Hong Kong authorities repeal ‘flawed’ bus seat belt law
Rule sparked complaints over uncomfortable restraints, hygiene risks and fears that unbuckling early before alighting would violate law
Hong Kong authorities have repealed a law requiring bus passengers to wear seat belts after finding that it only applies to vehicles registered since late January, with officials saying they will review the legislation again and conduct a public consultation.
The government gazetted the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2026 on Friday, which repeals Section 8D requiring passengers to wear seat belts.
“The bureau will fully review the arrangements for passengers wearing seat belts on buses,” Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said.
“We will also launch a public consultation to get the views of the public, to get suggestions on the details and execution of the policy.”
Chan also said the government would invite experts to conduct research on the design, hardware and efficacy of seat belts on buses. She said that authorities would continue to pursue promotional and educational efforts to help the public develop a habit of wearing seat belts.
Section 8D stipulates that “a person must not ride as a passenger in a passenger seat of a bus to which Regulation 8AB applies on any road, unless securely fastened to the seat by means of a seat belt, if any, provided for the seat”.
As Section 8AB requires buses registered on or after January 25, 2026, to be equipped with seat belts, the rule effectively applies only to passengers on those vehicles.