LCQ15: Promoting the development of autonomous vehicle
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Question:
The Government has actively promoted the development of innovative technologies in recent years, having implemented a regulatory regime for autonomous vehicles (AVs) on March 1, 2024 and proposed in the 2025 Policy Address and the 2026-2027 Budget to accelerate the large-scale development of driverless autonomous driving in Hong Kong and expedite its transition to commercial operations. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether the Government will establish and publish a detailed set of technical assessment and licence approval criteria for the commercial operations of AVs (such as driver takeover mechanism, accident handling mechanism and relevant performance indicators), so that the industry can clearly understand the technical standards required from the approval for AV pilot licences to conduct road trials to the subsequent applications for relevant licences for commercial operations, thereby reducing uncertainty over business prospects;
(2) whether relevant government departments (such as the Hong Kong Police Force and the Fire Services Department) have formulated inter-departmental contingency measures for vehicle malfunctions and potential traffic accidents caused by AVs; and
(3) whether the Government has assessed the impact of commercial operations of AVs on existing public transport sectors (such as taxis and minibuses), and formulated corresponding transformation support measures for affected transport sectors?
Reply:
President,
My reply to the three parts of the question is as follows:
(1) The Government implemented a new regulatory framework for Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) on March 1, 2024, which includes legislative amendments and the "Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of Autonomous Vehicles" (the Code) published by the Transport Department (TD). The Code clearly sets out the detailed technical, safety and operational requirements for the trial and use of AVs. The new legislation provides flexibility to tie in with the evolving AV technology, facilitating the industry to test and use AVs more widely and flexibly in Hong Kong.
The new regulatory framework allows AVs to be registered and licensed in the same way as conventional vehicles in accordance with the Road Traffic Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation, aligning with the regulatory framework for conventional vehicles and bringing them fully under statutory regulation, which covers vehicle classification, registration, licensing, etc. This arrangement is more effective in promoting the development of autonomous driving technology while enhancing the safety and security of AVs.
The Code clearly sets out TD's considerations in approving AV pilot licences, including the requirements for backup operators to take over AVs, arrangements for handling accidents, and mileage requirements for road tests, so as to ensure the safety of road users. For example, a backup operator must receive appropriate training and possess the required level of operating skills to control the vehicle when necessary; the applicant must also submit an incident reporting mechanism, a safety management plan and a contingency plan to TD; and conduct closed-road and open-road tests of AVs for a specified mileage.
Under the new regulatory framework, TD has issued six pilot licences involving 62 AVs for trial projects in six locations (namely North Lantau, the West Kowloon Cultural District, Cyberport in the Southern District, the Kai Tak Development Area in Kowloon East, the Airportcity Link and the "Park & Fly" carpark at the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge). Among them, the testing project in North Lantau has made significant progress since its launch in late 2024, achieving four notable technical advancements, including simultaneous operation of multiple vehicles, passenger-carrying trials, expanded routes and increased vehicle speeds.
(2) Currently, the Code specifies in detail that AV pilot operators must submit the operational design domain and functions of their autonomous driving system, relevant international or national standards/guidelines, road test conditions, and contingency plan, etc. The contingency plan must specify the corresponding handling procedures in emergency situations, as well as the contact means and procedures with law enforcement agencies and emergency personnel. TD will vet the emergency handling procedures in the proposal and consult relevant government departments. TD will perform its gatekeeping role and approve trial projects on the premise of ensuring road safety.
(3) If a licence application for the commercial operation of AVs involves the provision of public transport services, TD will, when vetting the application, comprehensively consider the impact of the proposed services on traffic, public transport services (including their operating routes, operating hours and fares, etc.), the transport ecosystem and public interest.
With the development of technology, the appropriate use of AVs has the potential to enhance transport efficiency, road safety and the stability of the provision of transport services, and will also bring new business and job opportunities, such as remote vehicle operators in the back office, on-board backup operators, as well as monitoring and maintenance personnel. Riding on the rapid development of AV technology, the Government will carefully consider how to leverage the technology to enhance overall efficiency and make good use of the opportunities, so as to further promote smart mobility in Hong Kong.
The Commissioner for Transport has already set up the "Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Group" to advance related initiatives in collaboration with relevant departments and industry stakeholders, including to specifically review the progress and needs of individual AV projects, and providing steer on the testing locations and vehicle types, as well as licensing arrangements required to support the commercial development of AVs.
Ends/Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:15
Issued at HKT 11:15
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