Hawaii DUI Insurance Laws

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Hawaii DUI Insurance Laws

via Car Insurance Comparison by Editor on 11/27/11

Sometimes in Hawaii, citizens choose to drink while driving. The state has strict DUI laws concerning driving under the influence; therefore, it might be wise for residents to purchase Hawaii DUI car insurance. Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States in 1959. It has a population of over a million people, and it is comprised only of islands. Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, palm trees, gorgeous mountains, magnificent waterfalls and exotic flowers. Compare state car insurance with our comparison tool and beginning dinging ways to save INSTANTLY!

claims car insurance Hawaii DUI Requirements

Drivers in Hawaii who are convicted of a DUI are considered to be more likely to cause accidents that might result in injuries or property damage. Therefore, they are required to have proof that shows they can pay for any damages that might be their fault. One way that a person in Hawaii can satisfy this auto insurance requirement is to purchase a high risk insurance policy, which is called a SR-22 requirement. With this option individuals must carry the state's minimum liability insurance and continue the policy throughout the requirements stated by the courts.
Individuals must carry SR-22 insurance for three years after getting convicted of a DUI. In Hawaii, there are several ways for a person to obtain SR-22:

• Fill out a SR-22 form that states they are insured
• Post a $25,000 surety bond
• Post a $25,000 cash bond
• Provide a self-insurance certificate of $25,000

Hawaii DUI Laws

Individuals who have a blood-alcohol level above.08 percent are considered to be driving under the influence. However, if the BAC is between .051 to .079 percent, it can be admissible in court even though the individual is not considered to be under the influence. If a driver is under the age of 21, they it is illegal to drive with a BAC above .02 percent, and commercial vehicle drivers cannot have a BAC above .04 percent. The DUI laws in Hawaii include driving on the road, in the air or on the water.
The state also had laws for someone who is known as a "highly intoxicated driver." In this case, their BAC would need to be above .15 percent.
Some of the other Hawaii DUI laws include:

• The testing of blood, breath and urine by the arresting officer
• The officer is required to warn the defendant of the penalties for refusing a chemical test
• Results from a chemical test can include a suspension of the driver's license for 90 days to 5 years

A new law in Hawaii requires that drivers pay $84 for an interlock device. They must also pay $89 each month for a leasing fee. A temporary permit will be issued that states the requirement for the device. If an individual who is arrested for the first time and refuses chemical testing, their license will be revoked for a year, but they will be allowed to drive with an interlock device.
The 1st, 2nd or 3rd DUI offenses in Hawaii are considered misdemeanors, while more than 4 DUI convictions are considered to be a class C felony.

Hawaii DUI Penalties

If an individual is arrested in Hawaii for driving under the influence, they can expect to have their driver's license suspended for ninety days. Provisions can be made for people who need to drive to and from work. Other penalties for driving under the influence in Hawaii might include the following.
• 1st DUI offense:

• $150 to $1,000 fine
• 2 to 5 days of jail
• 72 hours of community service
• 14 hours of Alcohol Education mandatory
• Driver's license revoked for 3 months

claims car insurance • 2nd DUI offense:

• $500 to $1,500 fine
• 5 to 14 days of jail
• 240 hours of community service
• DUI school required
• Alcohol Evaluation and Treatment mandatory
• Driver's license revoked for 1 year

• 3rd DUI offense:

• $500 to 2,500 fine
• 10 to 30 days of jail
• 240 hours of community service
• DUI school required
• Alcohol Evaluation and Treatment mandatory
• Driver's license suspended for 2 to 5 years

Hawaii DUI Statistics

Some of the DUI car insurance accident statistics for the state of Hawaii are as follows:

• On average, between 4,500 and 5,000 are arrested each year in Hawaii for driving under the influence.
• There are normally between 40 and 50 fatal accidents each year involving drunk drivers.
• Between 40 and 60 people in Hawaii are killed each year because one driver had a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit.

Hawaii Insurance Options

Drivers who have had their license suspended for driving under the influence might have trouble obtaining affordable car insurance. Citizens need to know exactly how long their license will be suspended. If they need to get to work, their license could be reinstated, but they will need to purchase SR-22 insurance.
Under the laws in Hawaii, only agents and brokers who have a license in the state of Hawaii are permitted to issue SR-22 insurance. Therefore, individuals need to shop around and compare prices on insurance. Affordable car insurance rates can be found if people research their options and look for the best deals.

claims car insurance Most car insurance companies offer free quotes on SR-22 insurance options. Drivers can obtain a quote in just minutes, so they can see who will offer them the cheapest car insurance prices on their insurance.

There are severe penalties for letting SR-22 car insurance coverage lapse; therefore, individuals need to make sure their coverage is current and up-to-date. The insurance agent is required by law to report and lapse in coverage to the Hawaii DMV and additional sentencing could occur. Find Hawaii car insurance with the below ZIP code search!

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