Hawaii is not only famous for its waves, its volcanoes, and the hula. Now, its roads could also make the news because the most paradisiacal state of the United States is considering radically changing the way the largest vehicles circulate. That’s right, the 50th State of the United States has proposed regulation HB229 by which they want to impose a speed limit of 50 miles per hour exclusively for trucks and heavy vehicles.
Of course, and as with all changes that are made in the state, it has started a somewhat intense debate between those who defend road safety and the transporters themselves, who fear that this measure could obstruct the deadlines for deliveries and increase the logistical costs on the islands.
Although Hawaii would be a pioneer in this restriction in 2025, the decision has not yet been made: it is a bill.
What exactly does HB229 propose?
According to the text of HB229, presented in February 2025, any vehicle with three or more axles or that weighs more than 10,000 pounds (excluding buses) must respect a maximum speed of 50 mph on state and interstate highways, regardless of whether the general limit on those roads is higher. Until now, these vehicles are prohibited from exceeding 90 km/h on all highways, and on limited access roads they could drive at less than 88 km/h, but now they want to further reduce this speed.
What is this law for?
The objective of this bill is to avoid the risks that heavy vehicles face when moving at high speeds, when this is reduced, the severity and frequency of accidents also decrease.
Is there anyone who can skip this law?
It is a law!! Do you think you can skip it? It is different that there are exceptions, in this case, HB229 excludes large vehicles that are overtaking another vehicle or that are preparing to turn to another side, as long as they comply with the current traffic laws.
Road safety: up for debate
Of course, the transportation sector and associations have complained about this proposal, mainly because delivery times will be considerably extended and costs may skyrocket, in addition to the obvious: they will create congestion on the road by going much slower than the rest of the users.
Is there anyone supporting the measure?
Road safety associations and some legislators defend the measure as necessary to save lives, highlighting that Hawaii has mountainous roads, dangerous stretches, and a high volume of tourist traffic, where such a large speed difference between vehicles can cause fatal accidents.
When could the law apply?
Let’s keep in mind that it is still a bill, it has not yet been approved. Now it is a draft that could undergo modifications before a final vote.
If approved, the rule would come into effect during the second half of 2025, and Hawaii would be one of the first states in the country to impose an exclusive speed restriction for heavy trucks. And who knows if the measure, once approved, could serve as an example for other states that also have complex roads.
The need to protect lives on roads is paramount. Whatever the outcome, Hawaii once again puts itself at the centre of the debate, showing that, even in paradise, road safety is an issue that generates conflicting positions. And you, what do you think about this measure?