Hong Kong eyes lowering age bar for health checks on commercial drivers to 65

Hong Kong plans to lower the age threshold for mandatory medical certification for commercial vehicle drivers from 70 to 65 under legislative proposals to be submitted in the first quarter of this year, with the new rules supported by a transport advisory body.The government on Wednesday briefed the Transport Advisory Committee on the proposals to tighten medical fitness requirements for commercial vehicle drivers in a bid to further safeguard road safety amid an ageing workforce in the sector.Under the proposed changes, the age threshold for commercial vehicle drivers to submit medical examination certificates will be lowered from 70 to 65.Additionally, the validity of their driving licences will be reduced to one year, meaning that an annual check-up is required before they can be renewed.Authorities also proposed enhancing physical fitness requirements by updating the list of diseases and physical disabilities that prohibit driving, with updated vision standards and additional requirements applicable to the drivers.Another proposal would empower the commissioner for transport to require reports from any driver with dubious health conditions. Failure to comply could lead to suspension or cancellation of a driving licence.