Road Traffic (Safety Equipment)(Amendment) Regulation 2026 gazetted and commenced today
***************************************************************************************
The Regulation aims to repeal the provision added by the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 to the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations (Chapter 374F) relating to the requirement for passengers to wear seat belts on buses (i.e. regulation 8D), and makes consequential amendments. Upon repealing and amending the relevant provisions, there is no longer any statutory requirement for passengers to wear seat belts on franchised or non-franchised buses.
The statutory requirement for the wearing of seat belts on other types of vehicles (including private cars, taxis, goods vehicles, light buses, special purpose vehicles, student service vehicles) other than franchised and non-franchised buses remains in effect. When the non-franchised buses are used for student services, passengers must wear seat belts in accordance with Regulation 8G of the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations (Chapter 374F).
Going forward, the Government will undertake a fresh review of the arrangements for wearing seat belts on buses and initiate a public consultation to solicit broad input from the community. Concurrently, we will engage subject matter experts to examine issues relating to design, installation and effectiveness of seat belt arrangements, and formulate recommendations on the directions and details of implementation. Meanwhile, we will continue to enhance publicity and education efforts to encourage the voluntary wearing of seat belts on buses.
Relevant information is featured in the Legislative Council Brief issued by the Government today.
Ends/Friday, February 6, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:48
Issued at HKT 20:48
NNNN