and others in the event of accident, property damage, and/or injuries – such that it is legally required.
Hawaii Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
In order to properly meet Hawaii’s motorcycle insurance requirements, your policy must include the following “20/40/10” coverage limits:
- $20,000 per person bodily injury liability
- $40,000 per accident bodily injury liability
- $10,000 property damage liability
The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) oversees the state’s motorcycle insurance requirements.
The Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs (DCCA) in Hawaii also states that insurance companies must offer you additional/optional coverages including: personal injury medical payments coverage (up to $10,000), an income disability plan, and higher liability coverages.
Note: Insurance requirements for motorcyclists in Hawaii may be subject to future change. Insurance companies and government institutions will keep motorcyclists updated on any required changes.
Motorcycles & Two-Wheeled Vehicles Defined in Hawaii
In Hawaii, motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles are legally defined as follows:
- Motorcycle: A motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, having a seat or saddle for the rider, and powered by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.
- Moped: A motor-driven cycle with an engine not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters (3.05 cubic inches) which produces no more than 2 brake horsepower and is not capable of speeds greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground.
- Scooter: A two-wheeled vehicle with a motor displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or more that is not capable of speeds greater than 60 miles per hour.
Note: Definitions are based on the Hawaii Revised Statutes, Title 17 – Motor and Other Vehicles, Chapter 286 – Highway Safety.
Insurance Requirements for Smaller Vehicles in Hawaii
In Hawaii, motorcycles and other similar vehicles require insurance, including:
Motorcycles: All motorcycles, regardless of the number of wheels, must have liability insurance coverage in the state of Hawaii.
Mopeds & Scooters: Mopeds and scooters with a motor that displaces 50 cubic centimeters or more are subject to the same insurance requirements as motorcycles in Hawaii. Mopeds with an engine displacement less than 50 cubic centimeters do not require insurance but must be registered with the state.
If you have questions about insuring smaller non-motorcycle vehicles in Hawaii – contact an insurance agent or provider.
Basic Motorcycle Rules in Hawaii
Noted below are some general rules & regulations that must be followed if you wish to legally ride a motorcycle in Hawaii.
- Lane splitting: Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Hawaii.
- Helmets: Hawaii law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers under the age of 18 to wear a helmet while riding. Although not mandatory for riders over 18, helmets are still recommended. All helmets must meet the safety standards set by the Hawaii Dept. of Transportation (DOT).
- Eye protection: All riders in Hawaii are required to wear protective eye-wear unless their motorcycle has a windshield.
- Passengers: A passenger can only ride on a motorcycle if the bike is equipped with a designated passenger seat and footrest.
- Mirrors & lighting: Motorcycles must be equipped with at least one rear-view mirror and have proper lighting, including brake lights, tail lights, and turn signals.
- Turn signals: Hawaii law requires motorcycles to have functioning turn signals.
- Headlights: Motorcycles must have at least one working headlight, which must be used during daytime and nighttime hours.
- Seat & footrest: All motorcycles must have a seat for the rider, as well as a footrest.
- Endorsement: To legally operate a motorcycle in Hawaii, you must have a motorcycle (Class 2) license or a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license.
By adhering to these basic regulations and obtaining the appropriate insurance coverage, motorcyclists in Hawaii can enjoy the beautiful scenery and unique experiences that the state offers.
Additional Insurance for Motorcyclists in Hawaii
Though some motorcycle riders may be content with satisfying minimum motorcycle insurance coverage requirements, others might feel better with added coverage.
In fact, insurance providers in Hawaii are legally required to offer you coverage options beyond the minimums.
- Collision: Collision insurance can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your motorcycle is damaged or totaled in an accident.
- Comprehensive: Comprehensive insurance can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your motorcycle is stolen or damaged by factors such as weather, fire, or vandalism.
- Roadside Assistance: This insurance provides assistance if your motorcycle breaks down while you’re on the road and usually includes services such as towing, fuel delivery, and battery jump-starts.
- Custom Parts & Equipment: If you’ve customized your motorcycle with unique parts or accessories, this insurance can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement if they are damaged or stolen.
- Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist (UIM): This insurance can help protect you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver without insurance or adequate coverage to pay for damages.
- Medical Payments: This insurance can help cover medical expenses for you or your passengers in the event of an accident.
Proof of Motorcycle Insurance & Penalties
In Hawaii, all motorcyclists (and other motorists) are required to carry proof of insurance while driving.
Proof of insurance should always be available when requested by a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop or after an accident.
Penalties for failing to provide proof of insurance in Hawaii:
- First Offense: Fine of up to $500, suspension of license and registration until you can provide proof of insurance or up to 3 months, and/or community service.
- Second Offense: Fine of $1500-$5000, suspension of license and registration for up to 1 year (or until insurance is provided), potential impoundment of your vehicle, and community service.
- Third & Subsequent Offenses: Fine of $1500-$5000, suspension of license and registration for up to 1 year (or until insurance provided), up to 30 days imprisonment, community service, etc.
FAQs: Motorcycle Insurance in Hawaii
Included below are frequently asked questions about motorcycle insurance and rules/regulations within the state of Hawaii.
What is the legality of “lane splitting?”
Lane splitting is illegal & prohibited in Hawaii.
Hawaii Revised Statutes §291C-153 states: “no person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.”
Are helmets required for motorcyclists in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, helmets are required for riders and passengers under the age of 18.
Riders and passengers 18 years and older are not legally required to wear a helmet, but it is highly recommended for safety purposes.
Do I need an endorsement or license to ride a motorcycle?
Yes, you need a Class 2 motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license to legally operate a motorcycle in the state of Hawaii.
You can obtain a motorcycle endorsement by passing a written test and either completing a motorcycle training course approved by the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) or passing a skills test.
How can you save money on motorcycle insurance in Hawaii?
It’s not always as easy to save money on insurance policies as insurance salespeople claim, however, most people maximize savings by comparing insurance plans between providers.
If you already have insurance, it’s generally a good idea to compare it directly with plans from other insurers in Hawaii to determine whether any savings are apparent.
There may be certain discounts you’ll get for switching providers as well… so this is something to consider.
If satisfied with your current provider, you may want to double check for discounts and/or consider altering your insurance package a bit to make it more financially feasible.
Do scooters & mopeds require similar insurance as motorcycles?
In Hawaii, mopeds and scooters with a motor that displaces 50 cubic centimeters or more are subject to the same insurance requirements as motorcycles.
However, mopeds with an engine displacement less than 50 cubic centimeters do not require insurance but must be registered with the state.
Insurance providers will let you know what coverage is ideally suited to your specific scooter or moped if you have one.
What if you operate a motorcycle without insurance?
It is illegal to operate a motorcycle without insurance in the state of Hawaii – this was already mentioned.
Persons who operate motorcycles without insurance in Hawaii will be subject to fines, license suspension, and potential: community service, jail time, and other legal penalties.
What affects the cost of motorcycle insurance in Hawaii?
Variables that determine the price of motorcycle insurance include:
- Age & sex (of driver)
- Driving record
- Value of motorcycle
- Location (where you live)
- Specific insurance package
- Frequency of motorcycle riding
How to find great motorcycle insurance in Hawaii
Securing great motorcycle insurance in the state of Hawaii doesn’t require an over-the-top amount of research – although if you’re willing to put in the time, researching obviously helps.
Most people can find an excellent motorcycle insurance plan in Hawaii without a crazy time investment.
Punch your location into the Zip Code box on this site, get a few quotes from top providers in your area, and determine whether a plan fits your financial & coverage preferences.
If you’re satisfied with pricing & coverage – you’ll feel greater peace of mind while cruising through the Hawaiian roads.