The new bus seat belt rules will come into effect on Sunday, Jan. 25, requiring all passengers to wear seat belts at all times if their bus seats are equipped with them. Violators can face a maximum fine of HK$5,000 and up to three months in prison.
Q&A: Regulations, enforcement, and child safety issues explained
Q: Why is it necessary to wear a seat belt?
A: During an accident, seat belts provide critical protection for seated passengers. Studies show that wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of death and serious injury in head-on collisions by approximately 40% for drivers and 70% for front-seat passengers.
Q: If an adult is traveling with a child or infant on a bus, how should the seat belt be worn?
A: Adult passengers should wear their seat belts first. If the child cannot sit securely on their own, the adult should hold the child on their lap and keep them secure. If the child can sit securely, they should also use the seat belt provided.
Q: Can passengers skip wearing a seat belt on short-distance rides, when carrying heavy luggage, or if they have mobility issues?
A: Starting Jan. 25, passengers must wear seat belts in all seats equipped with them, regardless of the circumstances.
Q: How will the police enforce the rules?
A: During the initial implementation phase, the police will focus on education and raising public awareness to encourage passengers to develop the habit of wearing seat belts and improve safety consciousness. If passengers fail to provide a reasonable explanation during enforcement, officers will take appropriate action based on the situation.
Q: What are the penalties for not wearing a seat belt?
A: Violators face a maximum fine of HK$5,000 and up to three months in prison. If a child passenger under the age of 15 fails to wear a seat belt, the bus driver will also be held accountable.
Q: If a bus seat belt is damaged or malfunctioning, will passengers be penalized for not wearing it?
A: Passengers should report any damaged or malfunctioning seat belts to the driver as soon as possible and, if feasible and safe, move to a seat with a functioning seat belt. If stopped for enforcement, passengers can explain the situation to the officers, who will assess the circumstances accordingly.
Q: On school buses, if a child's seat belt comes loose, should the bus assistant immediately refasten it?
A: Bus assistants should ensure all children have their seat belts fastened before departure. If a child's seat belt comes loose during the journey, the assistant should first verbally remind the child to refasten it while remaining seated themselves. If verbal reminders are ineffective, the assistant should wait until it is safe or the bus has stopped to secure the seat belt for the child.
Q: Is it illegal for tour guides to stand while working on a coach?
A: All passengers' safety is equally important. As per global practices, tour guides should deliver their commentary before the journey begins or after the vehicle stops. While the vehicle is in motion, tour guides must stay seated and wear their seatbelts.
Q: Can passengers unbuckle their seat belts while the bus is moving or hasn't come to a complete stop?
A: According to the law, passengers must keep their seat belts securely fastened at all times while seated (this applies to both upper and lower decks). A representative from KMB also advises standing passengers to hold onto handrails firmly and avoid walking around the bus while it is in motion.
Q: What is the correct way to wear a seat belt?
A: Passengers must not share a single seat belt with others. The correct method of wearing a seat belt involves the following five key points:
- The horizontal strap should lie across the upper thighs.
- The diagonal strap should pass across the middle of the shoulder, snugly across the chest to the collarbone.
- The buckle should rest by your side, not over your body.
- Adjust the seat belt length if necessary.
- Ensure the seat belt is not twisted, trapped, or obstructed by objects before securing it.
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