Maui Driving Laws

Below are a few driving laws legislated in Maui, Hawaii. They are by no means complete. If you have questions regarding legal Hawaiian driving procedures, please ask the staff at the rental desk when you pick up your Maui rental car. Their information will be the most up-to-date on recently enacted driving laws. In addition, they are eager and happy to share their knowledge with you. State motor vehicle laws are often displayed on rental office walls but are not located in the rental vehicle itself. For a visual guide on specific driving restrictions in Maui, visit our Maui map of car rental restrictions. Ensure you’re well-informed before hitting the road!

Mobile Phone Operation in the Islands
A driver’s use of handheld mobile phones on Maui is strictly forbidden. Be sure to ask the rental staff what is permissible when you pick up your rental vehicle. Laws vary from island to island as no single statewide ordinance exists.

Children’s Car and Booster Seats Regulations
Secure all babies and children below four in a Federally-approved child safety seat. You can bring your own or rent one when you pick up your rental. These are available on a first-come basis.

Further, Hawaii requires that children aged 4 through 7 rides in a booster seat when traveling in a motor vehicle. One exemption is for a child taller than 4’9”. Booster seat rentals are also available on a first-come basis. They are obtainable at most island airport locations.

High Occupancy/Commuter Lanes
When a traffic accident has closed down the regular lanes, you may see other drivers with few passengers (or none) using high occupancy lanes. This activity is legal in Hawaii.

Seat Belts
Seat belts are the law on Maui. Make sure everyone is buckled in. Fines are reported to be costly.

Slow Down
Think “island time.” Traffic can become dangerous for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians when congested, so police look for impatient drivers. Call them “speed traps” if you will, but know the traps are here, so pay attention to speed limits.