Govt proposes 12-year vehicle age limit for ride-hailing services

The government has unveiled the regulatory framework for ride-hailing services, with the vehicle age limit set at 12 years and only to be driven by the registered owners.

The maximum penalty for running an unlicensed car-hailing platform will be a fine of HK$1 million and 12 months' imprisonment, according to the document.

The proposed regulatory framework, designed to ensure safety and accountability, will be gazetted on Friday (Sep 5) and presented to the Legislative Council for its first reading and second reading debate next Wednesday (Sep 10).

Requirements for platforms and drivers

Vehicles used for ridesharing have to meet stringent criteria. Private cars will require a vehicle permit, valid for one year and renewable for up to five years, and can only be driven by their registered owners. 

The vehicle age limit is set at 12 years, and cars must carry third-party insurance while displaying a designated ridesharing logo.

Drivers will need to obtain a non-transferable driving permit, available only to Hong Kong permanent residents aged 21 or older who have held a private car or light goods vehicle license for at least one year. 

Applicants must also have a clean record of serious traffic offenses for the past five years, pass a test, and complete a pre-employment training course. Those already holding a taxi driver's license can apply directly.

The driving permit will be valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely.

Non-compliance could lead to fines of up to HK$25,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months. 

Under the new rules, licensed ride-hailing platforms must ensure that drivers are the registered owners of the vehicles they operate. Failure to comply could result in a fine of HK$10,000. 

As for those found guilty of running an unlicensed ride-hailing platform, they could face hefty fines of up to HK$1 million and imprisonment for up to 12 months. 

Controlled growth and future plans

To balance passenger demand, road capacity, and the sustainability of the transport ecosystem, the government plans to impose a cap on the number of ride-hailing vehicles. 

The exact limit will be determined through subsidiary legislation in the first half of 2026. 

The Transport Bureau, which first proposed the regulatory framework in July 2025, aims to ensure that ride-hailing services operate safely and responsibly while complementing the city's existing public transport network.

Timeline for implementation

The legislative process will move forward swiftly, with the bill's first reading scheduled for September 10. 

By mid-2026, subsidiary legislation will finalize details such as vehicle quotas and fees. 

During the second half of 2026, the government will invite applications for licenses, roll out driver tests, and conduct training courses. 

By the fourth quarter of 2026, the first licensed ridesharing platforms are expected to begin operations, marking a new era for Hong Kong's transportation landscape.