Hong Kong repeals controversial seat belt law as transport chief vows to consult public

2026-02-06 - 09:57

The Hong Kong government has issued an official notice to repeal a controversial law requiring bus passengers to wear seat belts, which was widely derided by the public. A bus passenger wearing a seatbelt, on January 28, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. “Effective today, there will not be a statutory requirement for [bus] passengers to wear seat belts,” Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said at a press conference on Friday after the gazette notice was issued. According to a gazette notice published on Friday afternoon, the regulation under the Road Traffic Ordinance requiring passengers to wear seat belts has been “repealed.” “This Regulation amends the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations... to repeal the requirement for the wearing of seat belts in respect of [passengers’] seats of buses,” the notice reads. Exactly one week ago, Chan announced the law – a sweeping requirement for seat belts to be worn on buses and other forms of road transport – would be “repealed as soon as possible” due to “technical deficiencies” in the provision. The law took effect five days prior, on January 25, and drew public backlash as passengers complained about inconvenience and discomfort. A bus without seatbelts, on January 28, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Under the repealed law, bus passengers who did not wear a seat belt risked a maximum fine of HK$5,000 and up to three months in prison. Public consultation Chan also said at the press conference that the rollback reflected the need to improve the Transport and Logistics Bureau’s work processes, and a comprehensive review would be conducted. Secretary for Transport Mable Chan on December 17, 2025. Photo: GovHK. The transport chief added that the bureau would also conduct a consultation to gauge public opinion before making suggestions on the details and direction of implementation. “We must listen to the public’s opinions... so that we may be able to analyse different solutions and options,” she said. Chan also promised that the government would reopen discussions with the Legislative Council.