Hawaii Lawmakers Propose Using Cameras to Enforce Vehicle Registration

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Hawaii lawmakers are considering a proposal to use automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras to help enforce vehicle registration and safety inspection requirements. The bill, HB 2033, would expand the use of existing traffic enforcement cameras to identify vehicles with expired registrations or safety checks, though some concerns have been raised about staffing and privacy issues.

Why it matters

With more cars on the road and fewer police officers available, the state is looking for alternative ways to ensure drivers are operating vehicles that are properly registered and inspected for safety. Automated camera systems could help widen the enforcement net and boost compliance, but implementation would require addressing logistical and privacy concerns.

The details

HB 2033 would allow the state's existing network of automated speed and red light cameras to also check for expired vehicle registration and safety inspection stickers. Similar ALPR technologies have proven effective in other cities, but the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General has suggested delaying the effective date to address rulemaking considerations. The Hawaii County Police Department also testified that it lacks the staffing to review all the additional citations the cameras would generate.

• HB 2033 is currently moving through the Hawaii state Legislature.
• The bill proposed citation fees ranging from $75 to $200, which would be waived if the owner obtains the proper documentation within 30 days.

What’s next

The effective date of the ALPR-powered registration and inspection section of HB 2033 may be delayed to address rulemaking considerations raised by the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General. Lawmakers will also need to address concerns about staffing and privacy issues before moving forward with the proposal.