Hong Kong authorities repeal ‘flawed’ bus seat belt law

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Matthew ChengFebruary 6, 2026 at 08:47 AM

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Hong Kong authorities have repealed a law requiring bus passengers to wear seat belts through subsidiary legislation. The repeal comes after discovering that the original law only applied to buses registered since late January 2026. Section 8D of the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulation 2026 required passengers to wear seat belts on eligible buses, but its application was limited due to a flaw in the policy's intent. The rule drew public backlash over issues such as poorly fitting restraints and hygiene concerns. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan stated that the legislation was flawed from the start. The repeal effectively eliminates the requirement for passengers to wear seat belts on eligible buses, bringing it in line with the government's original intention.