The Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 Started from 25 January, Multiple Bus Terminals are Strengthening the Promotion

The Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 took effect from 25 January, requiring all passengers on public transport and in commercial vehicles to wear seat belts. Violations are punishable by a maximum fine of HK$5,000 and imprisonment for up to 3 months. If bus seats are equipped with seat belts, passengers must wear them at all times.

Photo by Bastille Post

On a bus traveling from Olympic Station to Shek Lei, some seats were equipped with seat belts. One passenger said he was accustomed to wearing seat belts on public transport and would specifically choose seats with them, adding that wearing seat belts could ensure safety, and he didn't mind the inconvenience it would bring.

Some passengers said they were slightly not used to wearing seat belts on buses, but agreed that safety was paramount. An elderly passenger said that if he found a seat without a seat belt, he would grip the seat handle tightly. On the bus, one passenger initially had difficulty pulling out the seat belt, but successfully put it on with the help of a neighboring passenger.

The Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 took effect from 25 January. Photo source: FB of TD

The Transport Department (TD) stated that the amended regulation has been operating smoothly since its implementation. In the initial phase, strengthening promotion and public education will be prioritized. The law enforcement agency will consider both reason and law when violations occur, conducting professional investigations based on actual circumstances and handling cases fairly.

In the initial phase, strengthening promotion and public education will be prioritized. Photo source: FB of TD

The Transport Department reiterated that the regulation already includes reasonable excuses. If a passenger is unable to wear a seat belt due to individual circumstances, he or she can explain the situation and reasons when encountering the law enforcement agency, who will then consider and judge the matter based on the actual circumstances.

Staff would provide assistance to passengers when necessary. Photo source: FB of TD

The Department also stated that, to assist passengers in adapting the regulation requirement, it has further strengthened promotion and public education with the operators of both franchised bus and MTR bus, which includes deploying additional staff at bus termini with high passenger flow, such as the Central (Macau Ferry), Ngau Tau Kok and Lok Wah, Tai Loong Street in Kwai Chung, Queen's Hill in Fanling, and Tung Chung, etc., as well as at various public transport interchanges such as Tuen Mun Station, Siu Hong Station (North), and Tin Shui Wai Station, etc., to remind passengers, including children, the elderly, and those in need, to wear seat belts securely and to provide assistance when necessary.

TD has further strengthened promotion and public education with the operators of both franchised bus and MTR bus. Photo source: FB of TD

The Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section) has opened at 10 a.m. on December 21. Ms. Mable Chan, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, stated at the opening ceremony that the construction of the bypass has overcome multiple challenges in the urban area. After its opening, the east-west traffic and public transport in Kowloon will be significantly improved.

The opening ceremony of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section), Photo by Bastille Post

Ms. Mable Chan, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Photo by Bastille Post

Ms. Chan pointed out that, during the final stage of the bypass construction over the past few years, the related personnel from the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Highways Department and the Transport Department have repeatedly explained the construction challenges and difficulties, as well as the transportation arrangements to the public. Relevant information has also been disclosed to the public through various channels.

The opening ceremony of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section), Photo by Bastille Post

Ms. Chan said that the construction of the Central Kowloon Bypass has three major characteristics: "reaching up to the sky, going down to the ground, and reaching out to the sea". The construction process needs to pass through various busy urban areas and neighbourhoods in Kowloon, including Yau Ma Tei, Jordan, Kowloon Bay and Kai Tak, involving tunnel engineering and a number of complex construction techniques.

She mentioned that during the construction, multiple MTR routes need to be crossed, with the nearest construction distance being only about three meters. More than two thousand underground blasting operations have been carried out. Since the time for some of the construction procedures is extremely limited, the construction team has adopted the application of technology and close teamwork to ensure the safety of the construction and the smooth operation of the city.

The tunnel of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section)

In terms of transportation of the bypass, Ms. Chan said that eight franchised bus routes will cover the relevant sections after the opening of the bypass, including three newly established routes and five adjusted routes. The government will continue to optimize public transportation arrangements in a timely manner according to the travel needs of citizens.

The entrance and exit of the tunnel of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section)

She also pointed out that the driving time between Yau Ma Tei and Kai Tak will be shortened from about 30 minutes to about 5 minutes after the opening of the bypass, helping to improve overall traffic efficiency and promote the long-term development of surrounding neighbourhoods.

The intersection of Kai Tak of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section)

After the opening ceremony, Ms. Chan and the officials present, members of the Legislative Council, District Councillors and other guests boarded the open-top bus to experience the operation of the bypass. Ms. Chan said that since December 22 would be the first working day after the opening of the bypass, eight bus routes will be arranged to pass through the bypass, including three new routes and five existing routes, driving from Yau Ma Tei to Kai Tak.

The intersection of Yau Ma Tei of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section)