Speed Safety Cameras
Summary
The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is adding Speed Safety Cameras to its speed management and safety countermeasure toolbox.
Over the past 5 years, nearly half, or 236 deaths on the Hawai‘i highway system were attributable to speed. In 2023 alone, speeding was reported as contributing to roughly 60% of the fatal traffic crashes. Vehicle speed is a critical factor in whether or not a person can survive a collision with a car. A person hit at 20 mph has a 90% chance of survival vs. 20% if the person is hit by a vehicle going 40 mph.
Vehicle Speed to Survival Rate Comparison
Current Status
The 2024 Legislature authorized the use of camera systems to aid in enforcement of speeding laws at sites where Red-Light Safety Cameras (RLSC) have already been installed (see https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/bills/GM1213_.PDF). The map showing the RLSC camera locations is:
HDOT plans to activate the RLSCs to serve as Speed Safety Cameras in January 2024. The cameras will issue warnings until further notice.
FAQs
How will the speed safety cameras work?
The cameras are equipped with radar that monitors vehicle speeds as traffic approaches and passes the camera.
When a vehicle exceeds the speed limit threshold, a photograph is taken of it. A second photograph is taken as the vehicle passes the detection zone to record its license plate. The date, time, speed, and location of the infraction are recorded on the digital image. A 12-second video is also captured.
Law enforcement will review each incident before issuing a citation. The citation will contain vehicle images, a close-up of the license plate and a link to watch the video.
What is the fine for speeding violations?
First-time violators will be fined $250. A second offense within the same year will cost $300, and a third citation will cost $500.
Can the system take a photo of the driver and cite the driver instead?
No, due to privacy concerns, Hawaiʻi legislation specifies the registered motor vehicle owner’s responsibility for speeding violations.
Where do the fines go? Does the vendor get a portion of the fine?
All fines collected shall be deposited into the automated speed enforcement systems program special fund. The fund can only be used for the establishment, implementation, operation, oversight, repair, and maintenance of the speed safety camera system. The vendor is not paid based on the number of citations given by the system.
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