The Legality of Car Sleeping in Hawaii: What You Need to Know

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Compared to many other U.S. states, Hawaii has very tight laws regarding the legality of sleeping in your automobile. What you should know is as follows:

State Law

A particular law that forbids sleeping in cars on public property has been passed in Hawaii:

• Hawaii Revised Statute 291C-112 explicitly bans using any vehicle for purposes of human habitation between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
• This applies to all public roadways, streets, highways, and other public properties.
• The law defines purposes of human habitation as including use as a dwelling place, living abode, or sleeping place.

County-Specific Regulations

Hawaii’s counties have their own rules that further prohibit overnight parking in addition to the state law:

• Hawaii County (Big Island) prohibits parking on Federal-Aid Highways for more than 60 minutes between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
• Honolulu County (Oahu) bans parking on Federal-Aid Highways between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM, with a 120-minute limit during other hours.
• Kauai County forbids parking on Federal-Aid Highways between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM, with a two-hour limit at other times.
• Maui County restricts parking on any road or highway to no more than 60 minutes between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM.

Enforcement and Penalties

In Hawaii, the laws prohibiting sleeping in cars are strictly enforced:

• Police do enforce these regulations.
• In some cities, violators can be fined up to $1,000.

Exceptions and Alternatives

Despite the strictness of the restrictions, there are several options and exceptions:

• The state law does not apply to parking and sleeping in vehicles in parks, camps, and other recreational areas that comply with applicable rules and regulations.
• Some campgrounds allow vehicle camping, but permits are often required, and spaces fill up quickly.
• Private property owners can give permission for someone to sleep in a vehicle on their property.

Safety Considerations

In the event that you locate a legitimate spot to sleep in your car, bear the following safety advice in mind:

• Be aware that vehicle break-ins can occur, so secure your belongings.
• Always look for signage indicating whether overnight parking is allowed.
• Respect local communities and be mindful of your impact as a visitor.

In conclusion, although sleeping in your car is typically not advised or legal in Hawaii, there are few specific locations where it might be allowed with the right paperwork. To prevent fines and guarantee a safe and lawful stay, it is essential to learn about and abide by local rules and regulations.

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