Hawaii Move Over Laws
Failing to move over for an emergency vehicle that has stopped in Hawaii may result in a traffic citation, mandatory court appearance, and up to a $1,000 fine.
Written by Holden Easterbrook
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
According to Hawaii state law, you must move over and slow down for stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Failure to do so could lead to a traffic citation, mandatory court appearance, and a fine up to $1,000.
Though Hawaii was the last state to begin enforcing move over laws, that doesn’t make them any less important. Being struck by passing vehicles is a leading cause of death for emergency responders, so we all must help protect those serving the public.
Unless you’re in
Washington, D.C.
, you’re driving in a state with move over laws on the books. As a result, it’s vital to know the exact terms of the law and what’s expected of you as a driver. Luckily, the car insurance
broker app Jerry
has condensed everything you need to know about Hawaii’s move over laws into this short article.
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What are the move over laws in Hawaii?
The move over law in Hawaii requires all drivers to change lanes and slow down, if possible, when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with its lights on.
To be more specific, the law requires drivers to:
- Change to an adjacent lane if it’s necessary and safe to do so—if possible, move two lanes over to leave an empty lane between the driver and emergency vehicle
- Slow to a reasonable speed, based on current road conditions, and be prepared to come to a full stop to make a safe lane change
What is considered an emergency vehicle in Hawaii?
The Hawaii move over law applies to the following emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights:
- Police or fire department vehicle
- Ocean safety vehicle
- Emergency medical services vehicle
- County emergency management vehicle
- Civil defense vehicle
- Department of transportation harbors division vehicle
- Department of land and natural resources division of conservation and resources enforcement vehicle
- Tow truck
Penalties for violating Hawaii’s move over laws
Failing to abide by Hawaii law and move over or slow down for the emergency vehicles listed above could result in:
If you injure or kill an emergency responder due to not obeying Hawaii’s move over laws, you could face additional changes.
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Can violating move over laws raise your insurance?
Violating Hawaii’s move over laws will most often result in a traffic citation. Citations are recorded on your driving record and will lead to more expensive car insurance. Depending on the circumstances and severity of the citation, the increase in your insurance rates could be significant.
Traffic citations in Hawaii will stay on your driving record for at least ten years, and each additional citation will only make insuring your vehicle more difficult and expensive. Be careful when you’re on the road and keep an eye out for stopped emergency vehicles.
Why are there move over laws?
Move over laws are meant to protect emergency responders and their vehicles by creating a buffer zone between them and motorists.
These laws first started appearing in the early 2000s after South Carolina paramedic James D. Garcia was struck and injured by a passing driver while responding to an accident. After he was found to be at fault, Garcia began working to pass laws to protect emergency responders. As of 2021, every state has some form of a move over law requiring drivers to operate their vehicles carefully when passing an active emergency scene.
How to find cheap insurance after a traffic conviction
Regardless of the reason for receiving a traffic conviction, you can expect your car insurance rates to increase. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to settle for paying more for the same protection. Switching insurance providers can lower your monthly costs, and even provide additional coverages. To find the best rates available for you, get Jerry’s help.
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