Autonomous vehicles - Hawaii

Type of vehicles allowed

• Non-CMV: Yes
• CMV: Yes

Automation level allowed: Not specified. SAE Levels 0-5 are defined in the regulations. A driver must be present in the vehicle.

Testing only: Yes. A pilot program for testing with a driver present in the vehicle was approved in 2020 through 2023 by House Bill 2590 (designated as 2020 Act 021 and signed by the Governor). Current testing regulations are codified at HAR 19-150.

Platooning: No

Full operation: No

Permit required: Under state regulations, an autonomous vehicle (AV) must not be tested on any public highway or roadway in Hawaii until the manufacturer or other entity has submitted and the DOT has approved an application and issued a permit to test AVs. The DOT must approve or disapprove a permit within 15 business days of submission.

• Permit application requirements. Manufacturers and other entities must:
  • Designate their employees, contractors, or other persons who are authorized to operate their AVs.
  • Provide all their employees, contractors, or other persons designated to operate their AVs the training and instruction related to, but not limited to, the operation, capabilities and limitations of the AV being tested.
  • Certify that, upon review of a driving history and background check, each driver is suitable to participate in the testing program.
  • Ensure that all drivers of their vehicles being tested are properly licensed to operate such vehicles.
  • Provide to the Department:
    • A list of all drivers operating their vehicle(s); and
    • A certification that such drivers have received the appropriate training and instruction relating to the operation, capabilities and limitations of the AVs being tested.

Vehicle inspection requirements: Vehicle requirements and inspections include the following:

• All AVs in the testing program must be certified to be in compliance with all applicable local laws and regulations, including chapter 291, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
• All AVs in the testing program must be certified to be in compliance with all applicable federal laws and regulations, including the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), or be exempted by federal law.
• All AVs in the testing program must be registered in the State of Hawaii.
• All AVs in the testing program must maintain a current Hawaii Safety Check.

Insurance: Prior to commencement of testing, a permitted manufacturer or other entities must produce evidence of commercial automobile insurance as required by the Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 431, Article 10C.