Hawaii SR-22 requirements after a DUI
Hawaii requires an SR-22 filing for 3 years only after a second or subsequent DUI; a first offense does not trigger it.
What Hawaii says
Required for repeat OVUII revocations, not for a first offense. HRS § 287-20(a) (Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act) provides that whenever a license is suspended or revoked (1) under part III of chapter 291E (administrative revocation), except as provided in § 291E-41(f), or (2) upon conviction of any offense, no license may be reissued 'unless and until the person has furnished and thereafter maintains proof of financial responsibility' — but the section expressly does not apply to a revocation under § 291E-61(b)(1) (first OVUII conviction), and § 291E-41(f) excludes a first administrative revocation under § 291E-41(b)(1). § 287-20(b)(1) separately lists 'operating a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant' among offenses for which the administrator must suspend the license until proof is furnished when a court had discretion to suspend but did not. Under § 287-40(a)(1) the proof may be cancelled after three years if no further qualifying conviction is recorded. The statute uses the term 'proof of financial responsibility' (a certificate of insurance under § 287-22, bond, or deposit), not 'SR-22'; it is filed with the county 'administrator' (chief of police or director of finance, § 287-1). The Honolulu Department of Customer Services handles this through its Financial Responsibility Section.
“(a) Whenever a driver's license has been suspended or revoked: (1) Pursuant to section 291E-65 or part III of chapter 291E, except as provided in section 291E-41(f); (2) Upon a conviction of any offense pursuant to law”
Ignition interlock statute (see the state page): Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291E-61
At a glance
| Filing required after a DUI | Repeat offenses only |
|---|---|
| Form | SR-22 |
| Filing period | 3 years |
| License reinstatement fee | $20 (City and County of Honolulu driver licensing; fees are set per county) |
| Licensing agency | Hawaii Department of Transportation (Ignition Interlock Program); driver licensing is administered by the county driver licensing offices, and administrative revocations by the Hawaii State Judiciary's Administrative Driver's License Revocation Office (ADLRO) |
How an SR-22 filing works
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility. The driver does not file it; the insurer does, electronically, with the state licensing agency, confirming that a policy meeting the state's minimum liability limits is in force. Most insurers charge a one-time filing fee, and a driver who needs one may find that fewer carriers offer it or that premiums are higher.
The filing must stay on file for the period the state sets. If the policy is cancelled or lapses during that period, the insurer notifies the state (an SR-26), and the license is typically suspended again until a new filing is made — which can restart the period.
The period usually starts at reinstatement, not at the arrest or conviction, though states differ; where the state specifies the start date, the note on this page says so.
Questions about SR-22 in Hawaii
- What is needed to get a Hawaii ignition interlock permit?
- Per HRS § 291E-61(i), the court issues an ignition interlock permit upon proof that the defendant installed an IID in any vehicle operated and obtained insurance complying with HRS § 431:10C-104 or § 431:10C-105. The ADLRO FAQ lists the IID installation agreement, proof of valid motor vehicle insurance, and an IIP application for administrative cases.
Sources
- HRS § 287-20 Proof of financial responsibility required upon conviction of certain offenses — Hawaii State Legislature
- City and County of Honolulu, Department of Customer Services — Fee Table (driver's license reinstatement $20)
- City and County of Honolulu, Department of Customer Services — Driver's License FAQ (OVUII/DUI clearance; Financial Responsibility Section)