All Roll Calls
Yes: 202 • No: 26
HawaiiSB 26972025–2026 Regular Session (Year 2)Senate
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
Sponsored By: Lorraine R. Inouye (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Summary
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)
DOTCountiesMotor VehiclesShoulder LanesRegistrationExpired RegistrationOut-of-state Motor VehiclesHigh Occupancy Vehicle LanesEnforcementPenaltiesTRN, JHA
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Seized vehicles for unpaid taxes
County lawmakers set the penalty for late vehicle taxes. When a due date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, taxes become late the next business day. The finance director can require payment of overdue taxes and penalties before registration, renewal, or ownership transfer. Vehicles without plates or with taxes unpaid for at least one year can be seized; owners have 30 days to reclaim them by paying taxes, penalties, and costs. Unclaimed vehicles can be sold after 30 days of public notice; public auction may be skipped when the vehicle is appraised below $500. Owners do not owe seizure costs if the seizure was improper, and antique vehicle owners are exempt from taxes and late penalties during nonuse if they submit a sworn certificate. The law also sets rules for sale proceeds and requires the transportation department to report county enforcement to lawmakers each year.
Higher fines for traffic violations
Drivers cannot use a road shoulder unless another law allows it or the transportation department designates permitted hours. The fine is $250 for a first violation or one with no violation in the prior five years, and $1,000 if another violation occurred within five years. Other covered traffic convictions carry fines of $250 to $1,000 each, replacing former fines of $75, $150, and $200.
Higher fines for unregistered vehicles
Owners who bring out-of-state vehicles into Hawaii must register them under state rules. Failing to register carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 per violation. Corporate owners who fail to register a vehicle after it moves across counties face a $1,000 fine per violation. Other covered vehicle-law violations carry fines of $5 to $1,000; some can also bring up to one year in jail.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Lorraine R. Inouye
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Rachele Lamosao
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/6/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 47 • No: 4
Senate vote • 5/6/2026
Senate Floor Vote
Yes: 20 • No: 5
Senate vote • 4/28/2026
The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS....
Yes: 3 • No: 0
House vote • 4/28/2026
The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments....
Yes: 2 • No: 0
House vote • 4/14/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 45 • No: 5
House vote • 4/8/2026
The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The ...
Yes: 6 • No: 2
House vote • 3/24/2026
Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JHA...
Yes: 45 • No: 3
House vote • 3/19/2026
The committee on TRN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The ...
Yes: 8 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/10/2026
Senate Floor Vote
Yes: 20 • No: 5
Senate vote • 3/3/2026
The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The...
Yes: 3 • No: 2
Senate vote • 2/17/2026
The committee(s) on TRS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENT...
Yes: 3 • No: 0
Bill Text
Bill Text
Original
SB2697_CD1
SB2697_HD1
SB2697_HD2
SB2697_SD1
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