Hawaii Move-Over Law

What Hawaii requires

Slow to a safe, reasonable speed for any stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck flashing lights, and move a lane over when you can. A first ticket runs up to $200, climbing to $300 and $500 for repeats within a year (HRS 291C-27). Cause an injury or death and you're charged under Hawaii's negligent injury or negligent homicide laws.

Who you move over for, and the fallback

• Move over for: Stopped emergency vehicles displaying flashing emergency lights - police, fire, ocean safety, EMS, freeway service patrol, sheriff, Hawaii and county emergency management, civil defense, DOT harbors, and DLNR conservation enforcement - and tow trucks. A private disabled vehicle with hazards is not covered.
• If you can't move over: Slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that's safe for conditions, and make a lane change into the adjacent lane if needed and safe - or, if possible, move two lanes over to leave one empty lane as a buffer.
• Statute lists specific emergency vehicles plus tow trucks; it does not reach an ordinary disabled passenger vehicle. Fine tiers come from the chapter's general penalty (HRS 291C-161); the death/injury path cross-references HRS 707-702.5 through 707-706 (negligent homicide/negligent injury), which can be misdemeanor or felony.

What a violation costs

Up to $200 for a first offense, up to $300 for a second within a year, and up to $500 for a third or later within a year (HRS 291C-27, general penalty HRS 291C-161). If your violation causes injury or death, you're charged instead under Hawaii's negligent injury or negligent homicide statutes.

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