Hong Kong motor trade sees red over tightened vehicle inspection rules

Hong Kong's car trade is reacting with frustration to tightened annual vehicle inspection rules, which were announced just days before they went into effect on Monday. The new rules impose stricter requirements for private cars and light goods vehicles over six years old that fail mandatory inspections. Vehicles found with 13 major defects, such as fractured chassis or fuel leaks, will be classified as "dangerous" and have their licence suspended immediately. Owners of failed vehicles may face significant delays and thousands of dollars in extra costs to fix issues and pay a HK$180 fee at one of 40 designated testing centres. The new rules require owners to tow the vehicle for repairs at their own expense if deemed dangerous. The Transport Department's sudden roll-out has been described as "rushed" by industry leaders.

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