The Hawaii Point System Explained: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean

When you get your Hawaii driver's license, you also receive a clean driving record. Keeping it that way is one of your most important responsibilities. To encourage safe driving and identify drivers who may pose a risk, the state of Hawaii uses a demerit point system.

Understanding this system from the moment you get your license is crucial. Every time you are convicted of a moving violation, points are added to your record. If you accumulate too many points, you will face serious consequences, including mandatory driver improvement courses and the suspension of your license.

How the Hawaii Point System Works

The concept is straightforward: the state assigns a point value to different moving traffic violations. The more serious the offense, the more points you receive. When you pay a ticket or are found guilty in court, the traffic violations bureau reports that conviction, and the corresponding points are added to your driving record.

The state will take action based on the number of points you accumulate within a 12-month (1-year) period.

Point Values for Common Hawaii Traffic Violations

It's essential to know which actions carry the most weight. Here are the point values for some of the most common violations in Hawaii:

• 2 Point Violations:

  • Most other minor moving violations not listed below.

• 3 Point Violations:

  • Speeding (1-10 mph over the limit).

• 4 Point Violations:

  • Failure to yield right-of-way.
  • Failure to stop at a stop sign.
  • Disregarding a red light.

• 6 Point Violations:

  • Passing a stopped school bus.
  • Failure to give information or render aid after an accident.

• 8 Point Violations:

  • Speeding (30 mph or more over the limit).
  • Reckless Driving.

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): A conviction for DUI results in an immediate and lengthy license revocation that operates outside the standard point system.

The Consequences of Accumulating Points

The system is designed to be progressive. The more points you get, the more serious the consequences become.

• At 3 to 11 Points: The court may require you to attend a driver improvement course. This is a class designed to review traffic laws and safe driving techniques.

• At 12 Points: This is the critical threshold. Once you accumulate 12 or more points in a 12-month period, the court can take several actions, including:

  • Ordering you to attend a driver improvement course.
  • Suspending your driver's license for a period of time.

The License Suspension Process

• Notice and Hearing: You will be notified and may be required to attend a court hearing where a judge will review your driving record.
• Suspension Duration: A first-time suspension for accumulating 12 points can range from 30 days to 90 days. A second suspension can be up to 180 days.

Stricter Rules for Teen Drivers (GDL Holders)

The consequences for new, young drivers are much harsher. For a driver with an instruction permit or provisional license:

• Any traffic violation can delay your ability to graduate to the next licensing stage.
• A conviction for violating the GDL restrictions (like the curfew or passenger limits) can result in a 3-month suspension for a first offense and a 6-month suspension for a second offense.

This means a single ticket for a teen driver can have very serious consequences for their driving privilege.

How to Keep Your Record Clean

1. Drive Safely: The most effective method is to avoid getting tickets in the first place by obeying all traffic laws, especially speed limits.
2. Understand GDL Laws: If you are a teen driver, strictly adhering to your curfew and passenger restrictions is not just a good idea—it's the law, and breaking it has harsh penalties.
3. Know Your Status: You can request a copy of your traffic abstract (driving record) from your local driver licensing center to stay informed about your point total.
4. Attend a Driver Improvement Course: If the court gives you the option, completing a driver improvement course can sometimes lead to a dismissal of a ticket or a reduction in penalties, which can keep points off your record.

Your driving record is a direct reflection of your choices behind the wheel. By understanding the Hawaii point system, you can make informed decisions that will keep your record clean and keep you safe on the road.