Vacationing in Hawaii can be a lot of fun. Between the breathtaking beaches, the excellent food, and the numerous hiking trails, there is plenty to do in this beautiful state. But, while visiting Hawaii, you could have a run in with the law. A common example of this is getting a speeding ticket. Especially if you live out-of-state, you might not know how to handle this situation. In this article, I will talk about speeding tickets in Hawaii. This can help you figure out what to do next.
Penalties
Unlike in many other states, motor vehicle violations carry the same penalties in each county. Many states have speeding ticket penalties and fines that change based on the county that you are stopped in. In Hawaii, fines are set by state legislation. This means that penalties will be the same no matter what area of Hawaii you are stopped in.
Point System
Another difference between Hawaii and other states is that Hawaii doesn’t use a point system. Hawaii used to use a point system for driver’s licenses, but they don’t anymore. This means that even if you are found guilty of speeding, you won’t have an points assessed against your license. This does not mean that you won’t face other penalties. Your ticket will be recorded on your driving record. This information can be viewed by your home state, insurance companies, and even potential employers. Having a ticket on your driving record can have consequences if you are applying for a job that involves driving. It can also mean that your motor vehicle insurance can increase. In addition, you will still face a penalty if you are found guilty of speeding or if you plead no contest. You can also face court charges and other surcharges related to your ticket.
Handling Your Ticket
You might be wondering how to handle your ticket, especially if you don’t live in Hawaii. The first thing to keep in mind is that if you plead not guilty, you will have to appear in court in Hawaii. This can be very difficult and expensive, whether you live in California or Connecticut. In many cases, it will be cheaper to just pay the fine than it would be to travel back to Hawaii to fight your ticket. If you choose not to plead not guilty, you can plead nolo contendere. This is also known as “no contest”. It does not mean that you admit to the infraction you are charged with. It means that you do not think you have the evidence to prove your innocence. If you plead nolo contendere, you will have to face the speeding penalties in this state.
If you are still confused about your speeding ticket in Hawaii, you can contact a motor vehicle violation lawyer for help. Contact my office today to set up a free consultation with me or a member of my team. We are happy to help!
