Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Hawaii State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Registration records of all vehicles in Hawaii must be updated annually. Annual fees are based on the vehicle weight and usage. They are computed by the Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing.

The deadline for registering vehicles is the last working day of the expiration month of the current registration. However, if the registration expiration date occurs on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the delinquent renewal penalty fee will not be charged until after the next working day.

Proof of Hawaii motor vehicle insurance is required to obtain a vehicle inspection, and the vehicle inspection sticker and certificate are necessary to operate a vehicle on all Hawaii roads and for all vehicle ownership-registration transactions.

Non-resident active duty military personnel must submit a properly completed Non-Resident Certificate, Form DF-L (MVR) 50, for each registration, renewal or transfer or transaction. Form DF-L (MVR) 50 is available from your military personnel office or your military unit.

When you buy a new vehicle on Oahu, the dealer will probably have it registered and licensed for you. But if this service is not provided, this is what you must do:

• Fill out an Application for Registration, Form DF-L (MVR) 1, which must be signed by you, the registered owner(s) and countersigned by a licensed Oahu vehicle dealer.
• Submit a Hawaii Vehicle Inspection Certificate.
• If you are an active duty service member stationed in Hawaii and a non-resident of this state, you must submit the Non-Resident Certificate, Form DF-L (MVR) 50, available from your military personnel office or your military unit.

The required fees will be determined by vehicle registration or Satellite City Hall personnel.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 7 years of age be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Hawaii State law requires the operator and all passengers use a seatbelt.

Department of Transportation | Updated Child Passenger Safety Law (hawaii.gov)

Act 122 - UPDATED CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY LAW - Effective June 27, 2022

Act 122 Overview

(1)       If the child is under two years of age, the child must be properly restrained in a rear-facing car seat with harness.

(2)       If a child is two years or older but less than four years old, the child must be properly restrained in a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat with harness.

(3)       All children under ten years old must be properly restrained regardless of how many seat belt assemblies are in the vehicle.

(4)       Violators of the law will be required by the court to attend a child passenger safety class approved by the Hawaii State Judiciary.

Speed Limits -- Troops on a roadway - 10 MPH, Housing areas - 15 MPH, The maximum speed is 15 MPH.

Vehicle Checks -- As this is a federal installation, all vehicles entering or leaving Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, Fort Shafter and Tripler AMC are subject to search.

Accidents -- The military police handles accidents on post. The Honolulu Police Department responds to accidents off post.