MTR Corporation has announced a review of some of its passenger rules to bring them up to date this year.

Proposed changes include lowering fines for foul language from HK$5,000 to HK$2,000 as well as exempting mobile phone ringtones from noise pollution rules. But will the changes have any effect on how we use Hong Kong’s subway system? We examine the rules that almost all of us have seen broken, and may even have flouted ourselves on the MTR.

No animals or other vehicles allowed

Cars and motorcycles are obvious ones to not bring onto trains. But bicycles, handcarts and barrows are also not allowed on railways premises. How many times on the weekend have we seen cyclists bringing their pedals to Sai Kung? And as the train gets closer to Shenzhen, handcarts are common.

Passenger slings hammock on MTR to make his very own 'sleeper carriage'

No feet on seats

Feet are not to be placed on the seats anywhere on railway premises. This likely includes toenail clippings.

No spitting

Not just frowned upon, spitting and littering can earn you a HK$5,000 fine.

No busking

Unless authorised by the MTR Corp, singing and dancing is prohibited as is playing or performing an instrument. Aspiring music stars are advised to stick to open mic nights.

Loitering to be OK, but not swearing: Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation reviews its by-laws

No loud music

MTR riders are also not allowed to play or use any radio, cassette, portable TV or any device generating noise. Ahem, dude playing video games on his iPhone without headphones.

No drunks

By now, most people know to not drink and eat on the subways. But MTR riders are also banned from being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or medicine on MTR premises. Nor are you allowed to even attempt to enter the premises. Careful with that Panadol.

No dodgy outfits

“Improper dressing” is defined as an article of clothing that could “soil or injure” the clothing of another person within railway premises. But what about the guy whose shirt just smells like it hasn’t been washed for a few days? The vague nature of this by-law leaves it open to interpretation.

Chinese women seen stuffing live lobsters into suitcase on Hong Kong MTR train

No swearing

Threatening, abusive and offensive language should never be tolerated. But obscene language is rather difficult to avoid in the morning mad dash or in a casual conversation between foul-mouthed friends.