Hong Kong drivers and passengers have just over two weeks to prepare for sweeping changes to local transport rules, including a requirement to wear seat belts on public transport and increased legal liability for motorists to ensure child passengers are buckled up.
Authorities said on Thursday that the public should be mindful of new rules set to begin on January 25, which require passengers to wear a seat belt if available on public and private buses, including franchised and school services, rear seats in private light buses and goods vehicles.
Passengers who fail to do so face a maximum fine of HK$5,000 (US$640) and up to three months in prison.
Private vehicle drivers, including those of goods and special purpose vehicles, will also carry a heavier burden of responsibility for their passengers under the age of 15. If these passengers are found unbuckled, the driver faces a separate fine of HK$2,000.
Authorities said that if a child can sit upright on their own, they should occupy their own seat and wear a seat belt. For toddlers who cannot sit by themselves, adults should first fasten their own seat belts and hold onto their child to reduce the chance of being thrown in the event of an accident.
“Studies show that wearing seat belts will reduce the risk of death and serious injury of drivers and passengers in head-on collisions by about 40 per cent and 70 per cent respectively,” a government spokesman said.
