Hawaii Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)
Hawaii regulates windshield-mounted devices and materials through two primary statutes. HRS 291-21.5 governs sun screening devices and nontransparent materials on windshields. HRS 291C-124 addresses general obstructions to the driver's view. Together, these laws set clear boundaries on what can be placed on a vehicle's windshield in the state.
This page covers Hawaii's rules for GPS mounts, phone holders, dashcams, stickers, windshield tinting, and the significant changes introduced by Act 129 in 2025.
Hawaii Windshield Obstruction Law (HRS 291C-124)
HRS 291C-124 prohibits driving a vehicle when it is loaded, or when there are more than three persons in the front seat, in a way that obstructs the driver's view to the front or sides of the vehicle. The statute also prohibits any objects that interfere with the driver's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.
This is Hawaii's general obstruction statute. It does not set specific measurements or placement zones for devices. Instead, it establishes the broad legal principle that nothing on or in the vehicle should block the driver's ability to see the road or control the vehicle.
Law enforcement officers have discretion to determine whether a particular windshield-mounted device creates an unlawful obstruction under this statute.
Sticker and Decal Placement Zones
HRS 291-21.5 provides specific measurement zones for nontransparent materials on the windshield.
Hawaii allows signs, stickers, and other nontransparent materials in two designated areas:
| Zone | Size | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger side | 7-inch square | Lower corner of the windshield farthest from the driver |
| Driver side | 5-inch square | Lower corner of the windshield nearest the driver |
These zones accommodate items such as vehicle registration decals, parking permits, safety inspection stickers, and toll transponders. Any nontransparent material placed outside these two zones violates the statute.
Exempted Items
HRS 291-21.5 also exempts the following from windshield restrictions:
- Adjustable nontransparent sun visors that are mounted forward of the side windows and not attached to the glazing material
- Products, materials, or devices with a visible light transmission of at least 70% when applied to the windshield
- Materials applied to the uppermost portion of the windshield above the AS-1 line
GPS and Phone Mounts
Hawaii does not have a statute that specifically addresses GPS or phone mounts on the windshield, unlike states such as Georgia or California that have enacted device-mount exceptions.
Under the general obstruction provision in HRS 291C-124, a GPS or phone mount is permitted as long as it does not obstruct the driver's view or interfere with the operation of the vehicle. The determining factor is whether the device blocks the driver's ability to see the road.
For the safest placement in Hawaii, mount your device in the lower portion of the windshield, within or near the designated sticker zones. The lower passenger-side corner (within the 7-inch zone) or the dashboard are the most legally defensible positions.
Hawaii does not have a statewide hands-free driving law comparable to Georgia's Hands-Free Act, though Honolulu and other counties have enacted local ordinances restricting handheld phone use while driving.
County Hands-Free Ordinances
The City and County of Honolulu prohibits using a handheld mobile device while operating a motor vehicle under Revised Ordinances of Honolulu Section 15-17.16. Violations carry fines starting at $250 for a first offense. Windshield-mounted phone holders help drivers comply with this local ordinance.
Maui County has a similar restriction. Drivers on any Hawaiian island should check their county's specific ordinances regarding handheld device use.
Dashcam Mounting Rules
Hawaii does not have a statute specifically addressing dashcams. A dashcam is subject to the same general obstruction rules under HRS 291C-124 as any other windshield-mounted device.
A dashcam mounted behind the rearview mirror is the most legally secure placement. This position occupies space already blocked from the driver's primary line of sight and is unlikely to be considered an obstruction.
Hawaii is a one-party consent state for audio recording under HRS 803-42, so a dashcam that records conversations inside the vehicle is legal as long as at least one person in the car is aware of the recording.
Windshield Tinting (HRS 291-21.5)
HRS 291-21.5 is primarily a tinting statute. It prohibits operating or parking a motor vehicle on a public highway if the glazing material does not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205, or if the vehicle uses sun screening devices that fall outside the law's exemptions.
Current Tinting Requirements
Before Act 129 (2025), Hawaii's tinting rules required:
- Front windshield: Must allow at least 70% visible light transmission (VLT). This is essentially clear glass with no aftermarket tint permitted below the AS-1 line.
- Front side windows (driver and passenger): Must allow at least 35% VLT.
- Rear side windows: Must allow at least 35% VLT for sedans; SUVs, vans, and trucks had more lenient standards.
- Rear windshield: Must allow at least 35% VLT for sedans.
Act 129 (2025) Changes
Act 129, signed by Governor Josh Green on May 29, 2025, made the most significant changes to Hawaii's vehicular tinting laws since the statute was first enacted in 1983. The bill originated as House Bill 226.
Key changes under Act 129 include the following.
Sedan rear window parity. Sedans are now permitted to have any level of tint darkness on rear side windows and the rear windshield, aligning them with SUVs, vans, and trucks. Previously, sedans were held to a stricter 35% VLT standard on all windows.
Traffic stop window requirement. All drivers and passengers in vehicles with applied tint must fully roll down their tinted windows when stopped by a law enforcement officer. This is a new obligation that did not exist before Act 129. An exception exists for individuals who cannot roll down their windows due to a physical disability or mechanical failure, provided they cooperate through other reasonably available means.
Compliance certificate. Tint installers must now issue a compliance certificate at the time of installation, certifying that the tint meets legal standards. Drivers are required to keep the compliance certificate in the vehicle at all times.
Color restrictions. Mirrored or highly reflective finishes that produce a red, yellow, amber, or blue appearance are prohibited on any windows.
Front windshield and front side windows. The 70% VLT requirement for the front windshield and 35% VLT requirement for front side windows remain unchanged under Act 129. The changes apply primarily to rear windows on sedans.
No Medical Tint Exemption
Unlike many other states, Hawaii does not offer a medical exemption for darker windshield or window tinting. Drivers with medical conditions requiring protection from sunlight cannot obtain a waiver for non-compliant tinting. This was not changed by Act 129.
Drivers who need sun protection should use removable sun shades on rear windows (where darker tint is now permitted on all vehicle types) or consider vehicles with factory-tinted privacy glass that meets the VLT requirements.
Penalties for Violations
HRS 291-21.5 establishes a tiered penalty structure based on who is responsible for the violation.
| Responsible Party | Minimum Fine | Maximum Fine | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle owner | $250 | $500 | Per offense |
| Tint installer | $500 | $1,000 | Must reinstall compliant tint at no charge or reimburse the vehicle owner |
General windshield obstruction violations under HRS 291C-124 are treated as traffic infractions. Fines vary by county but typically range from $100 to $200 for a first offense.
Under Act 129, failure to roll down tinted windows during a traffic stop may result in additional charges or fines, though the specific penalty for this particular violation is enforced at the officer's discretion.
Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles operating in Hawaii must comply with both state windshield laws and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR 393.60). Federal rules prohibit any obstruction that reduces the driver's field of view through required windows.
Commercial drivers should mount electronic logging devices (ELDs) and GPS units on the dashboard rather than the windshield to avoid potential federal violations during Department of Transportation inspections.
Safety Inspection and Windshields
Hawaii requires annual safety inspections for all registered vehicles. During the inspection, the windshield is checked for cracks, chips, and obstructions. A windshield with significant damage or non-compliant tinting will fail the inspection.
Inspectors also verify that any materials applied to the windshield (stickers, tint strips) fall within the designated zones and meet VLT requirements.
Recent Changes
Act 129 (2025) represents the most significant update to Hawaii's windshield and tinting laws in over 40 years. The key takeaways from this change are as follows.
Sedan owners now have the same tinting flexibility as SUV and truck owners for rear windows. All drivers with tinted windows have a new obligation to roll them down during traffic stops. Tint installers face stricter accountability through the compliance certificate requirement.
No changes to the windshield device mounting rules under HRS 291C-124 were enacted in 2025.
More Hawaii Laws
Sources and References
- HRS 291-21.5 - Regulation of motor vehicle sun screening devices; penalty(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
- HRS 291C-124 - Obstruction to driver's view or driving mechanism(law.justia.com)
- Act 129 (2025) - HB 226 text amending HRS 291-21.5(legiscan.com)
- Hawaii News Now - Vehicular tinting laws update(hawaiinewsnow.com)
- HRS 803-42 - Hawaii wiretapping and eavesdropping statute(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
- Hawaii Department of Transportation - Administrative Rules(hidot.hawaii.gov).gov