Seatbelts legislation to take effect in 2026: Driver and passenger guidelines and insurance tips
Seatbelt Law on January 25
Starting January 25, 2026, Hong Kong's new law mandating the wearing of seat belts will officially come into effect, affecting passengers and drivers of buses and various types of commercial vehicles. The government stated that this mandatory seat belt requirement on buses and other public transport is a lesson learned from major bus accidents such as the Tai Po Road rollover, and hopes to reduce the number of casualties caused by future major traffic accidents
Lessons from past major traffic accidents
On February 10, 2018, at 6 pm, a KMB bus on route 872, traveling from Sha Tin Racecourse to Tai Po Centre, was going downhill along Tai Po Road when it lost control at a bend near the Tai Po Kau section and the "Tai Po Mei" bus stop. The accident resulted in 19 deaths and 66 injuries
Which vehicles and seats require seat belts?
All seats with seat belts should generally be fastened. Key points include:
Franchised buses, public and private buses: Passengers must wear seat belts in all passenger seats if they are equipped with them
Private minibuses: If there are seat belts in the rear passenger seats, passengers must wear them
Trucks: If there are seat belts in the rear passenger seats, passengers must wear them; the front seats are already regulated by current laws, and this is an expansion to include more seats
Special purpose vehicles: Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts if they are installed
Penalties
Not wearing a seatbelt without a "reasonable excuse" can result in a fine of up to HK$5,000 and imprisonment for up to 3 months
Generally, passengers are responsible for whether or not they are wearing seat belts
Passengers under 15 years of age: If a driver is driving a truck or special purpose vehicle without a seatbelt in the back seat or passenger seat, the driver may be fined up to NT$2,000
Common situations
Calculation of broken seat belts: The driver should be notified immediately and moved to a seat where the seat belt is functioning properly; if law enforcement is encountered, it can be used as one of the reasonable excuses, and the law enforcement officers will judge whether to accept it
Bus passengers who "stand" are not affected by the new law; however, if you have a seat and a seatbelt, you should fasten it
Purchase accident insurance for yourself and your family
Accident insurance primarily covers "accidental death and permanent disability," "accidental medical expenses," "hospitalization cash allowance," and "global emergency support," providing a financial safety net for unexpected traffic accidents, falls, or other unforeseen events. Review service: We review claim data with you every six months, dynamically adjusting our plans to keep pace with healthcare inflation and ensure long-term cost control
The core coverage of accident insurance
| Insurance Project | Protect content |
|---|---|
| Accidental death and permanent disability |
• Core Coverage: In the event of accidental death, the beneficiary will receive a one-time compensation. • Permanent Disability: Compensation will be provided proportionally to the degree of disability, such as loss of limbs or blindness. • Double Compensation: Some products on the market offer double compensation for accidental death while using public transportation. |
| Accidental medical expenses |
• Coverage includes: hospitalization fees, surgery fees, outpatient treatment, physical therapy, traditional Chinese medicine treatments for injuries and acupuncture. • Reimbursement method: Usually on an "actual reimbursement" basis to ensure reasonable medical expenses are covered. |
| Hospitalization cash allowance | • In the event of an insured accident requiring hospitalization for a period of time, a cash allowance will be provided on a daily basis |
| Global emergency support |
• Services offered: 24-hour medical referrals, emergency transportation, and overseas hospitalization arrangements. • Applicable scenarios: Accidents while traveling or working abroad. |
There are accident insurance products on the market that cater to different lifestyles, covering:
"Commuters": Designed specifically for public transportation passengers, offering excellent value for money and suitable for commuters who take the bus or subway every day
"Travelers": Designed specifically for frequent business travelers or tourists, offering high coverage and global emergency support services
"Sports Enthusiasts": Coverage focuses on musculoskeletal injuries, including sprains, acupuncture, and rehabilitation treatment, suitable for sports enthusiasts
AWM cooperates with many top insurance companies. No matter what ethnic group you belong to and want to obtain further information, please contact us for free quotation inquiry