Child passengers in private cars must use Child Restraining Device from November 1 and offending drivers may be fined
The Government today (October 24) reminded local and cross-boundary private car drivers that, starting from November 1, child passengers travelling in private cars in Hong Kong must use a Child Restraining Device (CRD), such as child safety seats, to enhance passenger safety. Offending drivers will be subject to a maximum fine of $2,000.
From November 1, unless child passengers aged below 8 reach a body height of 1.35 metres, they must use a CRD in private cars irrespective of sitting in the front or rear seats. Passengers aged 8 or above, or with a body height of at least 1.35m must either use a CRD or wear an adult seat belt. The Police may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice of $230 to offending drivers. Serious cases may be referred to the court, which can impose a maximum fine of $2,000.
When choosing a CRD, members of the public should accord top priority to the height and/or weight range for which the product is suitable. They should also look for any markings indicating compliance with recognised national or international standards and follow the installation guidelines. For enquiries, they should consult the manufacturer or retailer on the product standards to ensure compliance with the requirements specified in the legislation. Apart from child safety seats, portable CRDs such as seat belt adjusters, wearable safety restraint vests and foldable boosters can also be used. Yet, as they do not have protective pads and seat backs on both sides, their protection capabilities in side-impact collisions are generally not as good as those of child safety seats.
The Government has stepped up publicity and public education since February. The Transport Department (TD) has strengthened collaboration with the Police, the Education Bureau, the Information Services Department, Radio Television Hong Kong, the Road Safety Council and the Consumer Council to introduce the legal requirements through websites, infographics, videos, media, social media, parent information websites, the "e-Bulletin for Parents" and publicity posters on traffic signal controllers across various districts. In addition, the TD further reminded parents to purchase CRDs for early preparations as soon as possible after Easter holidays, during the Children Products Expo in the summer vacation and prior to the first school day.
Members of the public may refer to the TD's designated webpage on CRDs (www.td.gov.hk/en/road_safety/crd), infographics on the Agent T Facebook page and the relevant article in the Consumer Council's CHOICE Magazine for the legal requirements and selection tips, or call the TD's hotline 2804 2600 for enquiries.
Child passengers in private cars must use Child Restraining Device from November 1 and offending drivers may be fined Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies"
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC (HKETO, Washington DC) presented a four-day film series titled "Hong Kong at the Movies" from March 23 (Washington time) for members of the Washington community, including members of the Federal government of the United States (US), congress, business associations, professional bodies, think tanks, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private sector entities, diplomatic corps, and the local Hong Kong community.
The film series featured some of Hong Kong's most celebrated films, spanning genres from romance and drama to kung fu and science fiction. The event started with a special 25th anniversary screening of Wong Kar-wai's lavish "In the Mood for Love". Other films included Hong Kong's box office smash hit "The Last Dance", Stephen Chow's relentless slapstick comedy "Kung Fu Hustle", and the recent Hong Kong sensation "Back to the Past".
Addressing guests at the film screening, the Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, Ms Elania Luk, said that the film series was a good opportunity for the Washington DC community to know more about different facets of Hong Kong and its people through the lens of the film industry. "Hong Kong's creative talents draw us together through arts. The imaginations of our ingenious filmmakers, actors and choreographers have indelibly shaped global popular culture, particularly in the US, thanks to cinematic icons ranging from Bruce Lee to John Woo," Ms Luk said.
Ms Luk added that the film industry is an integral part of Hong Kong's status as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. She said that this year's Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, which coincides with the film series, marks key milestones of two of its founding events: the 30th anniversary of FILMART and the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Film Festival. She noted that these flagship events reflect the creativity, economic influence, and international recognition of Hong Kong's storied entertainment sector. The film series also coincides with Art March, an art month in Hong Kong, bringing together various world-renowned arts and cultural summits, screenings, and performances.
Ms Luk went on to highlight the Government's complementary role in supporting the film industry through various initiatives to nurture talent, enhance production, expand markets, and build audiences.
In addition, to promote Hong Kong's unique food culture, attendees at each film screening were served a variety of Hong Kong street foods and local drinks, bringing Hong Kong cuisine to the taste buds of the Washington community. Attendees of the last screening also enjoyed an exhibition of curated paintings under the theme "Hong Kong food and drinks". The paintings were commissioned by the Social Welfare Department under the Arts Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with various NGOs. The paintings, among other things, exemplify the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's efforts in unleashing the potential of persons with disabilities in artistic activities and their contribution to society. The total "Hong Kong experience" brought by the film series was well regarded by attendees.
The film series ran on March 23, 25, and 30 and April 1 at the AMC Georgetown cinema in Washington DC.
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
