Truck bed riding age raised to 16 as Hawaii enacts new traffic safety laws

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Two new Hawaii laws are changing the way residents travel, raising the minimum age for riding in pickup truck beds and establishing clearer regulations for electric bicycles and other electric mobility devices.

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One law, House Bill 1692, increases the minimum age for riding in the bed of a pickup truck from 12 to 16. The measure includes exemptions for agricultural work, emergencies and certain employment-related situations.

The same law also reinforces Hawaii’s “move over law” to cover all disabled vehicles displaying hazard warning lights or other recognized safety signals.

For many Hawaii families, riding in the back of a pickup truck has long been a common practice.

Mililani resident Tiffany James said her family frequently used the truck bed to transport children and their friends.

“We definitely have driven in the truck with our kids,” James said. “We did it not only for our children, but also our daughters’ friends as well, just to cut down on the trips back and forth.”

Her husband, Dustin James, said he understands the safety concerns behind the new law, even though truck bed riding has long been considered normal in Hawaii.

“Safety being an issue, then I understand it,” he said. “But at the same time, it’s just kind of normal here.”

Others welcomed the change.

Duane Shiroma, a groundskeeper at Waimanalo Beach, said the law reflects the risks associated with transporting passengers in a truck bed.

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“I think that’s a good thing. It’s a safety issue,” Shiroma said. “I don’t want to be liable if something happens. Nobody rides in the back of my truck except my weed eater and my lawn mower.”

Lawmakers also approved legislation regulating electric bicycles and other electric mobility devices by establishing clearer classifications and limiting motor power and speeds. Under the law, the fastest class of electric bicycles is limited to speeds of 28 mph, while riders younger than 18 are now required to wear helmets.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation said the changes come as bicycle and e-bike crashes continue to raise safety concerns.

“Between 2020 and 2025, there have been 26 bicycle fatalities,” said Shelly Kunishige, spokesperson for the Hawaii Department of Transportation. “Statewide since 2017, we’ve tracked 11 e-bike-related fatalities.”

State Rep. Darius Kila, chair of the House Transportation Committee, said retailers and buyers should ensure their devices comply with the new law.

“If they do not come into compliance with the law as written, it’s a minimum fine of $500,” Kila said. “Law enforcement has the opportunity to seize the non-road-compliant, high-speed electric devices.”

State transportation officials said they plan to focus on public education before enforcement efforts increase.

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