Hong Kong will introduce tougher seat belt requirements for public transport passengers from 25 January, following the passage of new road safety amendments. Under the new rules, passengers travelling on buses and minibuses must wear seat belts where they are fitted, or risk fines of up to HK$5,000 and up to three months’ imprisonment.
The amendment significantly expands existing seat belt requirements. All passenger seats on buses, including both public and private services, must now be fitted with seat belts. Rear passenger seats on minibuses and goods vehicles are also covered under the new regulation. Drivers and passengers are legally required to wear seat belts once they are installed.
The changes mark a notable shift in Hong Kong’s road safety approach, placing greater responsibility on passengers, not just drivers, to comply with safety standards. Authorities say the measures aim to reduce the risk of serious injury or death in traffic accidents.
In addition, student service vehicles will be required to retrofit seat belts and safer seats on all passenger seats by 31 December 2028. Vehicles that fail to meet this requirement will no longer be allowed to provide student transport services.
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