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HRS §291C-53

Rules for using controlled-access roads and highways

This section lets the state and counties set rules for who can use controlled-access roads and highways. Motorcycles can use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes if they are allowed on the road. Neighborhood electric vehicles are banned from these roads. Signs must be posted, and drivers must follow them.

countiesstate agencies

The statute, as written — Restrictions on use of controlled-access roadway or highway

(a) The director of transportation by rules adopted in accordance with chapter 91, and the counties by ordinance, may regulate or prohibit the use of any controlled-access roadway or highway within their respective jurisdictions by any class or kind of traffic which is found to be incompatible with the normal and safe movement of traffic. Persons operating motorcycles which are otherwise permitted on a controlled-access roadway or highway shall be permitted to use any high occupancy vehicle lane designated on such roadway or highway. For the purposes of this subsection, "high occupancy vehicle lane" means a designated lane of a laned roadway where the use of such designated lane is restricted to vehicles carrying at least the minimum number of persons designated by the director of transportation as indicated on official signs and other official traffic-control devices, and to other vehicles as provided by rules adopted in accordance with chapter 91, or by county ordinance. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, no person shall operate a neighborhood electric vehicle on any controlled-access roadway or highway. (b) The director of transportation or a county adopting any such prohibition shall erect and maintain official traffic-control devices on the controlled-access roadway or highway on which such prohibitions are applicable and when in place no person shall disobey the restrictions stated on such devices.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.