Hawaii Road Signs: County-by-County Test: Oahu, Maui & Big Island

Which county administers driver license testing in Honolulu? What is the fine for passing a school bus in Hawaii under HRS 291C-95? What is the bicycle passing clearance in Hawaii? Driver licensing is administered county-by-county in Hawaii. Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii County, and Kauai each run their own testing. Statewide, Hawaii law requires drivers to stop at least 20 feet from a stopped school bus when the school-bus stop rule applies, railroad stops are made within 15-50 feet of the nearest rail when required, and motorists must leave at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist.

1. Why Signs and Traffic-Control Devices Matter on the Hawaii Knowledge Test

Hawaii roads range from Honolulu H-1 freeway and grid streets to Mauis narrow Hana Highway, the Big Island lava-field corridors between Hilo and Kona, and Kauais coastal routes through Lihue. Driver licensing is handled county by county. Honolulu at Kapalama Hale, Hilo at 349 Kapiolani Street, Maui at Kahului Service Center, and Kauai at Lihue Civic Center. You must pass a vision screening and a rules of the road test before receiving your instruction permit. If you are under 18, hold the permit for 180 days before applying for a provisional license. The Hawaii Drivers Manual published by HDOT covers traffic signs, signals, and lane markings and notes that state laws and county ordinances may change between printings.

2. Read Hawaii Signs Before the Text: Shape and Color on the Rules of the Road Knowledge Test

On Hawaii narrow coastal roads, mountain switchbacks, and busy Honolulu intersections, you need to identify a signs category from its shape and color before the text is readable. The Hawaii Drivers Manual explains traffic-control signs by shape, color, and function.

Shape	Diagram	Meaning	Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)		STOP. come to a complete stop, wheels fully stopped, check all directions, then proceed when clear
Triangle (inverted)		Yield slow down, check traffic; if clear proceed, if not stop and wait until safe to go
Diamond		Hazard ahead; slow down, stay alert, and be ready to stop or steer
Rectangle (vertical)		Required action; obey the posted instruction
Rectangle (horizontal)		Informational sign; read it and use it to navigate or plan your route
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone ahead; reduce speed and watch for children crossing
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing ahead; slow down, look both ways, and prepare to stop
Pennant		No passing zone; do not attempt to overtake any vehicle ahead
Orange (any shape)		Construction or work zone ahead; slow down, stay alert, and obey all posted signs
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services nearby; exit if you need fuel, food, or medical care
Brown (any shape)		Park or scenic area ahead; follow directional signs to reach it

Hawaii road sign color meanings: Red indicates a prohibited action; yellow warns of hazardous or dangerous conditions; orange warns of road work; black-and-white signs indicate a required action; and green, blue, and brown are used for guide and information signs.

3. Hawaii Regulatory Signs: Traffic Laws Enforced Across All Four Counties

Regulatory signs in Hawaii indicate required actions, and failure to comply with an official regulatory traffic-control device is subject to penalty. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control devices are covered in the Hawaii Drivers Manual.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop and yield before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way; stop if needed before proceeding

Speed Limit Sign

Do not exceed this speed; adjust for road and weather conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

Entry prohibited; turn around or find an alternate route

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Do not turn left here; continue straight or turn right

No Right Turn Sign

Do not turn right here; continue straight or turn left

One Way Sign

All traffic flows one direction; do not enter going the wrong way

Keep Right Sign

Move to the right side of the island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Do not pass here; wait until the no-passing zone ends

Do Not Pass Sign

Do not overtake any vehicle ahead until passing is permitted again

No Turn on Red Sign

Wait for a green signal before turning; do not turn on red

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning left; no turn on red permitted

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning right; no turn on red permitted

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Straight or Turn Right Sign

From this lane you may only go straight or turn right

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed; move right if driving slower

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Move to the right lane if you are driving slower than traffic

No Parking Sign

Parking prohibited here; find a legal parking area nearby

No Trucks Sign

Trucks prohibited on this road; use an alternate truck route

No Bicycles Sign

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

Reserved Parking Sign

Park here only if you qualify; others must find a different spot

Four Way Stop Sign

Stop completely, then take turns in order of arrival

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

Traffic must stop except for the permitted right-turn movement; right-turning traffic must still yield as required

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Yield to all oncoming traffic before completing your left turn

Lane Use Control Sign

Follow the sign; only the shown movement is permitted from this lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

Check eligibility before entering; unauthorized use is a violation

4. Hawaii Warning Signs: Hazards on the Hana Highway, Lava Roads & Oahus Mountain Passes

Diamond-shaped warning signs alert you to road hazards ahead. on Hawaii roads that means blind curves on Mauis Hana Highway, lava field crossings on the Big Island, narrow bridges on Kauais north shore, and sharp drops off Oahus Pali Highway. Orange signs mark active construction and maintenance zones. Excessive speed for conditions is the major cause of most accidents in Hawaii. always adjust below the posted limit when conditions warrant.

Left Curve

A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed

Right Curve

A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed

Sharp Left Turn

A very sharp left turn is ahead; slow down

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is ahead; slow down

Winding Road

Multiple curves ahead; reduce speed and stay in your lane throughout

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead curving left then right; reduce speed

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead curving right then left; reduce speed

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead; slow down significantly

Slippery When Wet

Wet road is slippery; reduce speed and increase following distance

Deer Crossing

Animals frequently cross here; slow down and scan both sides of the road

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; be prepared to stop for pedestrians as required by Hawaii law

Bicycle Crossing

Bicyclists may cross here; slow down and watch for bicycles

School Zone / Crossing

Children may be present; slow to posted speed

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits ahead; keep right and stay in your lane

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes ahead; stay right and watch oncoming traffic

Merging Traffic

Traffic is merging from another lane; adjust speed to allow safe entry

Added Lane

An additional lane begins ahead; entering traffic has its own lane rather than merging into yours

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends soon; check mirrors, signal, and merge now

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends; signal and move left before the lane disappears

Left Lane Ends

Left lane ends ahead; signal and move right before it closes

Road Narrows

Road gets narrower ahead; stay centered and reduce speed

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge is narrower than the road; slow down and stay centered

Low Clearance

Overhead clearance is restricted; do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and stop if a train is coming

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Steep hill ahead; reduce speed now and use a lower gear if needed

Bump

Speed bump ahead; slow down before reaching it

Dip

Dip in the road ahead; reduce speed to avoid bottoming out

Loose Gravel

Loose gravel on road; reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved surface ends ahead; slow down before the surface changes

Shoulder Drop Off

Edge of road drops steeply; stay away from the shoulder

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridge may be icy; reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends; move to the right and watch for oncoming traffic

Cross Road

Intersection ahead; slow down and scan left and right before crossing

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses from both sides; slow down and be ready to yield or stop

T Intersection

Your road ends ahead; slow down and prepare to turn left or right

Side Road

A side road joins ahead; watch for vehicles entering from the right or left

Highway Intersection Ahead

A major intersection is approaching; reduce speed and be ready to yield

Road Entering Curve

A road merges on a curve ahead; watch for vehicles entering

Roundabout

Yield to traffic already in the roundabout; then enter and keep right

Truck Rollover

Trucks must slow significantly; high rollover risk on this curve

Weave Area

Lanes are entering and exiting; stay alert, check mirrors, and adjust speed

Advisory Speed

Safe speed for this curve; slow to the posted advisory speed

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead; reduce speed and be ready to stop

5. Hawaii Guide & Informational Signs: Navigating H-1, H-2, H-3 on Oahu and Island Routes Statewide

Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.

Interstate Route Marker

You are on this interstate highway; note the number for navigation

US Route Marker

You are on this US highway; note the number for navigation

State Route Marker

You are on this state route; note the number for navigation

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

This lane leads to an exit only; move out of it if you are not exiting

Mile Marker

Marks your location on the route; note it for emergency or navigation use

Services Sign

Services available at next exit; move right if you need to stop

Hospital Sign (H)

Hospital is nearby; follow signs if you need emergency care

Diesel

Diesel fuel available ahead; exit if your vehicle needs it

Park / Recreation Sign

Park or recreation area nearby; exit and follow directional signs

6. Hawaii Traffic Signals: What Every Driver Must Know Before the Rules of the Road Test

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = proceed only with caution. The Hawaii Drivers Manual covers standard lights, arrow signals, flashing signals, pedestrian signals, and lane-control signals. In Hawaii, after stopping and yielding, you may turn right on red or turn left from a one-way street onto another one-way street moving left unless a sign prohibits the turn.

Hawaii lane-control signals: A red X means you must not use the lane; a green arrow means you may use it; a steady yellow X means move out because the lane is going to be used by opposing traffic; and a flashing yellow X means use the lane only when preparing to turn left.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Stop at the stop line, before the crosswalk, or before the intersection; after stopping and yielding, a right turn or qualifying one-way-to-one-way left turn may be made unless prohibited

Steady Yellow

Slow down and prepare to stop; do not speed up to beat the light

Steady Green

Proceed through the intersection; yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection

Green Arrow (left)

Proceed only in the arrow direction; yield to pedestrians

Yellow Arrow

Has the same meaning as a yellow light for the indicated lane; avoid entering if possible because red follows

Red Arrow

Has the same meaning as a red light for the indicated lane

Circular Green (no arrow)

Go straight or turn unless a sign prohibits the movement; yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic still has green; wait and do not turn left yet

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a stop sign; stop fully, then proceed when safe and clear

Flashing Yellow

Slow down, check for hazards, and proceed with caution

Flashing Red Beacon

Treat the overhead beacon as a stop sign

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White figure = cross now; orange hand = do not start crossing

Flashing DONT WALK / Upraised Palm

Do not start crossing; if already crossing, continue to the nearest sidewalk, traffic island, or safety zone

Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = proceed only with caution.

7. Hawaii Pavement Markings: Yellow and White Lines, Railroad X-Marks & Traffic Islands

Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. The Hawaii Drivers Manual covers lane lines, road arrows, traffic island markings, railroad crossing pavement symbols, and bike lane markings.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Separate opposing traffic; never cross a solid yellow line to pass

White lines

Mark your lane boundaries; stay within the white lines

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

You may pass on your side if it is safe and clear ahead

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Pass only from the broken-line side when it is safe; do not pass from the solid side

Double solid yellow lines

Passing is not allowed in either direction; the lines may be crossed only for a left turn into or from an alley, private road, or driveway

Broken white line

You may change lanes if it is safe; always check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line

Lane-to-lane movement is hazardous; cross only in unusual circumstances and then only with great care

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Center Turn Lane

For left turns only; signal, enter the lane, and turn; do not use it to travel

Center Turning Lane (sign)

For left turns only; signal, enter, and turn; do not drive through it

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

You must follow the arrow direction from this lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop completely behind this line; do not roll past it

Stop Here on Red

Stop at this painted line; do not inch forward past it

Crosswalk lines

Pedestrian crossing zone; stop for pedestrians as required by Hawaii law

Broken white line (pavement)

You may change lanes if it is safe; check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line (pavement)

Lane-to-lane movement is hazardous; cross only in unusual circumstances and then only with great care

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop

Diagonal yellow lines (obstruction marking)

Pass only to the right of yellow obstruction markings

Bicycle lane marking

Keep clear of the bicycle lane; Hawaii law allows motor-vehicle use only in specified situations such as a legal turn, lane change, or parking maneuver

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Diamond marking identifies a preferential lane; follow the posted occupancy and use restrictions

Key test point: Yellow centerlines separate opposing traffic. White lane lines separate traffic moving in the same direction; edge lines may be white on the right and yellow on the left of divided roads.

8. Hawaii Work Zone Signs: Orange Warnings, Flagpersons & Construction Safety Across the Islands

Orange signs mark construction and maintenance zones throughout Hawaii road network. The color orange specifically indicates road work. Flagpersons use STOP/SLOW paddles and red flags to direct traffic.

Under HRS 291C-104, exceeding a posted maximum speed in a construction area carries a $250 fine.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead; reduce speed and stay alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic; obey their signals

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present; slow down and be ready to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone; drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends; resume normal speed and check posted limit

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead; merge early

Road Closed

Road is completely closed; follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Active work zone boundaries; stay within marked lanes

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Follow the barricades; do not drive through or around them

• You must obey a flagpersons STOP/SLOW paddle or red flag directions.
• Construction and maintenance signs in Hawaii work zones are diamond-shaped; a few are rectangular. all have an orange background.
• Slow down as soon as you see work zone warning signs. lane shifts and sudden stops are common on Hawaii narrow island roads.
• Large flashing or sequencing arrow panels may be used in work zones both day and night to direct traffic lanes.
• Never drive through or around a closed lane barrier. follow detour signs or wait for the flagpersons signal.

Key test point: Orange indicates road work. Follow posted signs, channelizing devices, arrow panels, and flagpersons.

9. Railroad Crossings in Hawaii: The 15-50 Foot Stop Rule and Crossing Pavement Markings

When a warning signal, lowered gate, flagman, or approaching train requires you to stop at a Hawaii railroad crossing, you must stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail. Railroad crossing pavement markings. a large "X" and two "Rs" with a solid yellow centerline. mark the approach on the road surface.

Stop Line

Stop here completely when required before proceeding

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing; yield to trains

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

You are at the crossing; stop if lights flash or gate lowers

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming; never drive around a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead marked on pavement; slow down and prepare to stop

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching; stop and wait until fully clear

• The round yellow advance warning sign warns that a railroad crossing is ahead.
• Stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail when: a visible signal warns of an approaching train; a gate is lowered or a flagman signals; a train about 1,500 feet away gives an audible warning and is an immediate hazard because of its speed or nearness; or an approaching train about 1,500 feet away is plainly visible and in hazardous proximity.
• Railroad crossing pavement markings in Hawaii include a large "X", two "Rs", a solid yellow centerline preventing passing, and a white stop line across the traffic lane.
• Never try to beat a train across the tracks. trains are large and move much faster than they appear.
• Never stop on the tracks. wait until there is clear room on the far side before crossing.
• A school bus carrying any school child and vehicles carrying specified explosive substances or flammable liquids must stop at railroad crossings, subject to the exceptions in HRS 291C-93.

Key test point: When a railroad stop is required, Hawaii requires stopping within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail. A train about 1,500 feet away triggers the stop rule when the statutory warning and hazard conditions are met.

10. Hawaii School Zone Speed Rules and the 20-Foot School Bus Stop Rule Under HRS 291C-95

Pentagon-shaped signs mark school zones and school crossings. Hawaii requires reduced speed on streets near schools and playgrounds when children are present and at locations marked with a "School Crossing" sign. Under HRS 291C-95, a school-bus violation is punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or community service, or both; a violation of the stopping requirement in subsection (a) on a state highway can carry a fine of not more than $1,000 or community service, or both.

Under HRS 291C-104, exceeding a posted maximum speed in a school zone carries a $250 fine.

School Zone

School ahead; reduce speed and watch for children

School Speed Limit

Obey the reduced speed limit posted in school zones

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

Obey the posted speed limit only when the lights are flashing

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

• Hawaii requires reduced speed on streets near schools and playgrounds when children are present, and at all locations marked with a "School Crossing" sign.
• Obey all posted school zone speed limit signs. school hours are not the only time children may be present.
• When a school bus is stopped on a highway or road in a residential area with its visual signals actuated, drivers in the bus lane and all adjacent lanes, regardless of direction, must stop at least 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the bus moves and the visual signals are turned off.
• On a highway divided by an intervening space, physical barrier, or clearly indicated dividing section, the school-bus stop rule applies to vehicles traveling on the same side of the highway as the bus.
• A violation of HRS 291C-95 is punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or community service, or both; a subsection (a) violation on a state highway can carry a fine of not more than $1,000 or community service, or both.
• Be alert for school children waiting along the roadway in the morning. their presence indicates a school bus is in the area. Children may dart into traffic unexpectedly.

Key test point: The pentagon shape identifies school signs such as school-zone and school-crossing signs.

11. Pedestrian & Bike Signs in Hawaii: The 3-Foot Law and Sharing the Road on Island Streets

Under HRS 291C-72, a driver must stop for a pedestrian crossing within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the drivers half of the roadway or is approaching so closely from the opposite half as to be in danger. Hawaii also requires motorists to maintain at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Crosswalk ahead; be prepared to stop for pedestrians as required by Hawaii law

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Bicyclists may cross here; slow down and watch for bicycles

No Bicycles

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

• At a crosswalk, a driver must stop for a pedestrian when the pedestrian is on the drivers half of the roadway or is approaching so closely from the opposite half as to be in danger, and may proceed only when it is safe.
• If a vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to allow a pedestrian to cross, a driver approaching from behind may not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
• Hawaii law requires motorists to maintain at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.
• Bicycles are legally classified as vehicles in Hawaii. they have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles on the road.
• Be extra alert for bicyclists. they are often harder to see than other vehicles, especially on Hawaii narrow island roads with limited shoulders.

Key test point: Hawaii crosswalk duties depend on the pedestrians position and the traffic situation; drivers must stop when HRS 291C-72 requires it and may not pass a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian at a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.

12. How to Pass Hawaii Rules of the Road Test on Each Island

• Licensing is county-by-county. Apply at your islands driver licensing office. Honolulu at Kapalama Hale (768-9100), Hilo at 349 Kapiolani Street (961-2222), Kahului Service Center on Maui, or Lihue Civic Center on Kauai (241-4242).
• Pass the knowledge test before your permit. You must pass a vision screening and a rules of the road knowledge test before receiving your instruction permit. If you are under 18, hold the permit for 180 days before applying for a provisional license.
• Speed limits apply to posted signs. know the basic law. Hawaii basic speed law requires driving at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the area, road, traffic, and weather conditions. You can be cited for driving too fast for conditions even at the posted limit.
• School bus: know the 20-foot stop rule. When HRS 291C-95 applies, stop at least 20 feet from the bus. A violation is punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or community service, or both; a subsection (a) violation on a state highway can carry a fine of not more than $1,000 or community service, or both.
• Railroad: 15-50 foot stop rule. When a railroad stop is required, stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail; the 1,500-foot train conditions also require the statutory hazard to be present.
• Orange means road work. Orange signs identify road-work traffic controls. Obey flagpersons using STOP/SLOW paddles or red flags.
• Traffic islands: never drive into or across them. The Hawaii Drivers Manual directs drivers not to drive into or across traffic islands.
• 3-foot bicycle clearance is required. Maintain at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist. Bicyclists have the rights and duties applicable to vehicle drivers except where bicycle-specific law provides otherwise.
• Slow-moving vehicle emblem means 25 mph or less. The highly reflective triangular orange emblem on the rear of slow vehicles means they travel at 25 mph or less. reduce speed and approach cautiously.
• Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = proceed only with caution.