According to the Transport Department of HK today (Nov. 3), two new traffic statutes, about seat belts and mobile telecommunications devices (MTDs) use while driving, will starting from 25 Jan. 2026.
In terms of passenger safety, the new statutes stipulate that all newly registered vehicle classes and seats must be fitted with seat belts, including all passenger seats of public and private buses; rear passenger seats of private light buses and goods vehicles; the driver's seat; and all passenger seats of special purpose vehicles. The driver and passengers must wear seat belts if the seats are equipped with them. If not, the violators will face a maximum fine of HKD5,000 and 3 months of imprisonment. For specific scenarios, if a passenger under the age of 15 does not wear a seat belt while driving, the driver may be fined a maximum of HKD2,000, and passengers shall bear the primary responsibility.
In addition, existing student service vehicles must retrofit seat belts and safer seats on all passenger seats by Dec. 31, 2028. Vehicles that fail to meet the standards will not be allowed to undertake student transportation services by then.
In terms of driving standards, while driving, drivers are not allowed to place more than two mobile communication devices (including mobile phones, tablets, and laptops) in the front of the vehicle. The diagonal length of a device's screen visible to the driver has not to exceed 19 cm. The devices must not obstruct the driver's view. Drivers who violate this regulation will face a maximum fine of 2,000 yuan.
Three Regulations have been passed by the Legislative Council--
The Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2025. The Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 has been passed by the Legislative Council. The Road Traffic (Traffic Control) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2025.
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