What's it take to get regged in Hawaii???
12-26-2010, 11:38 AM
#1
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What's it take to get regged in Hawaii???
Hawaii members, especially military members stationed in HI, what manner of gauntlet must my car pass to get a Hawaiian tag and registration sticker??
Mahalo.
Mahalo.
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12-26-2010, 01:23 PM
#2
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Current reg and safety. Isn't hard at all. The only PITA thing is a recon permit.
If you've done anything to the suspension that isn't stock or OEM replacement you need to get a recon permit. Or just hope you don't get a ticket for it.
Without the recon permit it's damn near impossible to to get your safety check done. A bunch of places have been getting busted for passing cars the have modded suspension.
When you movin over and where you gonna be stationed?
If you've done anything to the suspension that isn't stock or OEM replacement you need to get a recon permit. Or just hope you don't get a ticket for it.
Without the recon permit it's damn near impossible to to get your safety check done. A bunch of places have been getting busted for passing cars the have modded suspension.
When you movin over and where you gonna be stationed?
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12-26-2010, 05:14 PM
#3
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If I do, it'd be sometime late next year or early 2012. Thanks for the info, I have.. quite a bit done to the suspension. What's getting a recon permit entail?
Do they pop the hood? Sniffer? Mirror under the car?
Will they care that my windshield washer system is gone?
Do they pop the hood? Sniffer? Mirror under the car?
Will they care that my windshield washer system is gone?
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12-26-2010, 06:50 PM
#4
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You need a washer system just to pass basic safety.
As for recon, They check to see if your suspension to to stiff, your license plate is to low, those are the main ones.
You need to make an appointment to get recon.
You also need alignment papers to show your car is within spec.
Alignment papers must be within 30 days of your appointment.
As for recon, They check to see if your suspension to to stiff, your license plate is to low, those are the main ones.
You need to make an appointment to get recon.
You also need alignment papers to show your car is within spec.
Alignment papers must be within 30 days of your appointment.
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12-26-2010, 06:55 PM
#5
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Recon rules:
The recon fee is $15, exact change! no credit cards
M-F by APPOINTMENT ONLY
Alignment --you need an alignment printout, dated within 30 days of recon appt. and must be within manufacturers' specs.
Yes, they will test your tint (BE LEGAL 35% +/- 6% )
Tint on windshield--illegal
SUVs, trucks, vans, can have as dark tint as they want rearward of the driver's and passenger's front side windows, as long as it is NOT opaque
Affidavits for rims and exhaust no longer required
No recon required for rims with in the fender lips.
Body kits are not a recon item
Spoilers are not a recon item
No recon required for EXHAUST ONLY
Battery must be secured
Air intake must be secured
Timing gears must be covered
The decal plates for safety check stickers and recon stickers are illegal if mounted on or attached to the license plate
No clear-corner lenses, blue lights, or license plate covers allowed
The recon fee is $15, exact change! no credit cards
M-F by APPOINTMENT ONLY
Alignment --you need an alignment printout, dated within 30 days of recon appt. and must be within manufacturers' specs.
Yes, they will test your tint (BE LEGAL 35% +/- 6% )
Tint on windshield--illegal
SUVs, trucks, vans, can have as dark tint as they want rearward of the driver's and passenger's front side windows, as long as it is NOT opaque
Affidavits for rims and exhaust no longer required
No recon required for rims with in the fender lips.
Body kits are not a recon item
Spoilers are not a recon item
No recon required for EXHAUST ONLY
Battery must be secured
Air intake must be secured
Timing gears must be covered
The decal plates for safety check stickers and recon stickers are illegal if mounted on or attached to the license plate
No clear-corner lenses, blue lights, or license plate covers allowed
Do I need to get recon for a turbo/supercharger?
No. Whether it comes as a kit or you put it together yourself, you can legally put a turbo/supercharger on your car and DO NOT have to get recon. However if you have to get recon for one of the reasons below, just make a note of the turbo/supercharger.
Are engine swaps legal, and do I need to get recon for it?
That depends. Yes engine swaps are legal, but that does not necessessarily mean you have to get recon. If the engine you are swapping in has the same number of cylinders as the one it is replacing, recon is NOT required. It doesn't matter if the engine you are swapping in is turbocharged. For instance, you want to swap a SR20DET into your 240sx. This does not require recon. However, if you want to swap a RB26DETT into your 240sx, you WILL need recon.
Can I put on rims bigger than 1.5" compared with stock?
Yes, but you will have to get recon. You can go as big as you want to, but the wheels have to be able to turn and not rub the fenders or wheel well when turned.
Do I have to get recon for my headers/exhaust/intake?
No. These are not recon items. And even if you did, any intake/exhaust will likely pass as long as the exhaust isn't too loud (they don't have any DB meters down there, they just listen to it). If your car is fitted with a catalytic converter, you will still need a cat, but you can use an aftermarket high flow type and still not need recon.
Can body kits/panels/hoods be installed?
Yes, and you don't need recon. One caveat here though, if your fiberglass/carbon fiber hood does not have provisions for windshield washer nozzels and you don't put them in, you would not pass safety, let alone recon.
Are coilovers/lowering springs legal?
That depends. Any time you have suspension work done to your car, you will have to get recon. You will need to have an alignment done within 30 days prior to your recon inspection. Make sure you bring a copy of the alignment sheet with you. Your suspension must be able to be aligned within stock specifications. Your car will also be subjected to a "bounce test" to check for adequate suspension travel. They typically test this at a front corner by pushing down on the bumper. You need to have VISIBLE (not necessarily 2 inches) of suspension travel. If your springs are too stiff, you will likely not pass.
Are headlight/tail light swaps/conversions legal?
Yes, as long as it says DOT on them. Simply doing a headlight/tail light swap does not require you to get recon. If you modify the donor headlight, then it is no longer DOT legal. Aftermarket HID's are also legal, though you may need recon for this. They have a light meter to make sure it's not too bright.
Are clear corner lights legal?
No. The lights MUST have an orange reflector at the front corners and corresponding red reflectors at the rear. This is a FEDERAL LAW. Simply putting in an orange bulb DOES NOT make it legal. Most of these aftermarket lights do not have DOT on them, and therefore would not pass anyway. If you modify a DOT corner light by taking the orange reflector out, it is NO LONGER DOT legal.
Can I run nitrous?
No, and it can't be made legal by going through recon. If you did have to get recon for suspension mods, and they happened to find a nitrous line or bottle, you will fail.
Can I change my car from front wheel drive to rear wheel drive?
Yes, but you will need to go through recon as this will require modification of the vehicle's suspension. If you did a hack job with the conversion and the inspector deems your car unsafe, then you won't pass.
If there's a version of the car with a different drivetrain, can I use it?
Yes. If the car came from the factory with the option of a manual or automatic transmission, you can swap one for the other without getting recon. You could also do a 4 wheel drive conversion on your 2 wheel drive truck if there was a 4 wheel drive version of your truck from the factory, provided the parts bolt in without requiring custom fabrication. If custom suspension mounts need to be made, or you use aftermarket suspension components, then you need recon.
Are intake manifolds/cams, pistons, etc legal?
Yes, and you don't need recon. There's no smog testing in Hawaii, so you don't need an affadavit showing that the part is 50 state legal. But be aware that if it says "off road use only" on any of the parts, and the inspector sees it, you will likely not pass recon even if you were trying to get it for something else.
Do I need an affadavit for all of my modifications?
No. Affadavits are no longer required.
Is there a headlight/liscense plate height requirement?
Yes. Headlights must be at least 22" off the ground to the center of the headlight housings. You must have a front liscense plate which must be at least 12" off the ground.
Do I have to get a recon inspection every year?
No. It's a one time only thing UNLESS you mod your car again. If you do, then you need to get another inspection. If you return your car to stock again, you no longer need the recon sticker.
If a cop pulls me over saying I need to get recon even though I don't have any recon items on my car, what happens?
If you got pulled over for a non recon item, you can contest the ticket in court and you will win. Kevin says many of the cops don't have a good handle on the recon law themselves. Keep in mind though, if you already have recon and do another mod to your car that requires recon, then you need to get another recon inspection. If the cop nails you on something you just installed, then you're SOL.
No. Whether it comes as a kit or you put it together yourself, you can legally put a turbo/supercharger on your car and DO NOT have to get recon. However if you have to get recon for one of the reasons below, just make a note of the turbo/supercharger.
Are engine swaps legal, and do I need to get recon for it?
That depends. Yes engine swaps are legal, but that does not necessessarily mean you have to get recon. If the engine you are swapping in has the same number of cylinders as the one it is replacing, recon is NOT required. It doesn't matter if the engine you are swapping in is turbocharged. For instance, you want to swap a SR20DET into your 240sx. This does not require recon. However, if you want to swap a RB26DETT into your 240sx, you WILL need recon.
Can I put on rims bigger than 1.5" compared with stock?
Yes, but you will have to get recon. You can go as big as you want to, but the wheels have to be able to turn and not rub the fenders or wheel well when turned.
Do I have to get recon for my headers/exhaust/intake?
No. These are not recon items. And even if you did, any intake/exhaust will likely pass as long as the exhaust isn't too loud (they don't have any DB meters down there, they just listen to it). If your car is fitted with a catalytic converter, you will still need a cat, but you can use an aftermarket high flow type and still not need recon.
Can body kits/panels/hoods be installed?
Yes, and you don't need recon. One caveat here though, if your fiberglass/carbon fiber hood does not have provisions for windshield washer nozzels and you don't put them in, you would not pass safety, let alone recon.
Are coilovers/lowering springs legal?
That depends. Any time you have suspension work done to your car, you will have to get recon. You will need to have an alignment done within 30 days prior to your recon inspection. Make sure you bring a copy of the alignment sheet with you. Your suspension must be able to be aligned within stock specifications. Your car will also be subjected to a "bounce test" to check for adequate suspension travel. They typically test this at a front corner by pushing down on the bumper. You need to have VISIBLE (not necessarily 2 inches) of suspension travel. If your springs are too stiff, you will likely not pass.
Are headlight/tail light swaps/conversions legal?
Yes, as long as it says DOT on them. Simply doing a headlight/tail light swap does not require you to get recon. If you modify the donor headlight, then it is no longer DOT legal. Aftermarket HID's are also legal, though you may need recon for this. They have a light meter to make sure it's not too bright.
Are clear corner lights legal?
No. The lights MUST have an orange reflector at the front corners and corresponding red reflectors at the rear. This is a FEDERAL LAW. Simply putting in an orange bulb DOES NOT make it legal. Most of these aftermarket lights do not have DOT on them, and therefore would not pass anyway. If you modify a DOT corner light by taking the orange reflector out, it is NO LONGER DOT legal.
Can I run nitrous?
No, and it can't be made legal by going through recon. If you did have to get recon for suspension mods, and they happened to find a nitrous line or bottle, you will fail.
Can I change my car from front wheel drive to rear wheel drive?
Yes, but you will need to go through recon as this will require modification of the vehicle's suspension. If you did a hack job with the conversion and the inspector deems your car unsafe, then you won't pass.
If there's a version of the car with a different drivetrain, can I use it?
Yes. If the car came from the factory with the option of a manual or automatic transmission, you can swap one for the other without getting recon. You could also do a 4 wheel drive conversion on your 2 wheel drive truck if there was a 4 wheel drive version of your truck from the factory, provided the parts bolt in without requiring custom fabrication. If custom suspension mounts need to be made, or you use aftermarket suspension components, then you need recon.
Are intake manifolds/cams, pistons, etc legal?
Yes, and you don't need recon. There's no smog testing in Hawaii, so you don't need an affadavit showing that the part is 50 state legal. But be aware that if it says "off road use only" on any of the parts, and the inspector sees it, you will likely not pass recon even if you were trying to get it for something else.
Do I need an affadavit for all of my modifications?
No. Affadavits are no longer required.
Is there a headlight/liscense plate height requirement?
Yes. Headlights must be at least 22" off the ground to the center of the headlight housings. You must have a front liscense plate which must be at least 12" off the ground.
Do I have to get a recon inspection every year?
No. It's a one time only thing UNLESS you mod your car again. If you do, then you need to get another inspection. If you return your car to stock again, you no longer need the recon sticker.
If a cop pulls me over saying I need to get recon even though I don't have any recon items on my car, what happens?
If you got pulled over for a non recon item, you can contest the ticket in court and you will win. Kevin says many of the cops don't have a good handle on the recon law themselves. Keep in mind though, if you already have recon and do another mod to your car that requires recon, then you need to get another recon inspection. If the cop nails you on something you just installed, then you're SOL.
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12-26-2010, 07:12 PM
#6
Just curious as to why you are worried about it? I was under the impression that military members could keep their car registered in there home of record state. If that isn't the case.. I'm screwed. I'll be going from a no inspection county to the opposite end of the spectrum.
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12-27-2010, 05:58 AM
#8
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Military are exempt, for example, I had home of record in NC, based in NC, so it was kinda pointless
A couple years ago, i changed my HoR to MN, and am now based in UT.
I have to follow all MN laws for the county I am registered in, and in my case, is not a damn thing.
North of SLC is a lot of military so they do not mess with us that much
The issue that come into play for military members that I have heard from people that have been based in CA, was that technically they cant do anything to you, but due to the fact that you have an out of state license plate, you will be a target, as well as CA requires a front license plate, so when the LEO does not see one, cause several states do not run one, they usually turn around or follow you to check anyway, and then nit-pick everything to try to find a reason to pull you over.
A couple years ago, i changed my HoR to MN, and am now based in UT.
I have to follow all MN laws for the county I am registered in, and in my case, is not a damn thing.
North of SLC is a lot of military so they do not mess with us that much
The issue that come into play for military members that I have heard from people that have been based in CA, was that technically they cant do anything to you, but due to the fact that you have an out of state license plate, you will be a target, as well as CA requires a front license plate, so when the LEO does not see one, cause several states do not run one, they usually turn around or follow you to check anyway, and then nit-pick everything to try to find a reason to pull you over.
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12-27-2010, 10:08 AM
#9
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You need a washer system just to pass basic safety.
As for recon, They check to see if your suspension to to stiff, your license plate is to low, those are the main ones.
You need to make an appointment to get recon.
You also need alignment papers to show your car is within spec.
Alignment papers must be within 30 days of your appointment.
As for recon, They check to see if your suspension to to stiff, your license plate is to low, those are the main ones.
You need to make an appointment to get recon.
You also need alignment papers to show your car is within spec.
Alignment papers must be within 30 days of your appointment.
Ok, so I'll need to add a washer system and get an alignment printout when I get there.
What determines whether a suspension is "too stiff" or not? I have 700/325 springs and 25mm/15mm bars. Too stiff?
Just curious as to why you are worried about it? I was under the impression that military members could keep their car registered in there home of record state. If that isn't the case.. I'm screwed. I'll be going from a no inspection county to the opposite end of the spectrum.
Military are FOR SURE exempt from HI, or..? As I said above, I was exempt in CA and didn't have to do jack (no smog test, no safety test, no front plate) and the only thing I couldn't do was get an on-post parking permit, because you need a smog check for that.
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12-29-2010, 06:31 PM
#14
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This is the only other stuff I've been able to find:
Driver's License
Your home-state driver's license is valid in Hawaii as long as it is current. Those wanting to change over their old license in favor of Hawaii's version will need to take the same steps as any other malihini (newcomer) to the islands.
A resident who is currently on active military duty elsewhere does not need to fret if their driver's license is set to expire. What are the odds you are able to take a quick break from the middle of a desert to travel 10,000 miles just to stand in a line at the motor vehicle office?
Not to worry; there are no penalties. You simply have 90 days upon returning to Hawaii or after being discharged from duty to renew the document.
Vehicle Registration
Not only are you lucky enough to get orders to ship out to Hawaii, but the government will pick up the tab for shipping one of your vehicles. Not bad, especially if you only own one vehicle. That is just one less worry when you are moving your entire life, literally, across the Pacific. When your vehicle does arrive at one of the ports in Oahu, you will have a couple of registration options from that point.
Insurance
But before you even get to your choices, you will need to make sure you have taken the proper measures with your insurance coverage. Hawaii is a no-fault insurance state. If you happened to come from one of the other small minority of states that also have the no-fault system, then you may be OK. Simply find out if your current carrier does business in Hawaii and if they do, make them aware of your move.
If you are moving to the islands from a tort insurance state, you will need to change your coverage before you can drive or register your car. If your carrier does business in Hawaii, you may just want to stick with them and implement the new no-fault coverage.
If you were with a company that is not up and running in Hawaii, you will need to cancel that policy and shop around (quickly) for an acceptable rate and a new carrier. This must be accomplished in rather expedient fashion, considering you must register the vehicle on your new base within three days and with the state within 10 days.
Keeping Your Home State's Registration
Once the insurance situation is settled, you are on to your two registration options. The first is holding onto your home-state registration. If you have every intention of returning to where you came from after your orders are complete, then this is not a bad way to go.
If you choose this route, you will be exempt from the annual weight tax and any excise taxes in Hawaii. You will, however, need to have a vehicle safety inspection. Not only will this confirm that your vehicle is in shape to be on the roads, but it will let the state know that you do in fact have valid insurance. You must keep the inspection certificate in your vehicle with your registration at all times while it is in operation.
Your home-state driver's license is valid in Hawaii as long as it is current. Those wanting to change over their old license in favor of Hawaii's version will need to take the same steps as any other malihini (newcomer) to the islands.
A resident who is currently on active military duty elsewhere does not need to fret if their driver's license is set to expire. What are the odds you are able to take a quick break from the middle of a desert to travel 10,000 miles just to stand in a line at the motor vehicle office?
Not to worry; there are no penalties. You simply have 90 days upon returning to Hawaii or after being discharged from duty to renew the document.
Vehicle Registration
Not only are you lucky enough to get orders to ship out to Hawaii, but the government will pick up the tab for shipping one of your vehicles. Not bad, especially if you only own one vehicle. That is just one less worry when you are moving your entire life, literally, across the Pacific. When your vehicle does arrive at one of the ports in Oahu, you will have a couple of registration options from that point.
Insurance
But before you even get to your choices, you will need to make sure you have taken the proper measures with your insurance coverage. Hawaii is a no-fault insurance state. If you happened to come from one of the other small minority of states that also have the no-fault system, then you may be OK. Simply find out if your current carrier does business in Hawaii and if they do, make them aware of your move.
If you are moving to the islands from a tort insurance state, you will need to change your coverage before you can drive or register your car. If your carrier does business in Hawaii, you may just want to stick with them and implement the new no-fault coverage.
If you were with a company that is not up and running in Hawaii, you will need to cancel that policy and shop around (quickly) for an acceptable rate and a new carrier. This must be accomplished in rather expedient fashion, considering you must register the vehicle on your new base within three days and with the state within 10 days.
Keeping Your Home State's Registration
Once the insurance situation is settled, you are on to your two registration options. The first is holding onto your home-state registration. If you have every intention of returning to where you came from after your orders are complete, then this is not a bad way to go.
If you choose this route, you will be exempt from the annual weight tax and any excise taxes in Hawaii. You will, however, need to have a vehicle safety inspection. Not only will this confirm that your vehicle is in shape to be on the roads, but it will let the state know that you do in fact have valid insurance. You must keep the inspection certificate in your vehicle with your registration at all times while it is in operation.
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