SB 1481 Hawaii Senate · 2025 Regular Session

RELATING TO MOTORCYCLE INSTRUCTION PERMITS.

Summary

Starting on July 1, 2026, requires all applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to successfully complete a basic motorcycle rider course approved by the Department of Transportation before becoming eligible for the permit. Designates exemptions for certain drivers on an enclosed training course. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Issues: ✓ Transportation

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 21, 2025 Last action Feb 26, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB1481 → SB1481_SD1 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill adds a requirement that motorcycle instruction permit applicants must complete an approved basic motorcycle rider course before becoming eligible for the permit, effective July 1, 2026. It also creates an exemption for drivers on state-certified enclosed training courses, allowing them to bypass certain driving restrictions during training. The effective date was changed from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2050 in the final version.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to include a specific exemption for motorcycle training on state-certified enclosed courses, while the implementation timeline was significantly delayed from 2026 to 2050.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement that motorcycle instruction permit applicants must successfully complete a basic motorcycle rider course approved by the Department of Transportation before becoming eligible for the permit.

Modified Section 286-110 to clarify that motorcycle instruction permit holders cannot operate motorcycles or motor scooters during hours of darkness or carry passengers.

EXEMPTIONS

Created exemption for drivers of motorcycles, motor scooters, or mopeds on state-certified enclosed training courses from certain driving restrictions.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date of the bill from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2050.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 21, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on JDC will hold a public decision making on 02-26-25 9:40AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference.

upper

Feb 11, 2025

Committee

Reported from TCA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 259) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC.

upper

Feb 4, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on TCA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in TCA were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Inouye, Elefante, Kanuha, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.

upper

Jan 31, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on TCA has scheduled a public hearing on 02-04-25 3:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 27, 2025

Committee

Referred to TCA, JDC.

upper

Jan 23, 2025

Introduced

Introduced and passed First Reading.

upper

Jan 21, 2025

Introduced

Pending Introduction.

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors