Reconstructed Vehicle Inspection FAQ’s
• Where is Reconstructed Vehicle Inspection site located and hours of operation?
Motor Vehicle Control Section
1112 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96816
Open: Monday through Friday (Closed on State Holidays)
Effective July 1, 2019,
New Hours: 12:00 p.m - 3:00 p.m. (Walk-ins only - first come, first served)
(808) 768-2542
• How much does it cost to get a Reconstructed Vehicle Inspection and Permit?
There is a $15.00 inspection fee.
Forms of payment that are accepted are:
Cash (exact change only) and
Check made payable to the City and County of Honolulu.
• Where can I find information on reconstructed vehicle requirements on the internet?
Reconstructed vehicle regulations are a part of the State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Transportation, Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules. It is available online at; http://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/home/doing-business/hawaii-administrative-rules/, see Chapter 19-134, Approval of Reconstructed Vehicles
• What is a Reconstructed Vehicle Permit and how do I obtain one?
If your vehicle has been modified from its original condition as constructed by the manufacturer, it may require you to obtain a Reconstructed Vehicle Permit. Call (808)768-2542 for inquiries.
Visit our Motor Vehicle Control Section for daily walk-in service. Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Vehicles with suspension modifications must be aligned to manufacturer's specifications. A wheel alignment specification sheet done within the last 30 days must be presented showing Camber, Caster, and Toe readings are all within original factory specifications.
• What types of modifications require a Reconstructed Vehicle Permit?
The most common modifications that require a Reconstructed Vehicle Permit are:
• Lowered vehicles:
o Headlight height cannot be lower than 22 inches when measured from thr ground to the center of the headlight.
o Unrestricted suspension travel of at least 2 inches (front and rear).
o There must be ample clearance (full turn to full turn) between the tires and the vehicle's frame, suspension and body.
o Tires must meet or exceed manufacturers' GVWR load ratings.
o Frame modifications will require pre-approval from DOT (C-Notch)
• Lifted vehicles:
o Tire treads protruding outside of vehicle body requires fender flares securely mounted.
o Rear mud guards must cover width of tire treads, hang down to middle of rims or lower.
o Frame modification will require pre-approval from DOT (Straight Axle Conv).
o Headlight height cannot exceed 54 inches when measured from the ground to the center of the headlight.
o Maximum bumper height is determined by the type of vehicle and its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) as measured from a level surface to the highest point on the bottom of the bumper. Maximum heights are as follows:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Passenger vehicles
Front: 22 inches
Rear: 22 inches
4,500 lbs. and under
Front: 29 inches
Rear: 29 inches
4,501 lbs. to 7,500 lbs.
Front: 33 inches
Rear: 33 inches
7,501 lbs. to 10,000 lbs.
Front: 35 inches
Rear: 35 inches
o What types of modifications do not require a Reconstructed Vehicle Permit?
The most common modifications that do not require a Reconstructed Vehicle Permit are:
o Installation of aftermarket wheels and tires.
o Tire tread shall not protrude beyond the outer edge of the fender when looking down vertically from a position directly above outer edge of the fender (if protrudes, fender flares need to be installed).
o There must be ample clearance (full turn to full turn) between the tire and the vehicle's frame, suspension and body. Note: The tires must be U.S. DOT approved for street use and meet or exceed the vehicle load rating.
o Installation of body kits or fender flares that does not change the overall model identity. Note: Bumper covers must have supports and impact pad installed.
o Installation of an aftermarket exhaust system.
o Installation of an aftermarket engine air or fuel intake system(s).
o Engine modifications to the original or original type replacement engine.
o Installation of aftermarket headlight or taillight assembly(s). Note: All lights must be U.S DOT approved. High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights are prohibited unless approved by the U.S. DOT for use on that specific vehicle.
o Is a reconstructed vehicle permit required if only aftermarket headlight or taillight assemblies are installed on my vehicle?
o If the only modification to the vehicle is replacement headlights or taillights, a reconstructed vehicle inspection or permit is not necessary.
o Aftermarket lighting equipment installed on vehicles must be U.S. DOT approved and of correct colors; white for headlights and red for taillights.
o Vehicles 1968 and newer require U.S. DOT approved side marker lights/ reflectors on the sides and must be of correct colors; amber on the front and red on the rear.
o Aftermarket High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights are prohibited unless U.S. DOT approved for the vehicle installed upon.
o Is a reconstructed vehicle permit required if the only modification to my vehicle is the installation of aftermarket wheels or tires?
o Provided there are no suspension modifications on the vehicle, no reconstructed vehicle inspection or permit is required when only replacing wheels or tires regardless of size.
o Replacement tires must be U.S. DOT approved and meet the load range requirement of the vehicle which it is installed on.
o Wheel or tire applications installed on vehicles require adequate tire clearance as to not contact any part of the body, suspension or structural component upon normal operation of the vehicle.