HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

304

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE STATEWIDE TRAFFIC CODE.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that large and high-passenger vehicles pose an undue risk to public safety when allowed in the left-hand lane of public highways.  High-speed lane changes are widely considered to be among the most dangerous maneuvers, especially with regard to motorcyclists, whom the drivers of large semi-trucks may find difficult to see.  In addition, efficiency suffers as trucks, trailers, and buses cause congestion to the more nimble vehicles behind them.

     The purpose of this Act is to prohibit large and high-passenger vehicles from using the left-hand lane, or close to the left-hand curb or edge, of roadways.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291C-     Driving in left-hand lane or along left curb or edge; prohibitions.  (a)  Notwithstanding any contrary provision in part XVII, no person driving a vehicle with more than four wheels or a high-passenger car shall travel:

     (1)  In the extreme left-hand lane of a roadway if the roadway is clearly marked for two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction; or

     (2)  Closer to the left-hand curb or left-hand edge than the right-hand curb or right-hand edge of a roadway if the roadway is not clearly marked for two or more lanes.

     (b)  Subsection (a) shall not apply when:

     (1)  Traveling a distance not to exceed one thousand feet when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; or

     (2)  Directed by a police officer or any other person authorized to direct, control, or regulate traffic.

     (c)  Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), in case of a conflict between this section and part XVII, this section shall prevail.

     (d)  Nothing in this section shall prohibit a person who operates a public transportation vehicle from traveling in a lane that has been designated as a high-occupancy vehicle lane or zipper lane by the department of transportation.

     (e)  For the purposes of this section, "high-passenger car" means a passenger car, as defined in section 286-2, designed for carrying at least eleven passengers."

     SECTION 3.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Statewide Traffic Code; Left-Hand Lane; Large and High-Passenger Vehicles; Exemptions

 

Description:

Prohibits drivers from operating vehicles with more than four wheels and high-passenger cars in the left-hand lane, or close to the left-hand curb or left-hand edge, of roadways.  Exempts drivers operating public transportation vehicles in high‑occupancy vehicle lanes or zipper lanes.

 

 

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