Can You Turn Right on Red in Hawaii? Rules and Exceptions Explained
Understand how Hawaii's traffic laws balance driver convenience with safety through specific rules and local variations on right turns at red lights.
Visitors and new residents in Hawaii may find traffic rules differ from those on the mainland. A common question involves the legality of turning right at a red light, particularly given the state’s focus on pedestrian safety. Understanding this rule is crucial for avoiding citations and ensuring safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Statewide Rules on Right Turns at Red Lights
Hawaii state law generally permits drivers to turn right after stopping at a steady red light. The relevant statute, Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 291C-32, requires vehicles to come to a complete stop before proceeding. This stop must occur at a marked stop line, before entering a crosswalk, or, if neither is present, before entering the intersection itself. Only after a full stop, and when the way is clear of traffic and pedestrians, may a driver carefully make the right turn. This statewide allowance serves as the baseline for drivers approaching red signals.
Intersection Signage Requirements
While state law permits right turns on red after a stop, this is not allowed at all intersections. Counties have the authority to prohibit these turns at specific locations by installing official signs, such as “No Turn On Red.” According to state law (HRS Section 291C-32), such prohibitions are only effective if a sign is present.1Justia Law. Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291C-32 (Traffic-Control Signal Legend) Drivers are legally required to obey these signs (HRS Section 291C-31).2Hawaii State Legislature. Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291C-31 – Obedience To and Required Traffic-Control Devices For a prohibition to be enforceable, the sign must be properly positioned and legible to an ordinarily observant person. The design and placement of these signs typically follow federal guidelines outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), ensuring they clearly communicate the restriction.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Right-of-Way
Even where right turns on red are permitted, Hawaii law prioritizes the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. State law (HRS Section 291C-32) explicitly requires drivers turning right on red to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic using the intersection. Drivers must ensure the path is completely clear before proceeding. This duty includes yielding to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks who are on the driver’s half of the road or approaching closely enough to be endangered (HRS Section 291C-72).3Justia Law. Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291C-72 – Pedestrians’ Right-Of-Way in Crosswalks Drivers cannot proceed until the pedestrian has passed safely. Cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers (HRS Section 291C-142) and must also be yielded to if they are lawfully proceeding through the intersection or using adjacent facilities. The fundamental requirement for any turning vehicle to yield is reinforced by state law (HRS Section 291C-62).
Potential Penalties for Violations
Ignoring Hawaii’s rules for right turns on red—such as failing to stop completely or disobeying a “No Turn On Red” sign—is a traffic infraction. Under state law (HRS Section 291C-161), most traffic code violations are treated as infractions, primarily resulting in fines.4FindLaw. Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291C-161 – Penalties For a first-time offense related to improper turns on red, the fine can be up to $250. A second similar violation within one year increases the maximum fine to $300, and a third or subsequent violation within the same year can lead to a fine of up to $500. Drivers usually have 21 days to respond to a citation. Although Hawaii no longer uses a driver’s license point system, courts retain the authority (under HRS Section 286-124) to suspend or revoke a license based on a driver’s overall record, particularly for accumulating multiple moving violations within a set period. A pattern of disregarding traffic laws can jeopardize driving privileges.
Local Ordinance Variations Across Islands
While the basic rule allowing right turns on red after a stop (unless signed otherwise) applies statewide, its practical application varies among Hawaii’s counties. State law grants counties the authority to manage traffic control on roads under their jurisdiction, including the decision to prohibit right turns on red at specific intersections by posting signs (HRS Section 291C-32, HRS Section 291C-36). Consequently, the frequency and location of “No Turn On Red” signs differ across islands. County transportation departments make these decisions based on local factors such as intersection design, traffic volume, pedestrian activity, and safety history. For example, the densely populated City and County of Honolulu may have more restrictions, especially in urban areas, compared to more rural counties like Kauai or Hawaii County. County traffic codes provide the framework for these local adaptations, reflecting efforts to tailor rules to the unique environment and safety needs of each island community.5American Legal Publishing Corporation. Revised Ordinances of Honolulu Chapter 15, Article 6 – Traffic Control Devices
