In just over a week, passengers on various modes of public and private transport in Hong Kong will be required to wear seat belts as part of new rules to enhance safety through stricter penalties for motorists and commuters.
The Post looks at the new rules and what passengers, including those with special needs, should do in different scenarios.
1. What are the new rules?
From January 25, all passengers must wear seat belts wherever available on public and private buses – including franchised and school services – as well as those on rear seats in private light buses and goods vehicles.
Those who fail to adhere to the rules could 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 bear 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.
