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Bill

GM 1122

Informing the Legislature that on May 21, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1696 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 022).

2026 Regular Session

Hawaii now allows 18–20 year-olds to obtain intrastate CDLs under structured employer-based training or apprenticeship programs, with strict supervision and restrictions.

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Bill Summary · GM 1122

Overview

  • Jurisdiction: Hawaii
  • Bill: HB1696, HD2, SD1, CD1
  • Topic: Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and related age/training requirements
  • Status: Signed into law as Act 022 on May 21, 2026

Main purpose and intent

  • Lower the minimum age for operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in intrastate commerce to 18, matching changes in federal guidance and pilot considerations.
  • Create clearer pathways for younger drivers (18–20) to obtain intrastate CDLs through structured training and apprenticeship-like programs.
  • Align Hawaii law with federal standards while preserving intrastate-specific restrictions and safeguards.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Section 286-102.3 – Intrastate commercial driving qualifications for under-21 drivers

    • Eligible age to drive commercially in-state: 18 or older.
    • Compliance with applicable FMV CFR parts (390–396) with an exception for one subsection in intrastate context.
    • Prohibitions: cannot transport hazardous materials or passengers in school vehicles.
    • For drivers under 21 and under 21 years old:
      • Must be actively enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program (as defined by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations) or a structured, employer-administered training program.
      • Training must be directly related to the employee’s job duties and occur within a company that is not primarily a training provider.
      • Minimum training requirements: at least 320 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel and related instruction.
      • Employer must maintain written training standards, safety protocols, and records.
      • Driver must operate CMVs only within the scope, supervision, and duration of the training program.

  2. Section 286-236 – CDL qualification standards

    • Issuance of a CDL to applicants aged 18+ (up to 20) for intrastate operation is permitted under tightened conditions.
    • Applicants must meet federal qualification standards (FMV CFR parts 391, subparts B and E) and, if under 21, may be exempt from the minimum age in 391.11(b)(1) when restricted to intrastate operation.
    • Requirements include passing knowledge and driving skills tests consistent with federal standards, domicile in Hawaii, and satisfaction of all applicable CDL safety act requirements.
    • Intra-state waivers may be granted for drivers not physically qualified under FMV CFR 391.41(b)(1) or (2) if eligible for an intrastate waiver process.
    • Examiner authority to waive certain tests for qualifying applicants (per CFR 383.77 or 383.123(b)).

  3. Training, testing, and waivers

    • Inbound testing and waiver processes are described for cross-state training or equivalency, with FMCSA-backed verification and secure transmission of test results when applicable.
    • Mandatory entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements apply for certain classes/endorsements, with registry verification (FMCSA Training Provider Registry).

  4. Administrative/operational changes

    • The Hawaii Department of Transportation to adopt or amend rules to reflect the lowered intrastate minimum age to 18.
    • Repeal and replacement provisions are bracketed/updated to reflect the new framework.

Affected parties and impacts

  • Young drivers (18–20) seeking intrastate CDL eligibility:
    • Can pursue intrastate CDL eligibility through a registered apprenticeship or employer-based structured training program meeting the specified hours and safeguards.
    • Face intrastate-only restrictions (no hazardous materials or school-bus passengers) until meeting further qualifications.
  • Employers in Hawaii:
    • May serve as training sponsors for young drivers under the new program structure.
    • Must maintain documented training standards, safety protocols, and tracking of hours and supervision.
  • Hawaii Department of Transportation and Examiner of Drivers:
    • Must implement new rules and adjust licensing processes to accommodate 18–21 intrastate CDL issuance, testing waivers, and ELDT compliance.
  • General public and safety:
    • Potentially broader intrastate CMV operation by younger drivers with structured oversight, subject to safety performance metrics.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Act takes effect upon approval (May 21, 2026).
  • Training and licensing processes must align with federal standards (FMCSA) and Hawaii rules, with anticipated rulemakings by the Department of Transportation to implement the changes.
  • Provisions reference ongoing federal testing, waivers, and intrastate operation allowances, with continued compliance requirements for medical certification, drug and alcohol clearinghouse checks, and ELDT where applicable.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with prior statute language or a quick FAQ for prospective employers and young drivers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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