The rules surrounding right turns at red lights in Hawaii can be a point of confusion for residents and visitors alike. Understanding the specific state laws that govern this maneuver is necessary for preventing accidents and avoiding traffic citations. This ensures a driver can proceed with caution when faced with a steady red light.
The General Rule for Right Turns on Red in Hawaii
In Hawaii, the law generally permits drivers to make a right turn after coming to a complete stop at a red light. This rule is codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes §291C-32, which specifies that vehicular traffic, after stopping for a steady red signal, may cautiously enter the intersection to make a right turn.1Justia Law. Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291C-32 (2024) – Traffic-control signal legend. This permission is the default rule, but it is contingent upon yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. The maneuver is allowed unless a specific sign or signal explicitly forbids it.
Situations Prohibiting Right Turns on Red
A right turn on red is prohibited in several specific situations, including:
- A posted “No Turn on Red” sign is present at the intersection.
- A steady red right-turn arrow signal is displayed for your lane.
- A pedestrian is in an adjacent crosswalk, in which case Hawaii Revised Statutes §291C-72 requires you to stop until they have passed.
- Visibility is obstructed, preventing you from seeing and yielding to approaching traffic.
- A police officer is directing traffic, as their instructions supersede all signals.2American Legal Publishing. § 15-4.1 Authority of police and fire department officials.
Executing a Safe and Legal Right Turn on Red
When a right turn on red is permitted, a specific procedure must be followed. The first action is to make a complete stop before the clearly marked stop line, or if there is no line, before entering the crosswalk. After stopping, the driver has a duty to yield the right-of-way to all other road users. This includes pedestrians within an adjacent crosswalk and any vehicles lawfully proceeding through the intersection. The driver must judge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic to ensure there is a safe gap to complete the turn before proceeding cautiously.
Consequences of an Illegal Right Turn on Red
An illegal right turn on red is a traffic violation with penalties outlined in Hawaii Revised Statutes §291C-161.3Justia Law. Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291C-161 (2024) – Penalties; photo red light imaging detector system fines. For a first-time offense, a driver can expect a fine of up to $200. A second offense committed within one year of the first conviction carries a fine of up to $300. A third or subsequent offense within that same one-year period can result in a fine of up to $500. While Hawaii does not use a points system, traffic infractions are recorded on a driver’s abstract, which can be reviewed by insurance companies and potentially lead to higher premiums.4Hawaii State Judiciary. Traffic Abstracts & Traffic Court Reports