• Minnesota Driver's License Revocation Periods
• Hawaii Motorcycle Driver's License

The following information will assist you in applying and qualifying for a Hawaiʻi Driver License, or for receiving an Instruction Permit for such vehicles as passenger cars, motorcycles and mopeds. Hawaiʻi driver licenses issued to applicants 25 through 71 years old shall expire on the first birthday eight years from the date of issuance. List of Driver's License offices in HI Hawaii. Phone and Opening hours. DMV Office finder. Location & hours. Make your DMV Appointment. To find the driver or vehicle division office closest to you, choose your county below OR enter your zip code above. Services at Hawaii DMV Offices. Your local Hawaii driver division office provides a number of services, including (but not limited to): Applying for a: Driver's permit. Driver license for: Teens. Commercial drivers.

In Hawaii, depending on the county, driving laws are enforced by the:

• Hawaii County Department of Finance, Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division, and
• Kauai County Department of Finance.

While the myriad rules and regulations enforced by the various Hawaii driving authorities apply to drivers of all ages and stages, the state imposes some special requirements and restrictions on older drivers.

Hawaii state rules are explained in more detail below, but a couple of them focus on identifying and handling older drivers who may have become unsafe.

Specifically, Hawaii:

• requires drivers age 72 and older to renew their licenses every two years, and
• allows driving authorities to restrict licenses in the interest of keeping drivers and roadways safe.

License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers

All those who wish to renew their licenses must complete a Driver’s License Application. Special rules apply to drivers who are 72 and older who seek to renew their licenses.

Time limits: Drivers age 72 and older must renew every two years. Drivers 21 to 71 must renew every six years and those under 21 can be issued a license that is valid for four years.

Visiontest: Required on renewal.

Writtentest: May be required in the discretion of the licensing authorities.

Roadtest: May be required in the discretion of the licensing authorities.

Possible License Restrictions

Driving authorities can place restrictions or conditions on a person’s driver license aimed at keeping both the driver and the roadways safe. The most common restriction for older drivers is to require glasses or corrective contact lenses.

In Hawaii, other common requirements the DMV may impose on older drivers and their vehicles include:

• vehicles equipped with outside mirrors
• driving only vehicles with automatic transmissions
• driving only vehicles with power steering
• no nighttime driving
• vehicles with full hand equipment
• vehicles equipped with mechanical signals
• vehicles equipped with a steering knob
• wearing hearing aids while driving, and
• wearing prosthetic aids while driving.

How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Hawaii

Unlike most states, Hawaii does not have a set procedure for family members, friends, and other concerned individuals to report that a driver may have become unsafe behind the wheel. Driving authorities are authorized to request medical exams of drivers who may have become unsafe behind the wheel; medical practitioners are required to record their results on a Medical Report Form.

For more information, contact the licensing authority in your county.

How to Get Parking Placards or Plates for a Disabled Driver

Disabled person parking placards and plates, administered by the Hawaii Office of Aging, can be issued to drivers with impaired mobility if a licensed medical practitioner certifies the condition.

The placards and plates are available for those who:

• are unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest due to an arthritic, neurologic, orthopedic, oncologic, renal, or vascular condition
• have a severe respiratory disability
• have a severe heart condition
• are unable to walk without the use of an assistive device or help from another person, or
• use portable oxygen.

To obtain a disabled placard or plate, you must:

• Obtain and complete a Person With a Disability Parking Permit Application.
• Have a licensed physician or advanced practice registered nurse complete the second page of the application.
• Mail the original application to the address on the form.

Learn More About Hawaii Driving Rules

Of special interest to Hawaii drivers is the “Driver’s Manual,” which includes information about licensing drivers, registering vehicles, rules of the road, and a brief section on particular challenges older drivers may face.

Where to Find a Lawyer for Help

You can use Nolo’s Lawyer Directory to find a local lawyer experienced in representing older people who need help with auto accidents or traffic tickets in Hawaii.

Obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Hawaii requires passageof a skills and knowledge test based upon the type of commercial motor vehicles(CMV) being driven. Federal law requires that CDL drivers crossing state linesmust be 21 years of age. States may set different age limits for commercialdrivers that operate solely within the state. You can learn more about Hawaii’sCDL license requirements in the HawaiiCDL Manual.

Hawaii follows federal guidelines that provide for threeclassifications of CMVs as described below. (Learn more about the FederalCommercial Driver’s License Program (CDL/CDLIS).) CDLs are regulatednationwide under the MotorCarrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. That law was modified by thePatriot Act, effective 2005, which provided that out-of-state transfers of CDLswere subject to certainsecurity measures particularly in regard to transportation of hazardousmaterials.

• Class A. Any combination ofvehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more poundsprovided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• Class B. Any single vehicle witha gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, or any suchvehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
• Class C. Any single vehicle, orcombination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or ClassB, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including thedriver, or is transporting material that has been designated as hazardous. Note: A bus may be either Class B orClass C depending on whether the GVWR is 26,001 pounds or more.

Testing and Fees. The fees and qualifying information for a commercial driverslicense in Hawaii are shown here.

Minnesota Driver's License Revocation Periods

Traffic Violations and CDL Disqualification

Hawaii drivers can lose their CDL license on atemporary or permanent basis. The degree of loss depends on whether theviolation is characterized as major (which always results in some form ofdisqualification) or serious (which cumulatively result in disqualification) orotherwise. Below we set out the standards. Note:Using a CMV or non CMV in the commissionof a felony involving manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlledsubstance will result in a disqualification for life, without the possibilityof reinstatement.

Disqualificationfor major violations. Below we list the causesfor a “major violation.” The firstviolation for a major violation, in a CMV or a non-CMV, results in a one-yeardisqualification (or a three-year disqualification if transporting hazardousmaterials required to be placarded). The secondviolation for a major, in a CMV or a non-CMV, results in a lifetimedisqualification. The driver may be eligible for reinstatement under certainconditions after ten years. Major violations include:

• Being under the influenceof alcohol as prescribed by Hawaii law. (Read more about Hawaii DUI law.)
• Being under the influenceof a controlled substance.
• Having a blood alcoholconcentration (BAC) of .04% or greater while operating a CMV.
• Refusing to take an alcoholtest as required by Hawaii law under its implied consent laws or regulations.
• Leaving the scene of anaccident.
• Using the vehicle to commita felony.
• Driving a CMV when, as aresult of prior violations committed operating a CMV, the driver's CDL isrevoked, suspended, or canceled, or the driver is disqualified from operating aCMV.
• Causing a fatality throughthe negligent operation of a CMV, including but not limited to the crimes ofmotor vehicle manslaughter, homicide by motor vehicle and negligent homicide.
• Using the vehicle in thecommission of a felony involving manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing acontrolled substance.

Disqualificationfor serious traffic violations. The first violation for a serious violationdoes not result in a disqualification. A secondserious violation within three years, results in a 60 day disqualification, and a third serious violation within three years,results in a 120 day disqualification. Serious disqualifications must be servedconsecutively. All serious violations in a CMV are included. Serious violationsin a non-CMV must not be included, unless it results in the revocation,cancellation, or suspension of the CDL holder's license or non-CMV drivingprivileges.

• Speeding excessively,involving any speed of 15 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit.
• Driving recklessly, asdefined by Hawaii law, including but, not limited to, offenses of driving amotor vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons orproperty.
• Making improper or erratictraffic lane changes.
• Following the vehicle aheadtoo closely.
• Violating Hawaii lawrelating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation) arisingin connection with a fatal accident.
• Driving a CMV withoutobtaining a CDL.
• Driving a CMV without a CDLin the driver's possession.
• Driving a CMV without theproper class of CDL and/or endorsements for the specific vehicle group beingoperated or for the passengers or type of cargo being transported.

Disqualificationfor railroad-highway grade crossing (RRHGC) offenses, while operating a CMV. The first violationof a RRHGC results in a disqualification of not less than 60 days. The second violation, within three years,results in a disqualification of not less than 120 days. The third and subsequent violations, withinthree years, results in a disqualification of not less than one year. RRHGC include:

• The driver is not requiredto always stop, but fails to slow down and check that tracks are clear of anapproaching train.
• The driver is not requiredto always stop, but fails to stop before reaching the crossing, if the tracksare not clear.
• The driver is alwaysrequired to stop, but fails to stop before driving onto the crossing.
• The driver fails to havesufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping.
• The driver fails to obey atraffic control device or the directions of an enforcement official at thecrossing.
• The driver fails to negotiatea crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance.

Violation ofOut-of-Service Order while operating a CMV. Violatinga driver or vehicle out-of-service order transporting hazardous ornon-hazardous materials or while operating a vehicle designed to transport 16or more passengers, including the driver.

CDL Specific Violations

There area number of requirements that apply only to those with a commercial driver'slicense. Many of these requirements are set on the federal level. Drivers can alsobe penalized for the following CDL related offenses:

• Overweight. Vehicles must have specific permits if they carry an oversized load. Permits can be issued annually or per-trip and cannot be transferred from vehicle to vehicle.
• Log Books. CDL drivers must have a logbook that is up to date and that reflects hours driven. Falsifying or failing to keep a logbook can result in federal penalties and is punishable by up to six months in jail.
• Speeding while towing a trailer. If driving above 15 miles per hour over the speed limit, this can result in suspension of a license.
• Grade restrictions.A commercial driver who drives on a road where he or she is not permitted due to its grade (steepness) can be subject to penalties up to a 60-day license suspension for a first offense.

Drivers are also not allowed to have more than one CDL. Ifyou are found having multiple CDLs from different states, you may be finedup to $5,000 and jailed. The court can also keep your home state license, andwill return licenses from all other states.

Personal Violations

The MotorCarrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 states that drivers with a CDLwill have their CDL disqualified if they are convicted of certain types ofmoving violations in their personal vehicle. These may occur if: (1) a driver loses his licenseto operate his personal vehicle, whether by having it suspended, canceled orrevoked, and the cause was a serious speeding violating, he will lose hisCDL from somewhere between 60 and 120 days, and (2) the personal vehiclelicense is revoked, suspended or canceled due to an alcohol violation, theCDL will be lost for one year. The CDL will be lost for life if the driverreceives a second alcohol conviction, even if the offense was committed inis personal car. Something called a 'hardship' license tooperate a CMV exists, but drivers may not obtain one of these if theyhave lost their license to operate personal vehicles. If you areconvicted of any traffic violation other than parking violations,regardless of what type of vehicle you are driving, you must tell youremployer of that within 30 days.

Getting Help

Hawaii Motorcycle Driver's License

If you have been ticketed or issued a CDL violation in Hawaii, you may havedefenses available to you. Because disqualification or loss of license canresult from various infractions, you should consider consulting an attorney whocan explain your options and help you to explore potential defenses.