Highways

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

“How do I get an MSF replacement card?”

Contact the motorcycle training site where you took your course.  Each site is responsible for maintaining training records. For those that took their course on a military base, please contact your commanding officer or your base’s Safety Specialist.

“The DMV here doesn’t take my MSF card. How do I get my motorcycle license?”

In Hawaii, your Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) completion card is not a waiver from the road test.

“Can I take any motorcycle safety course and get a waiver?”

Only a location that fulfills the requirements in HRS 19-123 may be authorized to issue a waiver from the road test to those that pass the course. You will still need to take the written test.

“Why does the written test from the course look different from the test given by the DMV?”

The tests are designed to test your comprehension skills, not your memorization skills.

“Can we lane split/ lane share?

No. HRS 291C-153(c).

“Can we ride on the shoulder of the road?”

No. In 2018, HB 2589 HD2 SD1 CD1 passed, became Act 218 without Governor’s signature, and went into effect 1/1/2019. It was allowed to expire in accordance with the sunset clause of 12/31/2020. It authorized the Department of Transportation (DOT), under certain conditions, to designate shoulders upon which the Department may authorize the driving of motorcycles, but never allowed for lane splitting/sharing nor at-will road shoulder use.

“What are the helmet laws in Hawaii?”

Helmets rules are stated in HRS 286-81. Note that if you are not going to use a helmet or don’t have a wind screen or shield, you still need eye protection. All helmets must be DOT compliant.

“At what age can I take my child on my motorcycle?”

Children under seven (7) years old may not be transported on a motorcycle or scooter per HRS 291-11.  A DOT approved helmet is required for those seven (7) years old through the age of seventeen (17) years old per HRS 286-81(2)(e)

“Why can’t I ride my motorcycle down the bike lane?  It is a bike right?”

No. HRS 291C-1 defines what a bicycle is as well as what a ‘bicycle lane’, ‘bicycle path’ and ‘bicycle route’ are and their allowances. This rule also defines what a ‘motorcycle’ is. The definition of a ‘motorcycle’ is not the same as a ‘bicycle’, therefore, motorcycles may not be used down the bicycle lane. Also, counties may have ordinances governing their bike lane, path and routes. Contact your county police department for further guidance on these ordinances.

“I see motorcycle groups riding side by side. Is that legal?”

No. HRS 291C-153(d) specifies that you cannot.