Speed rules

Key points

1. Excessive speed for conditions is the major cause of most crashes.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “Excessive speed for conditions is the major cause of most crashes.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

2. Speed limits are set by posted signs.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “Speed limits are indicated by posted signs.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

3. You must not drive faster than the posted maximum.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “You must not drive at a speed that is greater than the posted maximum limit.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

4. You must not drive slower than a posted minimum speed limit.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “You must not drive at a speed that is less than the posted minimum speed limit.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

5. You must not drive so slowly that you hold back other traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “You must not drive so slowly that you hold back other traffic.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

6. Reduced speed limits apply near a School Crossing sign when children are present.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “School Crossing” sign when children are present.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

7. Reduced speed limits also apply on streets in residential or business areas.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “On streets in residential or business areas.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

8. Speed limit signs are rectangular black and white signs showing the maximum and minimum limits.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “SPEED LIMIT SIGNS are rectangular black and white signs which are used to show the established maximum and minimum speed limits.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 44

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Hawaii practice test

1. 1. How are Hawaii speed limits established for a particular roadway?

   1. By posted signs on that roadway
   2. By one identical statewide number
   3. By the driver's chosen travel speed
   4. By the vehicle's engine size
   Show answer

   By posted signs on that roadway. The driver must use the speed limit posted for the particular roadway. Hawaii does not make the driver's preference, engine size, or one universal number the controlling reference in this rule. A sign may establish a maximum, a minimum, or another designated limit, so the driver should actively watch for the applicable posting. The concrete habit is to read the sign before settling into speed, then adjust for conditions while staying within the displayed limit.

2. 2. What does Hawaii prohibit when a roadway has a posted minimum speed limit?

   1. Driving below the posted minimum
   2. Driving exactly at the posted maximum
   3. Changing lanes near an intersection
   4. Using the right lane on a highway
   Show answer

   Driving below the posted minimum. The speed rule works in both directions: the driver must not exceed the posted maximum and must not travel below the posted minimum. Therefore, driving too slowly can violate the posted requirement even when the driver is trying to be cautious. The maximum speed choice describes a separate upper boundary, while lane position and intersection changes are not the issue tested here. Watch for a minimum speed sign and avoid creating an unnecessary speed difference with surrounding traffic.

3. 3. Where does Hawaii require reduced speed limits according to the manual?

   1. On every road after sunset
   2. Only on rural highways
   3. Only in parking lots
   4. On streets near schools and playgrounds
   Show answer

   On streets near schools and playgrounds. The manual identifies streets near schools and playgrounds as places where reduced speed limits are required. The rule is location based, not limited to rural highways, parking lots, or nighttime driving. Sunset alone does not activate this particular requirement. The strongest cue is the surrounding land use: when children may be entering, crossing, or playing near the roadway, expect a reduced posting and prepare to slow before reaching the activity area.

Source: the Hawaii Driver's Manual, Chapter V: Traffic Laws and Regulations. 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.