Passing on the Left and the Right
HRS 291C-44 — passing on the right only where the road allows it, and never off the pavement
A driver overtaking a vehicle going the same way passes on the left at a safe distance and does not move back right until safely clear. The driver being passed gives way to the right on an audible signal and does not speed up until passed.
Who handles this in Hawaii: Hawaii State Bar Association, Lawyer Referral and Information Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Hawaii directory.
- When the vehicle ahead is turning or about to turn left.
- On an unobstructed street wide enough, with lanes marked for two or more lines of traffic in each direction.
- On a one-way street or roadway wide enough for two or more lines of traffic and free from obstructions.
Passing on the right is allowed only in those conditions, and only where it can be done safely. It is never done by driving off the pavement or main traveled part of the road.
Sources for this section (2)
- HRS 291C-43 — Overtaking a vehicle or bicycle on the left
- HRS 291C-44 — When overtaking on the right is permitted
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Hawaii attorney.