[Shieldze1025]

So what I'm wondering is, who makes you get a recon permit, aka how would a regular cop know if you have aftermarket parts at a glance? Obviously some are smart enough to notice, but what "makes" you get a recon permit?

Just curious. Btw I'll be moving to the island sometime around January so I'm gonna be in this section a little more, hopefully I'll get to know some of you guys.

[Evan_RS]

Originally Posted by Shieldze1025

So what I'm wondering is, who makes you get a recon permit, aka how would a regular cop know if you have aftermarket parts at a glance? Obviously some are smart enough to notice, but what "makes" you get a recon permit?

Just curious. Btw I'll be moving to the island sometime around January so I'm gonna be in this section a little more, hopefully I'll get to know some of you guys.

Got these info from another site. Google Honolulu recon law PDF.

the recon fee is $15, exact change! no credit cards

M-F by APPOINTMENT ONLY

alignment --you need an alignment printout, dated within 30 days of recon appt. and must be within manufacturers' specs.

yes, they will test your tint (BE LEGAL 35% +/- 6% )
tint on windshield--illegal
SUVs, trucks, vans, can have as dark tint as they want rearward of the driver's and passenger's front side windows, as long as it is NOT opaque

affidavits for rims and exhaust no longer required

recon required for rim sized 1-1/2" over stock.

body kits are not a recon item
spoilers are not a recon item
no recon required for EXHAUST ONLY
battery must be secured
air intake must be secured
timing gears must be covered

the decal plates for safety check stickers and recon stickers are illegal if mounted on or attached to the license plate

no clear-corner lenses, blue lights, or license plate covers allowed


Do I need to get recon for a turbo/supercharger?
No. Whether it comes as a kit or you put it together yourself, you can legally put a turbo/supercharger on your car and DO NOT have to get recon. However if you have to get recon for one of the reasons below, just make a note of the turbo/supercharger.

Are engine swaps legal, and do I need to get recon for it?
That depends. Yes engine swaps are legal, but that does not necessessarily mean you have to get recon. If the engine you are swapping in has the same number of cylinders as the one it is replacing, recon is NOT required. It doesn't matter if the engine you are swapping in is turbocharged. For instance, you want to swap a SR20DET into your 240sx. This does not require recon. However, if you want to swap a RB26DETT into your 240sx, you WILL need recon.

Can I put on rims bigger than 1.5" compared with stock?
Yes, but you will have to get recon. You can go as big as you want to, but the wheels have to be able to turn and not rub the fenders or wheel well when turned.

Do I have to get recon for my headers/exhaust/intake?
No. These are not recon items. And even if you did, any intake/exhaust will likely pass as long as the exhaust isn't too loud (they don't have any DB meters down there, they just listen to it). If your car is fitted with a catalytic converter, you will still need a cat, but you can use an aftermarket high flow type and still not need recon.

Can body kits/panels/hoods be installed?
Yes, and you don't need recon. One caveat here though, if your fiberglass/carbon fiber hood does not have provisions for windshield washer nozzels and you don't put them in, you would not pass safety, let alone recon.

Are coilovers/lowering springs legal?
That depends. Any time you have suspension work done to your car, you will have to get recon. You will need to have an alignment done within 30 days prior to your recon inspection. Make sure you bring a copy of the alignment sheet with you. Your suspension must be able to be aligned within stock specifications. Your car will also be subjected to a "bounce test" to check for adequate suspension travel. They typically test this at a front corner by pushing down on the bumper. You need to have VISIBLE (not necessarily 2 inches) of suspension travel. If your springs are too stiff, you will likely not pass.

Are headlight/tail light swaps/conversions legal?
Yes, as long as it says DOT on them. Simply doing a headlight/tail light swap does not require you to get recon. If you modify the donor headlight, then it is no longer DOT legal. Aftermarket HID's are also legal, though you may need recon for this. They have a light meter to make sure it's not too bright.

Are clear corner lights legal?
No. The lights MUST have an orange reflector at the front corners and corresponding red reflectors at the rear. This is a FEDERAL LAW. Simply putting in an orange bulb DOES NOT make it legal. Most of these aftermarket lights do not have DOT on them, and therefore would not pass anyway. If you modify a DOT corner light by taking the orange reflector out, it is NO LONGER DOT legal.

Can I run nitrous?
No, and it can't be made legal by going through recon. If you did have to get recon for suspension mods, and they happened to find a nitrous line or bottle, you will fail.

Can I change my car from front wheel drive to rear wheel drive?
Yes, but you will need to go through recon as this will require modification of the vehicle's suspension. If you did a hack job with the conversion and the inspector deems your car unsafe, then you won't pass.

If there's a version of the car with a different drivetrain, can I use it?
Yes. If the car came from the factory with the option of a manual or automatic transmission, you can swap one for the other without getting recon. You could also do a 4 wheel drive conversion on your 2 wheel drive truck if there was a 4 wheel drive version of your truck from the factory, provided the parts bolt in without requiring custom fabrication. If custom suspension mounts need to be made, or you use aftermarket suspension components, then you need recon.

Are intake manifolds/cams, pistons, etc legal?
Yes, and you don't need recon. There's no smog testing in Hawaii, so you don't need an affadavit showing that the part is 50 state legal. But be aware that if it says "off road use only" on any of the parts, and the inspector sees it, you will likely not pass recon even if you were trying to get it for something else.

Do I need an affadavit for all of my modifications?
No. Affadavits are no longer required.

Is there a headlight/liscense plate height requirement?
Yes. Headlights must be at least 22" off the ground to the center of the headlight housings. You must have a front liscense plate which must be at least 12" off the ground.

Do I have to get a recon inspection every year?
No. It's a one time only thing UNLESS you mod your car again. If you do, then you need to get another inspection. If you return your car to stock again, you no longer need the recon sticker.

If a cop pulls me over saying I need to get recon even though I don't have any recon items on my car, what happens?
If you got pulled over for a non recon item, you can contest the ticket in court and you will win. Kevin says many of the cops don't have a good handle on the recon law themselves. Keep in mind though, if you already have recon and do another mod to your car that requires recon, then you need to get another recon inspection. If the cop nails you on something you just installed, then you're SOL.

[spyderco10]

Originally Posted by Shieldze1025

So what I'm wondering is, who makes you get a recon permit, aka how would a regular cop know if you have aftermarket parts at a glance? Obviously some are smart enough to notice, but what "makes" you get a recon permit?

Just curious. Btw I'll be moving to the island sometime around January so I'm gonna be in this section a little more, hopefully I'll get to know some of you guys.

It's not so much avoiding tickets from the cops (most cops don't know if your car is modified), although this is one of the reasons. The main reason you need recon is because of Hawaii's ridiculous safety check laws. We're 1 of only 2 or 3 states that require safety check. Anyway every year your car must pass a safety inspection, which is offered by service stations, car repair shops, dealers, etc.

If your car is modified, they will ask you for your reconstruction permit. The decal must be displayed on your car, and you must have the supporting paperwork. If you do not have a reconstruction permit, you will fail safety check.

And you need a safety check to renew your car registration every year (they start requiring proof of safety check after your car is a certain number of years old). And obviously not being able to renew your registration is a problem.

Most places that do safety checks are very strict and follow the rules to a T, because if they pass a vechicle that is illegal, they can lose their inspection license. And safety inspections are an easy money maker for them.

One other "tip" if you plan to modify your car. The recon station is extremely strict on the tint. On my first attempt at getting recon, I had 35% tint put on my windows, which was legal. I did not know the factory windows are slightly stained from the manufacturer. They tested it at 28%, which was 1% too dark. They failed me. Keep in mind the recon station is under a bridge with very little light in the area. If they had tested my windows in the sun, it probably would have been at 29% or higher.

So anyway, get your car tinted after you get the recon permit. Safety check stations also test your tint, but most will let you slide if you're 1% too dark.

[808MGuy]

Originally Posted by spyderco10

your alignment needs to be within factory specs. there is also a bounce test. i was not aware of this, and i guess i was lucky because they didn't bounce test my car. i would have failed. ricky told me about it, and that's the reason they failed him.

Ricky, you don't have recon because they failed you on the bounce test with your H&R springs? Now that's got me worried since I was thinking of getting Eibach springs soon.

[808E90]

Originally Posted by 808MGuy

Ricky, you don't have recon because they failed you on the bounce test with your H&R springs? Now that's got me worried since I was thinking of getting Eibach springs soon.

Yup ... Gonna go back when my car looks a little more stock

I thought to were saving up for a wedding? Eibach, HREs, and sounds

[808MGuy]

Originally Posted by 808E90

Yup ... Gonna go back when my car looks a little more stock

I thought to were saving up for a wedding? Eibach, HREs, and sounds

Sounds are done! Eibach is minimal cost. HREs - I'm looking for used ones. See, I am saving!

Got the blessing from the future wife and the HREs are actually her idea. I showed her the CH-Rs but she like the HREs better.

[Evan_RS]

Originally Posted by 808MGuy

Ricky, you don't have recon because they failed you on the bounce test with your H&R springs? Now that's got me worried since I was thinking of getting Eibach springs soon.

I hear there is no bounce test anymore.

[mmitche92]

Originally Posted by Mr. Wata

I agree. We know the modifications were are doing to our cars is illegal, so we bring it upon ourselves in a sense.

The recon laws were only created to give cops a reason to harass modified cars that cruise through Waikiki. They are vague on purpose, which makes them ridiculous. The minimum license plate height, headlight height, and bounce test is what prevents me from ever trying to obtain recon. If you have a Lotus Elise/Exige or C6 Corvette you'll never be able to get a valid recon permit.

No recon was started to curb peeps from steeling parts. That's why when you get your recon, you have to show receipts and or an affidavit showing that all the parts you have installed are as good or exceed stock parts. Also for "salvaged" cars that are repaired and put back on the road, to make sure that their suspension geometry and frame are returned to stock setting to make sure the vehicle is safe to drive on the road and won't kill it's passengers or other's driving on the road.

We all have to start growing up and taking responsibility for our actions/mods. If you know you're doing something that's against a law (weather that law is stupid or not)... stop bitching and MAN UP!

This goes to all you Bitches complaining about getting pulled over.. I've been pulled over many a times and for sh!t I knew I was doing! GROW UP/MAN UP and take responsibility for your own decisions!

[MediaHI]

If the recon law was started to deter theft of parts, why are Luxury car drivers targeted? If I can afford a BMW, don't you think I can afford the mods?

Of course it's the law and yes, we should take responsibility for our mods, but a lot of cops obviously abuse their power. Pulling us over because they can. Full speed past stop signs because they can. They break the laws they try to enforce. I've seen a black Police Dodge Charger with rims, drop, and pink headlights.

There's good and bad cops, we only complain about the ones that are anal and corrupted.

[mmitche92]

Originally Posted by Jack328iE92

If the recon law was started to deter theft of parts, why are Luxury car drivers targeted? If I can afford a BMW, don't you think I can afford the mods?

Of course it's the law and yes, we should take responsibility for our mods, but a lot of cops obviously abuse their power. Pulling us over because they can. Full speed past stop signs because they can. They break the laws they try to enforce. I've seen a black Police Dodge Charger with rims, drop, and pink headlights.

There's good and bad cops, we only complain about the ones that are anal and corrupted.

Luxury cars are definitelyot the target. I've been doing this awhile now. Started in the Honda/acuras, went to drifting n had Nissans. Lux cars probly get pulled over way less than the lower model cars. When we were young and had less money we did more stupid sh!t and did more crazy mods that made us stand out. Most BMW, lex, benzes only got rims n a drop. Definitely don't stand out amongst the old hondas days when we used to drop the cars to the ground.

[808E90]

Originally Posted by mmitche92

Luxury cars are definitelyot the target. I've been doing this awhile now. Started in the Honda/acuras, went to drifting n had Nissans. Lux cars probly get pulled over way less than the lower model cars. When we were young and had less money we did more stupid sh!t and did more crazy mods that made us stand out. Most BMW, lex, benzes only got rims n a drop. Definitely don't stand out amongst the old hondas days when we used to drop the cars to the ground.

... I'm old but I still do stupid shit to my cars

[Unstoppable BM]

Originally Posted by mmitche92

Luxury cars are definitelyot the target. I've been doing this awhile now. Started in the Honda/acuras, went to drifting n had Nissans. Lux cars probly get pulled over way less than the lower model cars. When we were young and had less money we did more stupid sh!t and did more crazy mods that made us stand out. Most BMW, lex, benzes only got rims n a drop. Definitely don't stand out amongst the old hondas days when we used to drop the cars to the ground.

I have to slightly agree. We'd get hit with speeding more than for recon