How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Hawaii
If you got a speeding ticket in Hawaii, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Hawaii speeding fines are tiered by violation frequency: first offense = up to $200; second offense within 12 months = up to $300; third or subsequent offense within 12 months = up to $500.
How to fight a speeding ticket in Hawaii, step by step
Decide how to plead
No. Hawaii has ABOLISHED its demerit point system.
Check Hawaii's dismissal & mitigation options
Hawaii does not have a statewide traffic diversion or traffic school dismissal program for standard speeding violations. Your options are: (1) plead not guilty and request a hearing — the state must prove the violation; if the officer fails to appear, the citation may be dismissed; (2) contest the speed measurement accuracy at a hearing; (3) for serious charges (excessive speed as petty misdemeanor), consult an attorney.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your speeding citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
Hawaii speeding fines are tiered by violation frequency: first offense = up to $200; second offense within 12 months = up to $300; third or subsequent offense within 12 months = up to $500.
Show up prepared
Hawaii speeding fines are tiered by violation frequency: first offense = up to $200; second offense within 12 months = up to $300; third or subsequent offense within 12 months = up to $500. Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
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Start my free court prep →Hawaii Speeding ticket — frequently asked questions
What is the statute for speeding in Hawaii?
Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 291C-102 governs the noncompliance with speed limits. Standard limits: 60 mph on most highways; 45 mph on county roads; 25 mph in business and residential districts. Hawaii uses both an absolute speed limit system and a basic speed rule (§ 291C-101) requiring drivers to drive at a speed 'reasonable and prudent' under the circumstances. Exceeding the posted limit is a traffic infraction for most speeds.
What are the fines for a speeding ticket in Hawaii?
Hawaii speeding fines are tiered by violation frequency: first offense = up to $200; second offense within 12 months = up to $300; third or subsequent offense within 12 months = up to $500. An additional $10 surcharge is imposed when exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph (deposited into the neurotrauma special fund under HRS § 291C-161). School zone violations: $250 plus a $100 surcharge. Construction zone violations: $250 plus a $125 surcharge. These are maximum fines — actual assessed amounts vary. Court costs and surcharges add to the total.
Does Hawaii have a points system for speeding tickets?
No. Hawaii has ABOLISHED its demerit point system. No points are accumulated regardless of the traffic violation. If you are found guilty or plead guilty, no points appear on your driving record. However, the conviction itself IS recorded on your driving record and is retained for at least 10 years under HRS § 287-3. Multiple violations within specified time periods escalate fine tiers and can lead to license suspension through habitual offender determinations.
Can a speeding ticket be dismissed in Hawaii?
Hawaii does not have a statewide traffic diversion or traffic school dismissal program for standard speeding violations. Your options are: (1) plead not guilty and request a hearing — the state must prove the violation; if the officer fails to appear, the citation may be dismissed; (2) contest the speed measurement accuracy at a hearing; (3) for serious charges (excessive speed as petty misdemeanor), consult an attorney. The 10-year record retention makes contesting worthwhile — even without a point system, insurance companies access your driving record.
What is excessive speeding in Hawaii and what are the penalties?
Driving at 80 mph or more OR exceeding the posted limit by 35 mph or more is treated as excessive speed under HRS § 291C-105, elevating it to a petty misdemeanor. Penalties: first offense = $500-$1,000 fine + surcharges (up to $125) + up to 30-day license suspension + jail or community service; second offense within 5 years = $750-$1,000 fine + mandatory 30-day suspension + 120+ hours community service or 5-14 days jail; third offense within 5 years = $1,000 fine + 90-day to 1-year revocation + 10-30 days jail. All excessive speed convictions require an assessment for driver education and a driving retraining course.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.