HK to tighten road safety laws, capping in-car devices and mandating seat belts

Hong Kong's Transport and Logistics Bureau has announced a series of new road safety regulations, including a limit on the number of mobile communication devices drivers can place in their line of sight and expanded seat belt requirements for public and school vehicles.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan stated that the subsidiary legislation will be presented to the Legislative Council in September. 

A key change will prohibit drivers from placing more than two mobile communication devices in the front of the driver's seat while operating a vehicle. This rule, aimed at reducing distractions, is set to take effect on January 25, 2026, for all drivers.

Additionally, starting January 25 of next year, all newly registered school service vehicles will be required to have seat belts installed on every passenger seat. 

The same mandate will apply to all new public and private buses, including franchised buses, as well as goods vehicles and special purpose vehicles. 

Passengers in these vehicles will be required to wear their seat belts.

On the issue of ride-hailing services, Chan confirmed that the government is actively preparing legislative proposals with the goal of introducing a bill to regulate such platforms as soon as possible within this year. 

She acknowledged that while some users have reported positive experiences with the newly launched taxi fleet services, there is significant room for improvement, particularly in availability. The Transport Department will continue to monitor their operation closely.

With the new school term approaching, the Transport Department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) will operate at its highest level on the first morning, working with police and major public transport operators to monitor traffic and service conditions in real time.