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Bill

SB 312

RELATING TO AUDIBLE VEHICLE REVERSE WARNING SYSTEMS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 3 co-sponsors

Hawaii mandates audible reverse warning systems on vehicles to prevent backup accidents and protect pedestrians, particularly vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · SB 312

Legislative bill overview

SB 312 requires vehicles to be equipped with audible reverse warning systems that alert pedestrians and nearby individuals when a vehicle is backing up. The bill aims to reduce accidents and injuries caused by backing vehicles, particularly protecting children, elderly individuals, and people with visual impairments who may not see a reversing vehicle.

Why is this important

Backup accidents cause approximately 210 deaths and 15,000 injuries annually in the United States, with children and elderly persons at highest risk. Mandatory audible warning systems provide an additional layer of safety by giving people audible notice of reversing vehicles, complementing existing visual cues and backup cameras.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to manufacturers and consumers: Implementing audible warning systems adds manufacturing costs that may be passed to vehicle purchasers, potentially affecting affordability in Hawaii's already high-cost vehicle market
  • Noise pollution concerns: Requiring audible alerts in residential areas could increase ambient noise, particularly in densely populated neighborhoods, affecting quality of life and potentially conflicting with noise ordinances
  • Technology standardization questions: Ambiguity about required decibel levels, alert frequency, and warning tone specifications could create compliance challenges and inconsistent safety outcomes across different vehicle types

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

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