Expired Registration in Hawaii
Motor vehicle registration in Hawaii is mandatory for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Hawaii operates a decentralized system, where each county administers its own vehicle registration program through its county department of finance. The Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement, through its Sheriff Division, along with county police departments, enforces compliance with registration statutes throughout the state.
State Code Provisions in Hawaii
Hawaii's vehicle registration framework operates under Chapter 286 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS § 286), which governs highway safety and motor vehicle regulation. Additionally, Chapter 249 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS § 249) establishes county vehicular taxes, including registration fees and penalty structures.
Registration Terms and Expiration in Hawaii
Registration Renewal System
Hawaii implements a staggered annual registration system across its four counties—Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai. All vehicles must be renewed annually in the respective county where the vehicle is physically located and operated. Registration renewal applications are mailed to registered owners approximately 45 days before the vehicle's registration expiration date.
Hawaii does not provide a grace period for expired registration. Once registration expires on the designated date, vehicle owners may not legally operate the vehicle on public roads until registration is renewed. However, if the registration expiration date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the delinquent renewal penalty fee will not be charged until after the following working day. Driving a vehicle with expired registration subjects owners to both administrative penalties and potential traffic citations.
Penalties for Expired Registration in Hawaii
Hawaii distinguishes between administrative penalties assessed by county departments of finance for late renewal and traffic violations enforced by law enforcement for operating vehicles with expired registration.
Administrative Penalties
Hawaii counties assess standardized administrative penalties for late registration renewal under HRS § 249. Failure to renew registration by the expiration date results in the following penalties:
Passenger Vehicles:
| Penalty Component | County Tax Penalty | State Tax Penalty | Total Annual Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late registration fee | $8.00 | $8.00 | $16.00 per year |
Commercial Vehicles:
| Penalty Component | County Tax Penalty | State Tax Penalty | Total Annual Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late registration fee | $20.00 | $20.00 | $40.00 per year |
These penalties represent flat annual rates assessed for each year or portion thereof that registration remains expired. The penalty structure applies uniformly across all four Hawaii counties.
Traffic Violations
Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration constitutes a traffic violation under Hawaii law. HRS § 249 requires the display of current registration emblems, and noncompliance with this requirement subjects the driver to citation and fines.
Violation Classification:
| Offense | Classification | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Operating with expired registration | Traffic infraction | $500.00 |
Additional Penalties: Court costs and fees may apply depending on county jurisdiction
Government Agencies Contact Information
Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement - Sheriff Division
715 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 587-5002
Official Website: Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement
City and County of Honolulu - Division of Motor Vehicles
Kapalama Hale
925 Dillingham Blvd. #257
Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: (808) 768-4325
Official Website: City and County of Honolulu - Division of Motor Vehicles
Hawaii County - Vehicle Registration & Licensing Division
Motor Vehicle Registration
101 Pauahi St., Suite 5
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 961-8351
Official Website: Hawaii County - Vehicle Registration & Licensing Division
Maui County - Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing
110 Alaihi Street
Suite 101
Kahului, HI 96732
Phone: (808) 270-7363
Official Website: Maui County - Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing
Kauai County - Division of Motor Vehicles
4444 Rice Street, Suite 475
Lihue, HI 96766
Phone: (808) 241-4242
Official Website: Kauai County - Division of Motor Vehicles
