Hong Kong Implements New Seat Belt Regulations for Public and Commercial Vehicles

Effective January 25th, new regulations mandate seat belt usage in buses, minibuses, goods vehicles, and special-purpose vehicles, according to an announcement made by the Transport Department on Tuesday.

The updated road traffic regulations place a responsibility on vehicle owners and drivers to guarantee that all seat belts are in proper operating condition. Studies indicate that seat belt usage significantly reduces the risk of fatalities (by approximately 40%) and serious injuries (by around 70%) in the event of a head-on collision.

While bus passengers retain the option to sit or stand on the lower level of buses, the regulations emphasize the importance of seat belts for seated passengers, providing crucial protection during accidents. Franchised buses are also equipped with additional safety features designed for standing passengers, including continuous handrails, exit-door handrails, and non-slip flooring.

Franchised bus operators are now required to conduct regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs of seat belts to ensure their functionality. These operators will also communicate with their drivers to clearly define their responsibilities related to the new regulations.

Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) has already implemented internal guidelines to address these changes. These guidelines instruct drivers to record and report any faulty seat belts they observe or are informed about, as soon as it is safe to do so, and to report it at the terminal. Drivers are not required to individually check each seat belt. KMB buses undergo daily, monthly, and annual inspections to ensure all equipment, including seat belts, are functioning correctly.