License Suspension in Hawaii

What are the common reasons for driver’s license suspension in Hawaii?

1. Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Hawaii has a zero tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

2. Excessive Traffic Violations: Repeated violations of traffic laws such as speeding, reckless driving, or disobeying traffic signals can lead to a suspension of your driving privileges.

3. Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test: Refusing to submit to a police officer’s request to take a chemical test for alcohol or drugs can result in an automatic suspension of your license.

4. Unpaid Tickets or Fines: In Hawaii, any unpaid ticket or fine can lead to a suspension of your driving privileges.

5. Failure to Comply with School Attendance Requirements: Drivers under 18 years of age must maintain a certain amount of school attendance in order to keep their license valid. If they fail to do so, their license will be suspended.

6. Physical or Mental Disability: If an individual’s physical or mental condition impairs their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, their license may be suspended.

Is there a difference between a temporary and a permanent license suspension in Hawaii?

Yes, there is a difference between a temporary and a permanent license suspension in Hawaii. A temporary license suspension is issued for minor offenses such as driving without insurance, failure to pay child support, or DUI/DWI. These suspensions can last anywhere from 30 days to one year. A permanent license suspension is issued for major offenses such as repeated DUI/DWI convictions, being a habitual traffic offender, or being convicted of a felony involving a motor vehicle. These suspensions are indefinite and require the individual to petition the court for reinstatement of their driving privileges.

How does unpaid traffic fines or tickets affect driver’s license suspension in Hawaii?

Unpaid traffic fines or tickets can result in the suspension of a driver’s license in Hawaii. The state of Hawaii assesses late fees and surcharges for any unpaid traffic fines or tickets. If an individual fails to pay the late fees and/or surcharges by the due date, their driver’s license may be suspended. In addition, if an individual accumulates multiple unpaid traffic fines or tickets, they may also have their driver’s license suspended.

What is the process for reinstating a suspended driver’s license in Hawaii?

1. Pay any outstanding fines or fees associated with the suspension.
2. Contact the Hawaii State Department of Transportation Driver’s License Division to discuss options for reinstatement, and obtain a reinstatement form.
3. Gather the required documents and complete the reinstatement form.
4. Submit the completed form along with the required documents to the Driver’s License Division.
5. If applicable, take a vision test and/or written test at a Driver’s License Division office.
6. Pay the applicable reinstatement and license renewal fees to the Driver’s License Division.
7. Receive your reinstated Hawaii driver’s license.

Are there specific penalties for driving with a suspended license in Hawaii?

Yes, driving with a suspended license in Hawaii is a criminal offense with specific penalties that depend on the underlying reason for the suspension. If the license was suspended due to a conviction of Driving Under the Influence (DUI), the penalties include a mandatory 45 day jail sentence or 250 hours of community service and a fine that ranges from $500 to $2,000. If the license was suspended for another reason, such as accumulation of too many points on a driver’s record or failure to appear in court, the penalties can include jail time, fines, and community service. In addition to these criminal penalties, drivers may be subject to additional administrative sanctions imposed by the state Department of Transportation.

Can individuals appeal a driver’s license suspension decision in Hawaii?

Yes, individuals can appeal a driver’s license suspension decision in Hawaii. In order to appeal, individuals must submit a written request to the Driver Education and Hearing Section of the Department of Transportation (DOT) within 15 days of the suspension notice. The appeal should include the reason for the appeal and any supporting documentation. If a hearing is granted, individuals will be notified of the date, time, and location of the hearing.

What are the consequences of driving while under a license suspension in Hawaii?

The consequences of driving while under a license suspension in Hawaii are severe. Depending on the reason for the suspension, it can result in jail time, steep fines, and additional license suspensions. In addition, it may also result in the impounding of your vehicle and the installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.

How long does a suspension typically last for various types of infractions in Hawaii?

The length of a suspension in Hawaii can vary depending on the type of infraction. For example, a driver’s license suspension for driving under the influence may last for up to one year, while a license suspension for failure to pay child support could last up to five years. Suspensions for drug-related offenses may last up to four years, and suspensions for violations of vehicle equipment laws may last up to two years.

Are there provisions for hardship or restricted licenses during suspension in Hawaii?

Yes, in Hawaii, individuals who have had their driver’s license suspended may qualify for a restricted or hardship license. This type of license will allow the holder to drive to specific locations, such as work, school, or medical appointments. These licenses are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and are valid for up to two years. To qualify for a restricted or hardship license, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and provide documentation proving your need.

Do suspensions vary for first-time offenders versus repeat offenders in Hawaii?

Yes, suspensions do vary for first-time offenders versus repeat offenders in Hawaii. Depending on the severity of the offense, a first-time offender may receive a warning or a short suspension, while a repeat offender may face a longer or permanent suspension. Each offense is considered on a case-by-case basis, and punishments can vary depending on the individual circumstances.

Can individuals request a hearing to contest a pending license suspension in Hawaii?

Yes. In Hawaii, individuals can request a hearing to challenge a pending license suspension. To do this, an individual must file a petition for hearing with the Hawaii Department of Transportation. The petition must include information about the individual’s driving record and any other relevant information.

What is the role of ignition interlock devices in license suspension cases in Hawaii?

Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are often required in Hawaii as part of a license suspension case. IIDs are devices that are connected to a vehicle’s ignition system, and require a driver to blow into a breathalyzer before the car will start. The device will prevent the vehicle from starting if the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above a predetermined limit. The driver must then wait a period of time before they can attempt to start the vehicle again. In Hawaii, IIDs are typically ordered for individuals who have had multiple alcohol-related driving offenses or who have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).

Is there a difference in license suspension for DUI or DWI offenses in Hawaii?

Yes, there is a difference in license suspension for DUI or DWI offenses in Hawaii. For a first-time DUI offense, your license will be suspended for 90 days. For a first-time DWI offense, your license will be suspended for at least 30 days.

How do out-of-state suspensions impact driving privileges in Hawaii?

Out-of-state suspensions are recognized by all states, including Hawaii. If a driver has their license suspended in another state, the suspension will be upheld in Hawaii. The driver will not be able to drive until the suspension period is over. The driver must also follow any other requirements, such as reinstating the license, in the state where the suspension originated.

Are there specific procedures for handling suspended commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) in Hawaii?

Yes, there are specific procedures for handling suspended CDLs in Hawaii. A driver may contest the suspension of their CDL by filing a notice of appeal with the State Department of Transportation. The driver must also provide a written explanation of why they believe the suspension is unjustified. The suspension will remain in effect until the appeal is decided, and the driver can request a hearing to state their case before a hearing officer. If the appeal is denied, the driver must fulfill all requirements and pay any applicable fees to reinstate their CDL.

What are the consequences for fleeing the scene of an accident involving injury or death in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, fleeing the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a felony. If convicted, penalties may include up to 10 years in prison, a $25,000 fine, or both. The convicted driver’s license will also be suspended, and they may also lose their vehicle registration and license plates. Additionally, the driver could be required to pay restitution for any damages caused as a result of the incident.

Can individuals reinstate their license after suspension due to unpaid child support in Hawaii?

Yes, individuals can reinstate their license after suspension due to unpaid child support in Hawaii. To do so, the individual must make a payment in full or sign a repayment agreement with the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS). The person must also pay any other fees associated with the reinstatement. If the individual’s license was suspended because of an unpaid traffic ticket or other fine, they must also pay the fine before they can get their license reinstated.

Do license suspensions result from non-driving offenses, such as drug convictions in Hawaii?

Yes, license suspensions can result from non-driving offenses in Hawaii. According to the Hawaii Revised Statutes, a person convicted of a drug offense may be subject to a two-year suspension of their driver’s license.

How do individuals regain driving privileges after a medical condition-related suspension in Hawaii?

Individuals in Hawaii who have had their driving privileges suspended due to a medical condition can regain their driving privileges by completing the following steps:

1. Obtain a medical clearance form from the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT).

2. Schedule an appointment with your doctor and have them complete the required form.

3. Submit the completed medical clearance form to HDOT.

4. If HDOT approves the clearance, they will issue you a new license with driving restrictions, if applicable.

5. Follow any other additional instructions given by HDOT such as attending a driver evaluation or completing a driver safety course.

6. Once all conditions are met, your driving privileges will be reinstated.

What resources are available to help individuals navigate the process of addressing and potentially overturning license suspensions in Hawaii?

1. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) provides a brochure titled “Dealing With License Suspensions”. This brochure outlines the process for appealing a license suspension, including contact information for the HDOT Driver Education and Licensing Division.

2. The Hawaii Judiciary website provides information about how to challenge license suspensions, including the necessary paperwork and fees that may be required.

3. The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii provides free legal services to low-income individuals to help them with license suspension appeals.

4. The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s William S. Richardson School of Law hosts a free legal clinic in Honolulu that assists individuals in appealing license suspensions.

5. Lastly, private lawyers and law firms can provide assistance navigating the process of appealing license suspensions.