Hawaii Reckless Driving
A reckless driving offense in Hawaii results in fines of up to $1,000, up to 30 days in jail, and a suspended license.
Written by Kaitlin May
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Reckless driving offenders in Hawaii receive up to $1,000 in fines, a jail stay of up to 30 days, and a suspended license. The laws primarily apply to vehicle operators, but also include those who recklessly ride animals in high-traffic areas.
Awareness is everything when it comes to charges classified as reckless driving. It’s common to drive a few miles above the posted speed limit without realizing it, but reckless drivers intentionally override a potential risk on the road and choose to proceed anyway. The defiant nature of the violation can be hazardous for fellow drivers, which is why it carries such serious consequences.
The
car insurance
experts at Jerry
have rounded up everything you need to know about reckless driving laws in the Aloha State.
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How does Hawaii define reckless driving?
Drivers may get hit with a reckless driving charge in Hawaii for driving “recklessly in disregard of the safety of persons or property."
Reckless driving refers to any scenario in which the driver understands potential risks and consequences of a maneuver that can potentially cause harm for others and does it anyway, such as:
- Excessive speeding
- Operating a damaged vehicle
- Passing others illegally or tailgating
Each situation is unique, which is why the decision is ultimately made by the law enforcement officer present at the time of the offense.
What are the penalties for reckless driving in Hawaii?
A reckless driving charge in Hawaii is considered a petty misdemeanor, but that doesn’t mean it’s anything to be taken lightly. The criminal charge comes with:
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Up to one month in jail
- A license suspension
- Court costs
If someone is killed as a result of a reckless driving offense, the driver could also receive negligent homicide charges.
Key Takeaway: You don’t have to cause a huge accident to go to jail for reckless driving. Any behaviors that unnecessarily endanger other people could get you a reckless driving charge.
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How can I remove a reckless driving charge from my record?
The best plan of action for drivers facing reckless driving charges in Hawaii is to hire a lawyer who can help reduce the violation to the lowest possible charge.
Appearing in court with a lawyer present can increase your chances of circumventing jail time and the maximum amount of fees. There’s a hierarchy of traffic convictions that your lawyer can advocate for depending on the conditions of your offense, including:
- Inattention to Driving
- This is a subsidiary offense defined as “causing a collision, damage to property, or injury to a person while driving negligently." The difference here is that the driver neglects to drive safely without being fully aware of the risk.Penalties for inattention to driving in Hawaii can still result in a month of jail time, but the fees are nearly cut in half to $500 with a $100 surcharge.
- "Wet Reckless"
- For drivers charged with a DUI, or operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant (OVUII) as it’s referred to in Hawaii, a lawyer can initiate a plea bargain with the potential to reduce it to a reckless driving charge.
Points in Hawaii
One thing you don’t have to worry about when you’re convicted of a reckless driving charge in Hawaii is earning points on your license. Hawaii doesn’t use a license-points system to record driving violations.
It’s more common for serious offenses or repeated violations to come along with a suspended license. This happens most frequently when residents drive while intoxicated, refuse to take a blood alcohol test, or drive without car insurance.
Will reckless driving make my insurance go up?
Hold on to your surfboard because reckless driving charges increase insurance premiums by 390% or a whopping $4,220 in Hawaii. For perspective, that means the annual insurance cost would skyrocket to $5,301 on average.
Since insurance companies reference your driving record to determine how much risk you present while calculating your premium, a reckless driving offense holds substantial weight. Even though points on your license won’t be factored into your insurance rates in Hawaii, minor tickets on your record can prevent you from receiving a good driver discount for more than three years.
The best way to avoid getting caught in a web of debilitating insurance premiums is to slow down, pay attention to the rules, and ensure you don’t accrue additional offenses that can drive up your payments even further.
How to find affordable insurance in Hawaii
With the tidal wave of fees that can come your way in the wake of a reckless driving charge in Hawaii, it’s a good idea to get the car insurance comparison app
Jerry
on your side.With a sign-up that takes just 45 seconds, Jerry will be hard at work to cross analyze rates from the 50+ top-rated insurance carriers in the country and find the most affordable coverage options for you and your unique circumstances. As a
licensed broker
, Jerry can even help cancel your old policy and sign you up for a new one.If you happen to run into a similar setback in the future, you can rest assured that Jerry will stick by your side through it all, and send you updated cost-saving options before each policy renewal.
“Jerrygot me better insurance for my luxury car. I’m sure it’ll improve even more once my ticket is removed. Keep up the good work Jerry team!” —Dwayne P.
FAQs
Is reckless driving a felony?
It’s a petty misdemeanor in Hawaii, but if someone is killed as a result of a reckless driver, the driver can face negligent homicide charges.
How long does reckless driving stay on your record?
In Hawaii, you’ll be at the mercy of insurance companies that offer little leeway when it comes to tickets and reckless driving offenses. Reckless driving can impact your payments for more than three years after the violation, and you can expect to see an increase of 54% in your insurance premium.
How can I get out of a speeding ticket in Hawaii?
The only option is to stand in court and argue your case. With an experienced attorney on your side, you can potentially get the charges reduced to a lesser offense.
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