Slow down, this ain't the mainland.

It is impossible to live here and not see this bumper-sticker phrase plastered across the fenders of local vehicles. Usually you see them as the driver touting the philosophy blows by you. Maybe you even have one on your vehicle.

Anyway, if you are a tourist hobnobbing around the islands, you will also see them. And while the phrase carries an obvious deeper meaning in relation between the rat race that can be the mainland and the easygoing pace of the islands, it does hold true for the roads.

Although the phrase has caused some general revolt (speeding citations have gone up in the past couple of years), for the most part Hawaiians do take it easy on the roads compared with mainlanders. This can often cause frustration and even road rage between visitors and locals.

Then you have the reverse effect―with tourists driving at a crawl to catch a peek of a whale off the coast, admire the dramatic rainforest-covered mountains, or gawk at a rainbow. It's a good idea to just pull off to the side of the road at this point.

Many of the island roads only have two lanes, so out of respect it is just as easy to stop on the shoulder for a few minutes and free up the route rather than move at walking pace and hold up a line of traffic. Definitely slow down a bit, but don't go that slow.

Top Click-it or Ticket

Hawaii just recently enacted the "Click-it or Ticket" program to promote seat belt use. The popular campaign has had success as a deterrent in other parts of the country by reminding drivers of the seat belt laws that are on most states' legislative books.

With stronger enforcement, if you are not strapped in, you can bet you will eventually be pulled over by a member of one of the four county police departments. The citation you will receive currently comes with a $92 fine―another incentive to buckle up.

Top ABCs of Driver's License Restrictions

Hawaii has an entire alphabet of restriction codes, minus the letter "W" and "U," that can be tacked onto your license and modify your driving privileges:

• Restriction A: Must have corrective lenses to drive.

• Restriction B: Vehicle must have outside mirrors.

• Restriction C: Driver can only operate a vehicle with an automatic transmission.

• Restriction D: Driver can only operate a vehicle in daylight hours.

• Restriction E: Vehicle must be specialized with hand equipment.

• Restriction F: Vehicle must be equipped with mechanical signal.

• Restriction G: Taxi.

• Restriction H: Driver must only operate a vehicle with power steering.

• Restriction I: Driver can only operate a vehicle when wearing a hearing aid.

• Restriction J: Vehicle must have power brakes.

• Restriction K: Can only operate a vehicle without air brakes (mostly applies to commercial drivers).

• Restriction L: Vehicle must have a steering knob.

• Restriction M: Driver must operate a vehicle using a cushion.

• Restriction N: Medical.

• Restriction O: Other restrictions not defined.

• Restriction P: Three-wheel motorcycle.

• Restriction Q: Operates a vehicle with mechanical aid.

• Restriction R: Operates a vehicle with a prosthetic aid.

• Restriction S: Driver can only operate a vehicle to and from work.

• Restriction T: Other limitations deemed acceptable when license is suspended.

• Restriction V: CDL is only valid in the state of Hawaii.

• Restriction X: Exemption for Class A bus.

• Restriction Y: Exemption for Class A and Class B buses.

• Restriction Z: Exemption for tractor-trailers.

Top Helpful Links

• How to Apply for a New Driver's License

• How to Renew a Driver's License

• How to Replace a Lost or Stolen License

• How to Change the Address on Your Driver's License

• Understanding the New Graduated Licensing System

Top Office Locations

• City and County of Honolulu

• Hawaii County Motor Vehicle Registration

• Hawaii County Driver's License Services

• Kauai County

• Maui County

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