SB 2172 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO VEHICLES.

Summary

Allows an all-terrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle to drive in the evening and night if they are equipped with headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights, and while displaying a slow moving vehicle emblem. Allows drivers of all-terrain vehicles and utility vehicles to wear a safety helmet with a securely fastened chin strap, rather than require. Includes in the definition of "utility-terrain vehicle" a motor vehicle that accommodates one driver and one passenger sitting side-by-side, and up to six people in seat belts. Includes "all-terrain vehicle" and "utility terrain vehicle" in the definition of "motor vehicle" under the State's motor vehicle insurance law. (SD1)

Issues: ✓ Transportation

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action Feb 10, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB2172 → SB2172_SD1 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates regulations for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) in Hawaii. It clarifies that UTVs are considered farm equipment unless driven on public streets, where they must follow standard motor vehicle rules. The bill also expands nighttime driving permissions for both vehicle types if they have proper lighting and safety equipment.

Scope change

The bill clarifies the regulatory status of UTVs used for farming versus those used on public roads, and expands the scope of vehicles eligible for nighttime street operation.

REQUIREMENT

Nighttime driving on public streets is now permitted for both ATVs and UTVs if they are equipped with headlights, tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, and a slow-moving vehicle emblem.

The helmet requirement for operators and passengers was clarified to allow wearing a safety helmet with a securely fastened chin strap that meets director-adopted specifications, rather than mandating it as a strict requirement.

DEFINITION

A new definition for 'utility terrain vehicle' was added to align with Section 286-12.

The definition of 'motor vehicle' was updated to explicitly include both all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles when operating on a street.

SCOPE

ATVs and UTVs used as farm equipment are now explicitly regulated as farm equipment, with an exception that they are treated as motor vehicles only when operated on a street.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC.

upper

Feb 10, 2026

Committee

Reported from TRS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2140) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC.

upper

Feb 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on TRS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in TRS were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Inouye, Elefante, Lee, C., DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Kanuha.

upper

Jan 28, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on TRS has scheduled a public hearing on 02-03-26 3:00PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 26, 2026

Committee

Referred to TRS, JDC.

upper

Jan 21, 2026

Introduced

Introduced and passed First Reading.

upper

Jan 14, 2026

Introduced

Pending Introduction.

upper

2 primary · 0 co-sponsors