Guide to Legal Vehicle Modifications in Hawaii
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If you live in or plan to move to Hawaii, you need to know the modified vehicle requirements to ensure your car or truck is legal. Learn about the rules and requirements here to make sure you follow the laws of your state.
Sounds and noise
Hawaiian regulations apply to both the sound systems and mufflers of all vehicles on the roads.
Audio system
- Sounds from car radio or stereo equipment cannot be heard within 30 feet. In this case, clearly audible only requires that the sounds be heard, not that the words be clear.
Muffler
Silencers are essential and must be in good working order.
Cutouts, bypasses, and other equipment designed to amplify engine or muffler sound are not permitted.
Replacement mufflers cannot tolerate a sound level higher than that produced by the manufacturer's original parts.
Functions: Also check your local Hawaii county laws to make sure you comply with any municipal noise ordinances that may be stricter than state laws.
Frame and suspension
Vehicles in Hawaii must comply with the following regulations:
Vehicles cannot exceed 14 feet in height.
Body lift kits cannot exceed three inches.
Vehicles up to 4,500 pounds have a maximum front and rear bumper height of 29 inches.
Vehicles weighing between 4,501 and 7,500 pounds have a maximum front and rear bumper height of 33 inches.
Vehicles weighing between 7,501 and 10,000 pounds have a maximum front and rear bumper height of 35 inches.
ENGINES
Hawaii requires all modified vehicles, including those in which parts have been removed, added, altered, or replaced with parts not used by the original manufacturer, pass a refurbishment and safety inspection and receive a sticker stating that the vehicle has passed It.
Lighting and windows
Lanterns
Blue lights are not allowed on passenger cars.
All reflectors must be DOT stamped - most aftermarket lenses do not have this stamp and the vehicle will not pass a re-inspection or safety check.
One projector is allowed.
Window tinting
Non-reflective tint can be applied to the top four inches of the windshield.
The front and rear side windows, as well as the rear window, must let in more than 35% of the light.
Vans and SUVs can have any tinted rear side and rear windows with side mirrors.
Reflective and mirror shades are not allowed.
Vintage/classic car modifications
Hawaii requires that classic or vintage vehicles also pass refurbishment and safety inspections.
If you want to modify your car but want to make sure you comply with the laws of Hawaii, AvtoTachki can provide mobile mechanics to help you install new parts. You can also ask our mechanics what modifications are best for your vehicle using our free online Ask a Mechanic Q&A system.
