HI HB1231: Relating To Traffic Safety.

In one paragraph

Hawaii's HB 1231 (Act 212 of 2025) bars photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems from using or being equipped with facial recognition software or biometric identification technology. Automated license plate readers and non-biometric technology used to verify vehicle identity or registration or to produce photographic evidence of a violation are exempt. It also requires each county to impose a $5 motor vehicle registration surcharge for the safe routes to school program by December 31, 2025, and revises the mailing rules for speed camera citations. Became Act 212 June 25, 2025; effective on approval.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

Vendors and agencies operating Hawaii's red light and speed cameras may not use facial recognition or other biometric identification in those systems; license plate readers remain allowed. Counties must add a $5 vehicle registration surcharge by December 31, 2025.

Key provisions

1. 1New sections in HRS chapter 291J (photo red light imaging detector systems) and chapter 291L (automated speed enforcement systems): no system authorized under those chapters may use or be equipped with facial recognition software or biometric identification technology
2. 2The bans do not apply to automated license plate reader systems or to any non-biometric technology used to verify vehicle identity or registration status or to generate photographic evidence of a traffic violation
3. 3Definitions: biometric identification includes, but is not limited to, recognition of facial features, iris scans, retinal scans, fingerprints or voice patterns; facial recognition software is technology that analyzes facial features to identify or verify the identity of an individual
4. 4New section in HRS chapter 249: each county must impose and collect a $5 surcharge on every motor vehicle registration issued under section 249-31 or 249-31.5 no later than December 31, 2025, deposited into the safe routes to school program special fund (§ 291C-4); the director of finance must notify the Department of Transportation in writing of the start date at least 90 days before implementing it
5. 5§ 291L-5: automated speed enforcement summonses or citations must be mailed to the registered owner's address on record and submitted to the post office within ten calendar days after the incident (replacing a postmark deadline); the recorded submission date is prima facie evidence, and a deadline falling on a weekend or holiday runs to the next business day
6. 6Became Act 212 of 2025 on June 25, 2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1314); Section 8: takes effect upon approval

Latest legislative action

Jun 25, 2025. Act 212, on 06/25/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1314).

Sponsors (showing 5 of 15)

Roll call votes (showing 3 of 5)