Alcohol and Drug Limits

If you are 21 or older and have a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher

Hawaii law sets 0.08 percent as the legal BAC limit for adult drivers. Driving above this is a criminal offense.

When a commercial driver has a BAC of 0.04 percent or higher

Commercial vehicle operators are held to stricter standards for safety reasons and can lose their CDL privileges.

If a driver under 21 has any measurable alcohol

Hawaii prohibits underage drivers from having any detectable alcohol in their system while driving.

When you are convicted of DUI for the first time

First-time DUI offenders may lose their license for 90 days and must complete education and pay fines.

If you refuse a breath or blood test under suspicion of DUI

Hawaii’s Implied Consent Law authorizes license revocation for test refusal, even if not convicted in court.

When driving under the influence of marijuana

Drugged driving includes marijuana use. THC impairs coordination and reaction time, similar to alcohol.

If prescription medication impairs your driving ability

Even legal drugs like opioids or sedatives can lead to DUI if they impact your alertness or ability to drive safely.

When a driver is convicted of DUI with a child passenger

DUI with a minor in the car is considered an aggravating factor and can result in longer jail time and fines.

If a repeat DUI offender is caught within 10 years

Multiple DUI convictions within a decade lead to mandatory jail, longer license revocation, and increased penalties.

When you are stopped at a DUI checkpoint

DUI checkpoints are legal in Hawaii. Refusing to cooperate may result in immediate penalties or arrest.

If drugs impair your mental or physical ability to drive

DUI doesn’t apply only to alcohol. Any substance affecting driving ability can trigger charges.

When a person is caught driving under influence while under 18

Minor DUI offenders may lose driving privileges, be required to attend treatment, and face court-mandated consequences.

If your BAC is between 0.05 and 0.08 percent

Hawaii law allows officers to arrest drivers below the legal BAC if they show clear signs of impairment.

When alcohol is detected during a traffic stop

Officers use observations and tests to establish probable cause before arrest or chemical testing.

If you operate a vehicle under the influence of illegal drugs

Driving with illegal substances in your body or vehicle leads to criminal charges and compounded penalties.

When your license is revoked due to DUI

Reinstating driving privileges often requires completing treatment and paying reinstatement fees.

If your BAC is 0.15 percent or higher

A high BAC level is considered “aggravated” DUI and results in longer license suspension and mandatory jail.

When you cause an accident while under the influence

DUI crashes involving injuries or death often result in felony-level charges with long-term imprisonment.

If you are arrested for DUI and are under 21

Underage DUI results in long suspensions, court-mandated classes, and permanent records for repeat offenses.

When a commercial driver refuses testing

CDL holders face stricter penalties for refusal or DUI, including permanent disqualification for repeat offenses.