HAWAII ISLAND, Hawaii (KHON2) — Police on Hawai‘i Island are warning drivers that certain vehicle modifications are not only illegal but could also come with heavy fines.
Officers said they’ve received “numerous complaints about lifted trucks with wide, uncovered tires and vehicles with window tints that exceed legal limits.”
Laws already exist to limit those changes. But more residents are raising concerns about safety on the roads and the impact of these oversized and darkened vehicles in public spaces.
Here’s what Hawaii Island’s police have to say about what you can and cannot do to modify your vehicle.
Tires and safety inspections
Tires must be properly covered. That means fenders, flaps, splash aprons or other coverings need to prevent rocks, mud or debris from being thrown into traffic.
Vehicles with oversized tires will not pass a safety inspection if any part of the tread sticks out past the fender.
Bumper height limits
A vehicle’s bumper height depends on its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). That means:
- If your vehicle is 4,500 pounds or less, then the max height is 29 inches.
- If it’s 4,501 to 7,500 pounds, then the max height is 33 inches.
- If it’s 7,501 to 10,000 pounds, then the max height is 35 inches.
Body lifts
Lifting the body of a vehicle is allowed, but only up to three inches.
Citations and towing
Fines for illegal modifications range from $57 to $72 or more. If a vehicle is unsafe, police may tow it.
Window tinting rules
Police said dark tint on windows poses a serious risk, especially when law enforcement or emergency crews need to see inside.
The fine for illegal tint is $287. Installers who apply illegal tint can be fined $537.
“Tint shops and installers statewide are regulated and are aware of the legal tint limits,” police said.
What drivers need to know
All vehicles on public roads must meet safety standards set by the Hawai‘i County Code.
Police said that “vehicle owners are encouraged to ensure that any modifications do not compromise the safety, visibility, or roadworthiness of their vehicles.”
For more information, contact the Puna Community Policing Section at (808) 965-2716.