Due to a number of recent complaints, the Hawai‘i County Police Department wants to remind the public that according to the Hawai’i County Code, all vehicles on public roads must have fenders, covers, flaps, or splash aprons covering their tires. A vehicle with oversized tires won’t qualify for a safety inspection if the tire threads are visible outside the fenders. 

The intent of the law is to minimize the splashing of mud, rocks, and harmful debris into the path of other cars. Such splashing can cause damage and visibility problems for other motorists.  A driver can be fined from $57 to $72 or more for operating a vehicle with oversized tires that aren’t covered by the fender or fender flares. A police officer also has the authority to declare the vehicle unsafe. In that case, the vehicle could be towed away.

In a press release Officer Aaron Yamanaka said, “This is a safety issue.  Therefore, police will be citing operators of vehicles with oversized tires.”

Police also are warning the public about dark tinting on vehicle windows. For a variety of safety and enforcement reasons, police and other emergency responders must be able to see the interior of vehicles. The fine for excessive tinting is $287. The installer of the illegal tint job may be fined $537. All tint shops and installers in the state are monitored and know what the legal amount of tinting is permissible for different vehicles.

For further information about laws pertaining to illegal tinting or oversized tires contact Officer Yamanaka of Kona Community Policing at (808) 326-4646 Ext. 258.