Transport Department issues pilot licence for autonomous vehicles to approve trial in Southern District
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The applicant has been approved to conduct trials for 10 AVs in Cyberport. In the first phase, two autonomous private cars will operate in each road test at a specified time on specified road sections within the Cyberport campus, including Information Crescent and Cyberport Road (near The Arcade of Cyberport), passing by Cyberport 1, Cyberport 2 and Cyberport 3.
A spokesman for the TD said that the applicant commenced AV road tests in North Lantau from December 2024 and conducted small-scale passenger-carrying trials on Airport Island from end-April 2025. The scale of road tests without passengers has also been expanded from a single route to more open roads with more complex traffic scenarios. The project has largely been smooth to date, and the performance of AVs has remained stable. The TD also approved the applicant in mid-June to conduct road tests in Tung Chung. This additional pilot licence provides parallel trials running in different small communities so that useful trial data can be collected.
The TD's label for AV shall be displayed on all AVs for identification by other road users. Details of the pilot licence have been uploaded to the TD's website on AV trials.
The TD welcomes interested organisations or enterprises to submit applications for a pilot licence and act in concert to promote the further development of autonomous driving in Hong Kong. Upon receipt of an application, the TD will consider various factors, including the design operating range and functions of the autonomous system, relevant international or national standards/guidelines, and the road test situations, based on the Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of Autonomous Vehicles before approval. The TD will exercise stringent control with a view to promoting AV trials and development in Hong Kong in a safe and orderly manner.
Ends/Thursday, August 14, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:35
Issued at HKT 17:35
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