There are no exceptions for tourists as well as local residents, so if you violate it, you can be sentenced to prison, so caution is needed.
According to local media such as Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post (SCMP), Hong Kong authorities have reported that they will implement a traffic regulation amendment requiring public transportation such as buses to wear seat belts.
The revised regulations will take effect from the 25th. They include public and private buses, as well as some trucks and special vehicles, and drivers and all passengers of the vehicles must wear seat belts while on the move.
Violation of this can result in punishment for all vehicle owners, drivers, and passengers. Up to three months in prison or a fine of HK$5,000.
In line with the implementation of the rules, Hong Kong’s major bus companies have completed the installation of seat belts in the seats of newly introduced vehicles, with seat belts currently installed in about 60% of all buses. Authorities have said they plan to expand it to all vehicles in the future.
The Hong Kong government explained that it decided to introduce the system based on research findings that wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of death by about 40% and the risk of serious injury by up to 70%.
Particularly important to note is that certain responsibilities apply to passengers even if the seat belt of the seat is broken or damaged. The authorities emphasized, “If there is a problem with the seat belt, the driver should be notified immediately and moved to a normal working seat.”
Tour bus guides are no exception. They cannot get up from their seats before departure or during a stop, and they must sit down and wear seat belts while driving.
SAM KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
