Informing the Legislature that on May 27, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2667 SD1 HD2 CD1 (ACT 044).

2026 Regular Session

Hawaii prohibits oversized or heavy vehicles from using the far left lane on three+ lane roads in large counties, with fines escalating for repeat violations.

Received.

#act044

Summary of SB2667 CD1 (Act 044) – Hawaii, 2026 Transportation Measure

Purpose and main intent

Enacted as a transportation bill in Hawaii, SB2667 SD1 HD2 CD1, signed into law on May 27, 2026.

The core aim is to regulate the use of the left (passing) lane by oversized or certain heavy vehicles on multi-lane roadways and to establish penalties for violations, with applicability specific to larger-population counties.

Key provisions and changes

Section 291C-55 (as amended): Prohibits driving an oversized commercial vehicle (weight 10,000 pounds or more) or a motor vehicle towing another vehicle/trailer in the far left lane on roadways with three or more lanes in the same direction.

The prohibition applies except when the vehicle is overtaking/passing another vehicle under standard rules.
Exceptions:
Left-lane occupancy is permitted for turning left or exiting.
Authorized emergency vehicles and certain commercially operated passenger buses (public transit, school buses, tour buses, etc.) are exempt.

Penalties for violations:

First violation (or any violation not preceded within three years by a prior violation): Fine up to $250.
Second violation within three years of a prior violation: Fine up to $500.
Third or subsequent violation within three years of a prior violation: Fine up to $1,000, and/or attendance at a traffic safety course, or both.

Scope and applicability:

The left-lane restriction applies only to counties with a population of 500,000 or more.
Definitions align with the existing “commercial vehicle” definition in section 291-11.5, but specifically exclude buses or van pools operated by counties from the definition for enforcement purposes.

Effective date:

The act takes effect upon approval (May 27, 2026).

Who or what is affected

Affected: Commercial vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or more and any motor vehicle towing another vehicle or trailer, operating on multi-lane roadways in large-population counties.

Excludes:

Buses and county-operated van pools from the “commercial vehicle” definition for enforcement purposes.
Vehicles left in the left lane for turning left or exiting, and authorized emergency/public transit buses are exempt from the prohibition.

Areas impacted: Counties with populations of 500,000 or more (e.g., Honolulu, and other highly populated counties), not statewide in all counties.

Procedural and timeline notes

Legislative history confirms passage and governor’s signature, with final approval dated May 27, 2026.

Effective date is upon the governor’s approval, meaning provisions take legal effect immediately for enforcement after May 27, 2026.

The act references and harmonizes with existing traffic statutes (e.g., section 291-11.5) to define “commercial vehicle.”

Practical impact and considerations

Aimed at improving traffic flow and safety by reducing left-lane hogging by heavy or oversized vehicles, particularly on highways with three or more lanes in a single direction.

Potential safety benefit from more efficient use of the left lane for passing and smoother overall traffic movement.

Compliance will require drivers of heavy commercial vehicles and fleet operators in affected counties to monitor lane choice and ensure adherence to the passing requirement.

Enforcement will likely focus on repeat violators, given escalating fines and the option of mandatory traffic-safety training for repeat offenses.