Hawaii: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 14 topic we track for Hawaii on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Hawaii compares.

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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Lemon law rules · Sales tax rates · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Gas tax · Uninsured drivers · Marijuana laws

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Personal injury	2 years
Property damage	2 years

Car insurance by state

Minimum liability	$40,000 / $80,000 / $20,000
Fault system	No-fault (PIP pays first; lawsuits limited)
Shared-fault rule	Modified comparative: barred at 51% fault or more

Claim deadlines

Acknowledge	15 working days
Accept or deny	Reasonable time; written explanation of any delay after 30 days
Pay	Undisputed amount within 30 days after accepting liability

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$5,000 (no cap for security deposit cases)
Filing fee	$35
Lawyers	Allowed, except security deposit cases

Total loss rules

Total loss rule	Total loss formula

Shared fault rules

Rule	Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)
When you are barred	Barred if you are 51% or more at fault

Accident reporting rules

Report required if	Death, injury, or over $3,000 damage
Deadline	Immediately

Lemon law rules Single detailed source

Repair attempts or days	1 for a serious defect; 3 attempts; or 30 business days
Coverage period	Warranty or 2 years/24,000 miles

Sales tax rates Single detailed source

State rate	4.00% (general excise tax)
Combined average	4.50%

Phone-while-driving laws Single detailed source

Handheld ban	Yes, all drivers (primary)
Texting ban	Yes, primary

Motorcycle helmet laws Single detailed source

Law type	Partial
Who must wear one	Riders under 18

Gas tax Single detailed source

Gasoline	18.5¢ per gallon
Diesel	18.5¢ per gallon

Uninsured drivers Single detailed source

Drivers uninsured	9.6%
UM/UIM coverage	Not required (insurers must offer it)

Marijuana laws

Legal status	Medical only