Transport Department Mandates Seat Belts for Public and Commercial Vehicles from January 2026

The Transport Department has issued a reminder that, effective 25 January 2026, all newly registered public transport vehicles and commercial vehicles must be equipped with seat belts on passenger seats. Passengers are required to wear seat belts on any equipped seats, regardless of whether the vehicle is newly registered. Violations of this requirement carry a maximum penalty of a HK$5,000 fine and three months' imprisonment.

The regulation applies to franchised and private buses, private light buses (including school service vehicles), goods vehicles, and special purpose vehicles. For passengers under 15 years old who fail to wear seat belts on rear seats of goods vehicles or passenger seats of special purpose vehicles, the driver faces a maximum fine of HK$2,000 if they continue to operate the vehicle. All passengers remain personally responsible for complying with seat belt requirements.

Existing school service vehicles must install seat belts and protective child seats on all passenger seats by 31 December 2028. Since July 2018, all newly purchased buses have been fitted with seat belts on every seat, and operators have already retrofitted approximately 1,900 existing buses with seat belts on all upper-deck seats.

In a related update on road safety, the Transport Department announced that, starting 25 January 2026, drivers will be prohibited from placing more than two mobile telecommunications devices—such as mobile phones, tablets, or laptops—in the front of the vehicle. The diagonal screen length of each device must not exceed 19 centimetres. These devices must not obstruct the driver's view of the road, traffic conditions, or any mirrors, devices, or camera displays used for observing road situations. Offending drivers face a maximum fine of HK$2,000.

The measures aim to enhance passenger safety and driver focus, aligning with ongoing efforts to reduce road accidents in Hong Kong.