THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	746
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE ALARM SYSTEMS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 291-24.6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§291-24.6  Motor vehicle alarm systems[.]; violation.  (a)  "Motor vehicle alarm system" means any device, whether or not it emits an audible sound, that is designed or used for the detection of an unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, or for alerting others to the commission of an unlawful act, or both[, and that emits a sound when activated].

     (b)  If a motor vehicle alarm system installed in a motor vehicle is activated and emits a sound [for more than five continuous minutes,] for any period of time, the registered owner of the motor vehicle shall be fined not more than $100; provided that after the third violation within a five-year period, the fine shall be:

     (1)  $250 for the fourth violation;

     (2)  $375 for the fifth violation; and

     (3)  $500 for a sixth or subsequent violation.

(c)  This section shall not apply to authorized emergency vehicles under section 291C-1.

(d)  Beginning on January 1, 2012, no motor vehicle alarm system or feature of an alarm system that emits an audible sound may be installed in a motor vehicle in the State.  No later than January 1, 2012, all motor vehicle alarm systems or features of alarm systems that emit an audible sound that have been installed prior to that date shall be uninstalled or disabled.

     [(c)] (e)  An offense under this section shall be a violation for which a police officer shall issue a summons or citation to the registered owner of the vehicle."

     SECTION 2.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun, before its effective date.

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Audible Motor Vehicle Alarm Systems; Prohibition

Description:

Prohibits installation of audible motor vehicle alarm systems beginning 1/1/2012.  Requires audible motor vehicle alarm systems to be uninstalled or disabled by 1/1/2012.  Exempts authorized emergency vehicles.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.