Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and school buses

Key points

1. A trailer weighing over half the towing vehicle, or 3,000 pounds or more, needs brakes and breakaway protection.

   Source: Handbook p. 87

   “If your loaded trailer weighs more than half the weight of the towing vehicle or is 3,000 pounds or more, the trailer must be equipped with brakes, and breakaway protection.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 87

2. About 10% to 15% of the trailer weight should rest on the hitch.

   Source: Handbook p. 88

   “About 10% to 15% of the trailer weight should be on the vehicle's trailer hitch.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 88

3. Over two thirds of car and motorcycle crashes happen when a car driver turns in front of the rider.

   Source: Handbook p. 89

   “Research shows that over two-thirds of the car/motorcycle crashes are the result of a car driver turning in front of the motorcyclist.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 89

4. Allow at least a 2 second following distance behind a motorcycle.

   Source: Handbook p. 93

   “When driving behind a motorcycle, allow at least a 2-second following distance.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 93

5. When passing a motorcycle, allow it a full lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 94

   “When passing a motorcycle, allow a full lane to the motorcycle.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 94

6. Keep at least 3 feet between your vehicle and a bicyclist until you have safely passed.

   Source: Handbook p. 97

   “Motorists should maintain at least 3 feet of space between the bicyclist and their vehicle until they have safely passed.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 97

7. Although not always legally required, the manual advises wearing a bicycle helmet every time you ride.

   Source: Handbook p. 98

   “Wear a bicycle helmet every time you ride. Although you may not be legally required to wear a helmet, it is a good idea.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 98

8. When a school bus stops with red lamps flashing, traffic in its lane and adjacent lanes must stop until it moves or the lamps turn off.

   Source: Handbook p. 96

   “the driver of any motor vehicle on the same highway in the lane occupied by the school bus and all lanes adjacent to the lane occupied by the school bus shall stop the driver's vehicle before reaching the school bus and shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the flashing red signal lamps are turned off.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 96

9. Failing to stop for a school bus can cost you $1,000.

   Source: Handbook p. 96

   “Failure to comply with this law (291C-95, HRS) can cost you $1,000.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 96

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Hawaii practice test

1. 1. What minimum following distance should a driver allow behind a motorcycle?

   1. At least two seconds
   2. At least one second
   3. At least five feet
   4. The same distance used behind a parked car
   Show answer

   At least two seconds. The motorcycle guidance calls for at least a two second following distance. That space gives the rider room to maneuver or stop and gives the driver more time to judge a narrow vehicle's speed and position. One second and five feet are smaller or differently measured cushions, while a parked car is not a moving comparison. Increase the gap when visibility, pavement, or traffic makes reactions harder. The simple road habit is to count two seconds after the motorcycle passes a fixed object before your vehicle reaches it.

2. 2. What does the Hawaii manual say about the legal requirement to wear a bicycle helmet?

   1. It may not be legally required, but wearing one is a good idea
   2. It is legally mandatory for every bicyclist
   3. It is required only for riders older than 40
   4. It is required only when riding faster than 15 MPH
   Show answer

   It may not be legally required, but wearing one is a good idea. The manual recommends a helmet every time a person rides, while acknowledging that wearing one may not be legally required. That distinction separates a strong safety recommendation from a universal legal mandate. The age and speed conditions in the other choices are not the manual’s explanation. Serious head injuries can occur even on a short or slow ride, so the concrete habit is to put on the helmet before moving the bicycle, regardless of distance, pace, or the rider’s age.

3. 3. On a Hawaii roadway, when must you stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights?

   1. Only when traveling behind the bus
   2. Only when a child is visible near the bus
   3. When the bus is on the same roadway and its flashing lights are operating
   4. After passing the bus if traffic is approaching
   Show answer

   When the bus is on the same roadway and its flashing lights are operating. Hawaii prohibits passing a school bus on the same roadway while its flashing lights operate. The duty is tied to the bus and its warning lamps, not to whether a child can be seen or whether your vehicle is behind the bus. A driver approaching from the opposite direction must also treat the active warning as a stop condition when using that roadway. The choice “Only when traveling behind the bus” is too narrow because it excuses oncoming traffic. Watch for the bus, identify the flashing red lamps, and remain stopped until the warning ends and movement is permitted.

Source: the Hawaii Driver's Manual, Chapter XI: Trucks, Trailers, Buses and Motorcycles. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.