Mandatory seatbelts on public transport starting on January 25th
發佈日期: 2026-01-07 21:56
TVB News
Starting on the 25th of this month, passengers on public transport such as buses must wear seatbelts if they are available.
This as a bus workers' union agreed with the government's measure, but raised concerns about the possibility of increased disputes with passengers as a result of the arrangement.
Well over 3 million passengers ride the city's franchised buses every day, but few are used to the habit of wearing seatbelts.
A woman said she almost never puts on her seatbelt when aboard public transport, calling the safety measure inconvenient.
While this woman said she wears her seatbelt to protect against traffic risks.
Starting on the 25th of this month, passengers of buses, school buses, minibuses as well as trucks must put on their seatbelts when riding the vehicles.
Offenders could face a maximum fine of 5,000 dollars and up to three months' imprisonment.
But some passengers stressed they have experienced problems with seatbelts on many of the city's public transport.
One man said he often has trouble pulling on his seatbelt while riding public transport, emphasising that putting on a seatbelt is inconvenient in tight spaces like the interior of a bus.
Under current legal regulations, all seats on newly registered public buses must be equipped with seatbelts.
Speaking about the measure, Kowloon Motor Bus said 60 percent of their buses, or around 2,500 vehicles, have met the requirement.
A number of bus companies also noted they will strengthen promotion for the measure via public broadcasts and posters.
Citybus said more than 780 of its buses are equipped with seatbelts.
Meanwhile, the spokesman for a bus workers' union said only around 20 percent of bus passengers currently wear their seatbelt, noting that the measure requires tighter passenger discipline.
Lawmaker Ben Chan noted passengers should be aware that bus drivers have no legal obligation to remind them to wear their seatbelts.
Chan said asking passengers to change their habit is not easy, adding if passengers are not understanding, it will create extra stress for the drivers.
