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? Hawaii is the only state where licensing is administered county-by-county. Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii County, and Kauai each run their own testing. Statewide: school bus violations carry a $1,000 fine, the railroad stop is within 4.6 meters of the nearest rail, and cyclists get 3 feet.

Table of Contents

1. Island Roads, Island Rules: Why Hawaii Knowledge Test Covers Every Sign on Every Island

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 single coastal routes through Lihue and Wailuku. 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. Hold the permit for 180 days before applying for a provisional license. The official Hawaii Drivers Manual is your only study source. every category below is pulled directly from it.

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 rules of the road knowledge test covers both. know every combination before your test day.

Shape	Diagram	Meaning	Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)		STOP. always and only
Triangle (inverted)		Yield to other traffic
Diamond		Warning - hazard ahead
Rectangle (vertical)		Regulatory - rules of the road
Rectangle (horizontal)		Guide or informational
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone or crossing - exclusively
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing advance warning - exclusively
Pennant		No passing zone - exclusively
Orange (any shape)		Construction and work zone warnings
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services - gas, food, lodging, hospitals
Brown (any shape)		Recreation areas, parks, and scenic routes

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

Regulatory signs in Hawaii are legally enforceable. violations are subject to civil proceedings including fines, license suspension or revocation. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are all covered on the Hawaii rules of the road knowledge test across all four counties.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop; yield to all traffic and pedestrians before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way to cross traffic or pedestrians

Speed Limit Sign

Maximum legal speed under ideal conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

You are going the wrong way; do not proceed

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road going against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Left turns are not allowed

No Right Turn Sign

Right turns are not allowed

One Way Sign

Traffic moves in one direction only

Keep Right Sign

Stay to the right of an island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Passing is forbidden in this stretch. pennant-shaped sign

Do Not Pass Sign

Passing prohibited. do not overtake vehicles ahead

No Turn on Red Sign

No turns permitted on a red light at this intersection

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Left turn on red is prohibited here

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Right turn on red is prohibited here

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane

Straight or Turn Right Sign

You may go straight or turn right from this lane

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed on this road

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Slower vehicles must use the right lane

No Parking Sign

Parking is prohibited in this area

No Trucks Sign

Commercial trucks are prohibited on this road

No Bicycles Sign

Bicycles are not permitted on this road

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here

Reserved Parking Sign

Parking reserved for designated users (e.g., accessible parking)

Four Way Stop Sign

All four directions must stop at this intersection

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

All traffic must stop except those turning right

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic on green

Lane Use Control Sign

Indicates which movements are permitted or prohibited from a specific lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

An upcoming lane has restrictions on who may use it

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 coming; slow down significantly

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is coming; slow down significantly

Winding Road

Series of curves ahead

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead, first curving left then right

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead, first curving right then left

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead. left then right

Slippery When Wet

Road surface becomes slick in rain; reduce speed

Deer Crossing

Wildlife frequently cross here. feral pigs, axis deer, and nene geese are active road hazards on Hawaii rural routes, especially at dawn and dusk

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; watch for foot traffic

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists frequently cross here; slow down and yield to bikes

School Zone / Crossing

Children may be present. Hawaii requires reduced speed near schools and playgrounds when children are present; obey all posted school crossing signs

School Crossing Ahead

A school crosswalk is approaching; watch for children and crossing guards

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits into two one-way sections; keep right

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes

Merging Traffic

Another lane of traffic is joining yours

Added Lane

A new lane is being added ahead. merging traffic does not need to yield

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends ahead. merge safely into the adjacent lane

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends. move to the left lane

Left Lane Ends

The left lane ends ahead. merge right

Road Narrows

The road becomes narrower ahead; stay alert

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge ahead is narrower than the road. proceed carefully

Low Clearance

Bridge or overhead obstruction with limited height clearance

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; look and listen for trains

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Downgrade ahead; trucks should check brakes

Bump

A raised bump or speed hump is ahead; slow down

Dip

A dip in the road is ahead; reduce speed

Loose Gravel

Road surface has loose gravel. reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved road ends ahead; expect gravel or dirt surface

Shoulder Drop Off

Road shoulder drops off steeply. avoid driving on the edge

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridges freeze before road surfaces. reduce speed in cold weather

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends. two-way traffic begins ahead

Cross Road

An intersection with a crossing road is ahead

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses your path ahead. be prepared to yield

T Intersection

The road ends at a T. you must turn left or right

Side Road

A side road enters the highway ahead at an angle

Highway Intersection Ahead

A highway intersection is approaching; be prepared to yield or stop

Road Entering Curve

A road enters from the side on a curve ahead. watch for merging traffic

Roundabout

A roundabout is ahead. yield to circulating traffic and travel counterclockwise

Truck Rollover

High risk of truck rollover on this curve or ramp. trucks reduce speed significantly

Weave Area

Traffic is entering and exiting simultaneously. expect lane changes and merging

Advisory Speed

Recommended safe speed for a curve or hazard. not legally enforced but strongly advised

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead. be prepared 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

Identifies Hawaii interstate routes on Oahu (e.g., H-1, H-2, H-3), Hawaii interstates do not cross state lines

US Route Marker

Marks US highways in Hawaii (e.g., US-11 Hawaii Belt Road on the Big Island)

State Route Marker

Identifies Hawaii state routes (e.g., HI-30 West Maui, HI-56 Kuhio Highway on Kauai, HI-19 on the Big Island)

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

Shows upcoming freeway exit and distance

Mile Marker

Indicates distance from the state line or route origin

Services Sign

Points to nearby gas, food, lodging, or medical facilities

Hospital Sign (H)

Indicates direction to the nearest hospital

Diesel

Indicates diesel fuel is available at the next service area

Park / Recreation Sign

Directs to state parks, campsites, and scenic areas

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

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. The Hawaii rules of the road knowledge test covers all signal types: standard lights, arrow signals, flashing signals, and pedestrian signals. Note: in Hawaii you may turn left on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street unless a sign prohibits it.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Come to a complete stop behind the stop line. Wait until green.

Steady Yellow

Prepare to stop. the light is about to turn red. Do not speed up to beat it.

Steady Green

Proceed if the intersection is clear. You must still yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

Green Arrow (left)

You may proceed only in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic is stopped.

Yellow Arrow (no left)

The protected turn is ending. Prepare to stop or yield if you have not yet entered the intersection.

Red Arrow (no left)

Do not turn in the direction of the arrow. Wait for a green arrow or green light.

Green. no left arrow

Proceed straight or right. left turn not permitted on this phase.

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic has an extended green phase. wait before turning left.

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a STOP sign, come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.

Flashing Yellow

Treat as a YIELD sign, slow down, look carefully, and proceed with caution.

Flashing Red Beacon

Overhead flashing red beacon. treat as a stop sign. Come to a full stop, then proceed when safe.

Flashing Green Arrow

You may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White walking figure = pedestrians may cross. Orange hand = do not start crossing; if already crossing, finish quickly.

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase is ending. Pedestrians who have started may finish; others should not begin.

Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. This distinction is one of the most commonly tested signal questions on the Hawaii rules of the road knowledge exam.

7. Hawaii Pavement Markings: Railroad Crossing X-Marks, Traffic Island & the 3-Foot Bicycle Rule

Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. The Hawaii knowledge test covers lane lines, road arrows, curb markings, traffic island markings, railroad crossing pavement symbols, and bike lane markings. including Hawaii 3-foot bicycle passing requirement.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Separate traffic moving in opposite directions

White lines

Separate traffic moving in the same direction, or mark the edge of the road

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

Passing allowed when safe on your side

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Passing allowed only on the broken-line side

Double solid yellow lines

No passing in either direction

Broken white line

Lane changes permitted when safe

Solid white line

Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas

Center Turn Lane

Shared left-turn lane. used to begin or complete a left turn only

Center Turning Lane (sign)

Overhead or posted sign marking a shared center left-turn lane

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

Indicate which direction(s) you may travel from that lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop your vehicle completely behind this line at red lights and stop signs

Stop Here on Red

Painted instruction on pavement. stop at this marked line on red

Crosswalk lines

Mark the pedestrian crossing area. yield to pedestrians within these lines

Broken white line (pavement)

Lane changes permitted when safe

Solid white line (pavement)

Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Advance warning of tracks ahead. painted on pavement before the crossing

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Do not drive in this area. marks a traffic island or diverging zone

Bicycle lane marking

White painted lane reserved for cyclists. do not drive or park in it

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Lane restricted to vehicles with 2 or more occupants during posted hours

Yellow curb

No parking or stopping at any time

Red curb

No stopping, standing, or parking. fire zone

White curb

Passenger loading/unloading only. brief stops permitted

Key test point: Yellow lines always separate opposing traffic. White lines always separate same-direction traffic. This is a foundational rule that appears on nearly every DMV exam.

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

Orange signs mark active construction and maintenance zones throughout Hawaii road network. The color orange specifically indicates road work. on Hawaii limited highway system, work zones can create sudden lane shifts and require immediate attention. Flagpersons in work zones use STOP/SLOW paddles and red flags to direct traffic and must be obeyed at all times.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead. reduce speed and be alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic. obey their signals immediately

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present. slow down and be prepared to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone. fines doubled, drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends. normal speed and rules resume

Work Zone Headlights

Headlights required in this work zone

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead. merge early and do not pass in the closed lane

Road Closed

Road is completely closed. do not enter, follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Mark lane boundaries and closures in active work zones

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Direct traffic around obstacles or closed areas

• You must obey a flagpersons directions even if they conflict with existing signs or signals. Flagpersons use STOP/SLOW paddles and red flags.
• 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 always means construction or work zone. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.

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

When a warning signal, lowered gate, flagman, or approaching train requires you to stop at a Hawaiian railroad crossing, you must stop your vehicle not less than 15 feet (4.6m) 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.

Advance Warning Sign

Railroad crossing ahead. the first sign you see. Begin slowing down.

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing itself. yield to trains. Treat as a yield sign if no gates or lights.

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

Marks the exact railroad crossing location

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming. never drive around or under a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Painted on the road surface before the crossing as an advance warning

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching, stop and wait. Do not proceed until lights stop and it is fully clear.

Stop Line

Hawaii requires stopping not less than 15 feet (4.6m) from the nearest rail when signals, gates, a flagman, or an approaching train requires a stop

• The round yellow advance warning sign is always the first sign you see approaching a railroad crossing.
• Stop not less than 15 feet (4.6m) from the nearest rail when: a signal is warning of an approaching train; a gate is lowered or a flagman signals; a train within 1,500 feet gives audible warning; or a train is visible and close enough to be hazardous.
• 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.
• School buses and vehicles carrying hazardous materials must stop at all railroad crossings.

Key test point: Hawaii requires stopping not less than 15 feet (4.6m) from the nearest rail. A train within 1,500 feet giving audible warning also triggers a mandatory stop. Both rules appear on the Hawaii knowledge exam.

10. Hawaii School Zone Speed Rules and the $1,000 School Bus Penalty Under HRS 291C-95

Pentagon-shaped, fluorescent yellow-green 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. Failing to stop for a school bus with alternating flashing red lights can cost you $1,000 under Hawaii Revised Statutes 291C-95.

School Zone

School ahead. be alert for children, reduce speed

School Speed Limit

Hawaii requires reduced speed near schools and playgrounds when children are present. obey all posted school zone speed limits

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

Speed limit applies only when the flashing lights are active

School Crossing Ahead

Crosswalk used by schoolchildren ahead. yield to crossing guard and students

• 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 with alternating red signal lamps flashing, the driver of any vehicle in the same lane and all adjacent lanes must stop before reaching the bus and must not proceed until the bus resumes motion or the red lights are turned off.
• Vehicles proceeding in the opposite direction on a divided highway are not required to stop. A divided highway is two roadways separated by a strip of land or other space not intended for vehicular travel.
• Failure to stop for a school bus violates HRS 291C-95 and can cost you $1,000.
• 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 is used exclusively for school signs. No other sign category uses this shape. making it one of the easiest shapes to identify on the exam.

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

Pedestrians have right-of-way at all crosswalks. marked or unmarked. Hawaii requires motorists to maintain at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. Bicycles are legally classified as vehicles in Hawaii with the same rights and responsibilities. Both sign types use fluorescent yellow-green and are covered on the Hawaii rules of the road knowledge test.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

A marked crosswalk is ahead. watch for pedestrians crossing

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists frequently cross here. reduce speed and yield to bikes

No Bicycles

Bicycles are prohibited on this road or path

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here

• Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks. you must yield and stop if necessary.
• 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.
• Fluorescent yellow-green is used for both school and pedestrian/bike signs. the shape distinguishes between them.

Key test point: Pedestrians always have right-of-way at crosswalks. marked or unmarked. This rule appears on virtually every state DMV exam.

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. 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: stop in your lane and all adjacent lanes. When a school bus displays alternating flashing red lights, vehicles in the same lane and all adjacent lanes must stop. Divided highway exception applies. Violating HRS 291C-95 costs $1,000.
• Railroad: 15-foot stop rule. Stop not less than 15 feet (4.6m) from the nearest rail whenever a signal, lowered gate, flagman, audible train warning within 1,500 feet, or visible approaching train requires it.
• Orange always means road work. Orange signs in Hawaii specifically indicate road work and construction zones. Obey all flagperson directions. they override existing signs and signals.
• Traffic islands: never drive into or across them. Hawaii specifically prohibits driving into or across traffic islands. this is a tested rule unique to the Hawaii manual.
• 3-foot bicycle clearance is required. Maintain at least 3 feet when passing a cyclist. Bicycles are legally vehicles in Hawaii with full road rights.
• 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 are always tested. Flashing red = full stop, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = slow and yield. One of the most reliably tested questions on the Hawaii knowledge exam.

Hawaii DOT Driver License