Two-mobile device limit for Hong Kong drivers goes into effect

Also starting today, drivers are prohibited from placing more than two mobile telecom devices on their dashboards or windshields.

Violators without a reasonable excuse are liable to a maximum fine of 2,000 dollars.

Taxi driver Ken used to have four mobile phones lined up to juggle ride-hailing orders and GPS. To stay on the right side of the law, he has to cut that number in half.

He estimates his business will take a one-third hit, as he is now forced to multitask on a single screen.

"Running three apps on one screen is a nightmare," he said. "In my opinion, it's actually more dangerous because I am constantly squinting or zooming in while trying to keep an eye on the map."

In Kowloon Tong, most drivers seemed to be toeing the line.

This driver said: "It's not a big deal. One or two apps are enough to get the job done. At the end of the day, the safety of our passengers and road users has to come first."

Meanwhile, this passenger said he felt at ease after the new regulations took effect. He added seeing a wall of gadgets was nerve-wrecking, making it hard to trust that the driver was focusing on driving.

The amended Road Traffic (Traffic Control) Regulations allows a maximum of two mobile devices to be placed in front of the drivers. "Mobile devices" include phones, tablets, and laptops.

Each screen must not exceed 19 centimetres diagonally and cannot obstruct the driver's view of the traffic and mirrors.

Built-in display screens are excluded from the "two-device" count.