A 38-year-old taxi driver was fined a total of HK$4,300 after admitting four summons charges linked to a dispute with a passenger over an alleged detour last December.
The court heard that the defendant, Cheung Kwok-fai, took a 4.8km route from MTR Tai Wai Station to Sha Tin Heights Road, instead of the most direct 1.8km route. The passenger confronted him over the fare, prompting a heated argument. During the dispute, Cheung drove back toward Tai Wai Station with the taxi door still open and without fastening his seat belt, at one point saying, “Why are you shouting so loudly?”
In mitigation, the defense said Cheung had misheard the directions, was affected by the passenger’s emotions, and lost control of his temper. He also admitted failing to notice the open door. The court was told he is divorced, supports his elderly mother, and is still paying off his taxi license.
Magistrate Jeffrey Sze Cho-yiu said driving with the door open posed a serious safety risk, and the detour caused inconvenience even if no extra fare was charged. He found that Cheung’s tone in the video did not amount to abusive language, but said his conduct was improper.
Cheung pleaded guilty to careless driving, driving without securely fastening his seat belt, failing to take the most direct practicable route, and failing to behave in a civil and orderly manner. He was fined a total of HK$4,300.
