HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	228
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		S.D. 2
		C.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO LICENSE PLATES.

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

SECTION 1. Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§286-    License plate flipping devices; prohibited. (a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle with, possess, purchase, install, sell, offer for sale, or otherwise distribute a license plate flipping device. This section shall apply to any motor vehicle operated on public roadways in the State, regardless of the jurisdiction of registration. Each act described in this subsection shall constitute a separate and distinct violation, regardless of whether multiple acts occur simultaneously or are committed in connection with other violations.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person who violates this section shall be fined no less than $750 but no more than $1,000 for each separate violation. Each instance of a violation shall constitute a separate offense.

(c) For the purposes of this section, "license plate flipping device" means a manual, electric, or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle that:

(1) Switches between two or more license plates for the purpose of allowing a motor vehicle operator to change the license plate displayed on the vehicle; or

(2) Hides a license plate from view by flipping the license plate so that the plate number is not visible."

§286-    Obstruction of a license plate; prohibited. The use of any cover or shield installed over a vehicle's license plate, regardless of transparency or intent, shall be prohibited. Any person who violates this section shall be fined no less than $500 and no more than $1,000 for each offense. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense. For the purposes of this section, "cover" or "shield" means any device, material, or film—whether clear, tinted, mirrored, reflective, or otherwise that is installed over or affixed to a license plate, and is intended to alter or interfere with the visibility, legibility, or identification of the license plate by law enforcement or traffic enforcement systems."

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. New statutory material is underscored.

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

Report Title:

License Plates; Obstruction; License Plate Flipping Devices; Prohibition; Fines

Description:

Prohibits the use of license plate flipping devices. Prohibits the obstruction of a license plate. Establishes minimum and maximum fines. (CD1)

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