《CVRHK》［Local news］Citywide bus seat belt regulation begins under updated safety law
- 全民新聞 CVRHK
- 1天前
- 讀畢需時 2 分鐘
［25 Jan 2026］
Citywide bus seat belt regulation begins under updated safety law
Hong Kong’s new mandatory seat belt requirement for bus passengers came into force today (25 January), making it a legal obligation for anyone seated in a seat equipped with a belt to buckle up while the vehicle is moving. Offenders face fines of up to HK$5,000 and three months’ imprisonment. The rule applies to franchised and non-franchised buses, public light buses, tour coaches and commercial vehicles.The Transport Department cited international research showing seat belts can reduce fatality risk by about 40 per cent and serious injury by 70 per cent. The principle is “belt on if a belt is provided,” while standing passengers are exempt.
On the first morning of implementation, some passengers were still unaccustomed to the change. Observations showed several riders travelling without fastening their belts, with some admitting they simply forgot. Others raised concerns about delays and unclear scenarios in daily use.
Legal experts note that enforcement focuses on whether passengers are belted while the bus is in motion. Briefly unbuckling to alight or reach a stop button when the bus has slowed is generally considered reasonable. The transport industry expects only minor delays, estimating that fastening belts will add mere seconds to overall journey times. Responsibility for compliance rests primarily with passengers. Drivers are not required to check each seat, though legal professionals warn that reckless driving while many passengers remain unbelted could raise liability questions in serious accidents.
Grey areas remain, including malfunctioning seat belts and arrangements for children. Operators are responsible for maintaining equipment, and passengers encountering faulty belts are advised to notify the driver and change seats. Health experts say shared seat belts pose hygiene risks similar to other high‑touch surfaces, stressing cleaning frequency and hand hygiene. Authorities and bus companies plan to update passenger guidelines to address cabin congestion, large bags and courtesy issues. Experts note that beyond enforcement, the new rule will test public cooperation and etiquette in crowded bus environments.
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