Hawaii § 291-31 - Tail lights on vehicles, motorcycles and motor scooters.
Full text of Hawaii Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291-31 — Tail lights on vehicles, motorcycles and motor scooters., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 291-31. Tail lights on vehicles, motorcycles and motor scooters.
(a) From thirty minutes after sunset to thirty minutes before sunrise, at any time while a vehicle, other than a bicycle, motorcycle or motor scooter, is operated on any public highway, there shall be displayed at the rear thereof at least two tail lights, spaced as far apart as practicable, which shall display red lights visible not less than two hundred feet from the rear thereof; provided that vehicles manufactured prior to 1968 originally equipped with a single tail light assembly need only display a single tail light; and where a registration number plate is required by law to be carried on the rear thereof, the same shall be illuminated by a white light in such manner that the registration number thereon can be plainly distinguished at a distance of not less than fifty feet from the rear thereof. (b) From thirty minutes after sunset to thirty minutes before sunrise, at any time while a motorcycle or motor scooter is operated on any public highway, there shall be displayed at the rear thereof, a tail light which shall display a red light visible not less than two hundred feet from the rear thereof; and if a registration number plate is required by law to be carried on the rear of the motorcycle or motor scooter, the same shall be illuminated by a white light in such manner that the registration number thereon can be plainly distinguished at a distance of not less than fifty feet from the rear thereof. [RL 1945, pt of §11707; RL 1955, §311-13; HRS §291-31; am L 1984, c 125, §1] Cross References Bicycle lights, see §291C-147. Moped lights, see §291C-200. Previous Vol05_Ch0261-0319 Next
Source: official Hawaii text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii § 291-31
What does Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291-31 cover?
Section 291-31 ("Tail lights on vehicles, motorcycles and motor scooters.") is part of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Hawaii. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Hawaii § 291-31?
A common citation format is "Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291-31" (Hawaii). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Hawaii law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Hawaii official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Hawaii attorney.
How does Hawaii § 291-31 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Hawaii can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Hawaii.