HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	169
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to mopeds.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that helmets provide moped operators with protection against life-threatening injuries. According to data from the department of health, from 2021 through 2022, there were five hundred twenty-nine injured moped riders transported to Hawaii hospitals, of which sixty-seven per cent were not wearing a helmet. Increasing the minimum age for moped ridership and age requirement for moped operators required to wear a safety helmet will improve ridership safety and contribute to an overall safer environment for all road users.

The purpose of this Act is to increase:

(1) The minimum age for moped operators from fifteen to sixteen years; and

(2) The minimum age requirement for individuals prohibited from operating a moped unless they wear a safety helmet from eighteen to twenty-one years.

SECTION 2. Section 291C-195, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"(a) Notwithstanding section 286-81(b), no person:

(1) Less than [fifteen] sixteen years of age shall drive a moped on a highway, street, roadway, or any other public property in the State; and

(2) Less than [eighteen] twenty-one years of age shall drive a moped unless the person wears a safety helmet securely fastened with a chin strap.

The safety helmet shall meet the specifications and requirements established by rules adopted by the director."

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 Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.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:

Mopeds; Age Requirement; Helmets; Highway Safety

Description:

Increases the minimum age for moped operators from fifteen to sixteen years. Increases the minimum age requirement for individuals prohibited from operating a moped unless they wear a safety helmet from eighteen to twenty-one years.

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