Hawaii Rules for Safety Inspection of Mopeds

Mopeds are classified as bicycles in the state of Hawaii.

Mopeds are low-powered, motorized vehicles designed to be both economical and safe. Mopeds are ideal for people who travel alone, short distances to work or for just getting out and enjoying the scenery, especially in Hawaii. As with just about any motorized vehicle in Hawaii, you must obtain a safety inspection to operate legally.

Age Requirements

Moped riders must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver's license. The only exception to this rule is for riders between 15 1/2 and 16 who have obtained a permit to ride a moped and are subsequently subject to riding limitations as expressed on the permit. For inspection purposes you must have a driver's license.

Annual Inspection

An inspection of a moped must be completed each year by a licensed moped inspection station. Failure to complete the annual inspection can lead to a $100 fine. Anyone who allows the moped to be driven or parked on a highway without a current certificate is subject to this penalty.

Mechanical Requirements

Mopeds must have two or three wheels that touch the ground while in motion with an engine or motor that has a maximum output of 2 horsepower. The maximum speed allowed is 30 miles per hour and the vehicle may not switch gears with the use of a clutch or manual gear shifter. The maximum allowed rotor or piston displacement is 50 cubic centimeters.

Safety Requirements

The exhaust system must be quiet and direct gas fumes away from the driver. A moped must have a seat and footrests, and only one person may ride at a time. A retracting kickstand must be present and working in order to hold the moped up when parked. At least one mirror that projects 200 feet behind the driver must be present. Headlights, taillights, and brake lights are all required. A red reflector is required in the rear and on both sides while an amber one is required on the front.

Replacement Sticker

Hawaii law allows for a replacement inspection sticker to be furnished if you lose your sticker or have it stolen. Another inspection is not required as long as the original inspection sticker is still valid. Replacement stickers can be obtained from an official inspection station. A small fee will be charged.

Falsified Inspections

The fine for falsified or counterfeit inspections can be as high as $1,000 and or imprisonment for up to 30 days. These penalties are same whether a person holds, issues or creates a fake inspection certificate.

References

• Pacific Mopeds: Hawaii Moped Rules & Requirements:
• Moped 2.org: Hawaii Moped Laws
• Department of Finance Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division: Restrictions for Motorcycle/Moped Permit
• House Of Representatives Twenty Sixth Legislature: H.B. NO. 87
• Department of Finance Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division: General Information: Bicycle and Moped Registration