Hawaii Traffic Ticket Fines by Violation Type (2026)
Getting a traffic ticket in Hawaii is stressful enough without having to hunt down how much it's actually going to cost. This guide covers the most common traffic violation fines in Hawaii — plus the real costs beyond the ticket itself that most people don't consider.
Note: Fine amounts are base fines under Hawaii law. Courts may add assessments, surcharges, and administrative fees that increase the total amount owed. The amounts shown here are typical base fine ranges — your citation may differ.
Speeding Ticket Fines in Hawaii
Hawaii speeding fines are tiered based on how far over the posted limit you were traveling:
| Speed Over Limit | Base Fine | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1–10 MPH over | $150–$200 | Standard |
| 11–20 MPH over | $200–$300 | Moderate |
| 21–30 MPH over | $300–$500 | Elevated |
| 30+ MPH over limit | $500–$1,000+ | Serious |
| 80+ MPH regardless of limit | $500–$1,000+ | Serious — license risk |
| School zone speeding | Double standard fine | High |
| Work/construction zone speeding | Double standard fine | High |
Traffic Control Violation Fines
| Violation | Base Fine |
|---|---|
| Running a red light | $200–$250 |
| Red light camera citation | $200–$250 |
| Running a stop sign | $150–$200 |
| Failure to yield right of way | $150–$200 |
| Railroad crossing violation | $250–$350 |
Lane Usage & Moving Violations
| Violation | Base Fine |
|---|---|
| Improper lane change / failure to signal | $100–$150 |
| Improper passing | $150–$200 |
| Following too closely (tailgating) | $100–$150 |
| HOV/carpool lane violation | $200–$300 |
| Reckless driving (non-DUI) | $500–$1,000+ |
Distracted Driving Fines
Hawaii has strict distracted driving laws under HRS §291C-137. Cell phone use while driving carries significant penalties:
| Violation | Base Fine |
|---|---|
| Handheld cell phone use (1st offense) | $297 |
| Handheld cell phone use (2nd offense) | $297–$397 |
| Handheld cell phone use (3rd+ offense) | $497+ |
| Texting while driving | $297+ |
Safety Violation Fines
| Violation | Base Fine |
|---|---|
| Seat belt violation (driver) | $112 |
| Seat belt violation (passenger) | $57–$112 |
| Child restraint violation | $100–$500 |
| Equipment violation (lights, mirrors, etc.) | $50–$150 |
| Illegal window tint | $50–$150 |
| Excessive noise / modified exhaust | $100–$200 |
Documentation Violations
| Violation | Base Fine |
|---|---|
| No proof of insurance | $500–$1,500 |
| Expired registration | $50–$200 |
| Driving without a license | $200–$500 |
| Driving on suspended license | $500–$1,000+ |
Parking Violation Fines
| Violation | Base Fine |
|---|---|
| Expired meter | $30–$60 |
| No parking zone | $50–$100 |
| Fire hydrant (within 15 feet) | $100–$150 |
| Handicapped parking violation | $250–$500 |
| Blocking driveway or intersection | $50–$100 |
The Hidden Cost: Insurance Rate Increases
The fine on your citation is only part of the true cost. Moving violations that result in conviction affect your driving record, which your insurance company checks at renewal. Here's how that plays out:
| Violation Type | Typical Insurance Increase | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Minor speeding (1–15 MPH over) | 10–20% | 3 years |
| Moderate speeding (16–30 MPH over) | 20–30% | 3–5 years |
| Excessive speeding / reckless | 30–50%+ | 5+ years |
| Red light / stop sign | 15–25% | 3 years |
| Distracted driving | 20–30% | 3–5 years |
On a $1,500/year policy, a 20% increase adds $300/year — $900 over three years for a single ticket. This is why contesting, even for smaller fines, almost always makes financial sense.
🏝️ Does Hawaii Have a Points System?
No. Unlike most mainland states, Hawaii does not use a driver's license point system for traffic violations. However, violations still appear on your driving record and directly affect your insurance rates. There's no "point threshold" that triggers suspension in Hawaii — but insurance companies track your record regardless.
When Is Contesting Worth It?
In almost every case. Consider: a $150 speeding ticket, if paid without contest, could cost $600–$900 in increased insurance premiums over 3 years. Spending $25 on a defense letter for the chance to avoid that entirely is one of the best ROI decisions you can make.
The math is even more compelling for larger fines — a $500 excessive speeding ticket plus 5 years of elevated insurance rates can represent thousands of dollars in total cost.
Is Your Fine Worth Fighting?
Almost certainly yes. Our AI generates a professionally formatted defense letter for $25 — customized to your violation type, court, and circumstances. Covers all 33+ violation types across all Hawaii islands.
Contest My Ticket — $25One-time fee. Instant download. 21-day deadline applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hawaii traffic fines the same on all islands?
Base fines are set by state law and apply statewide. However, each county (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai) may add additional surcharges and administrative fees, so the total amount on your citation may vary slightly by island.
Can fines increase for repeat offenses?
Yes. Many Hawaii traffic violations carry enhanced penalties for second and subsequent offenses within a certain period. Distracted driving fines, in particular, escalate significantly with repeat violations.
What if I can't afford to pay the fine?
Contact the court before the 21-day deadline. Most Hawaii courts offer payment plans for those who demonstrate financial hardship. Ignoring the citation because you can't pay is the worst option — it adds late fees and risks license suspension on top of the original fine.
Does a parking ticket affect my driving record?
Generally no — parking violations are typically non-moving violations that don't appear on your driving record and don't affect insurance rates. However, unpaid parking fines can still result in vehicle registration holds and collections.