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Oscar Liu

Hong Kong motorists will face stiffer penalties from January 1, when new fines for 19 types of traffic offences take effect.
The targeted offences under the Fixed Penalty (Criminal Proceedings) Ordinance include illegal parking, which will carry a fine of HK$400 (US$51), 25 per cent higher than the previous HK$320.
The changes mark the first time the penalties have been adjusted in more than three decades.
“The fixed penalties for illegal parking and many other traffic contraventions have remained unchanged for 31 years,” a government spokesman said.
“Compared with other jurisdictions, Hong Kong’s current penalty levels are significantly lower, and their deterrent effect has gradually weakened due to inflation.”
The new fines range from HK$480 to HK$1,500.


At the lower end of the scale, the fixed penalty for minor offences such as driving up to 15km/h (9.3mph) over the speed limit or unlawfully entering a yellow box junction will be HK$480.
At the top end, the most serious scheduled traffic contravention, driving more than 45km/h over the speed limit, will carry a HK$1,500 fine.
More common offences, such as using a mobile phone while driving or failing to stop at a zebra crossing, are set to increase from HK$450 to HK$675.
Outgoing lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun said fixed traffic penalties must rise over time to maintain their deterrent effect amid inflation after three decades, but he urged the government to make smaller, incremental adjustments in the future.
“I completely support an increase [in fines], but why wait 30 years to add such a huge amount? You might as well adjust it every five years; that would be much better,” Tien said.

He also lamented the lack of “humanised” enforcement, criticising authorities for ticketing drivers on quiet streets at night when no traffic was obstructed, an act he said stifled the “night economy” while failing to crack down on dangerous behaviour.
“The issue is not about how much the fine is; it is about when you act humanely and when you act mercilessly. The way tickets are issued now is just nonsensical, especially on roads with no meters, where drivers are not obstructing traffic or blocking anyone during dinner time. The handling is too rigid,” Tien said.
He added that the core problem lay in Hong Kong’s lack of parking spaces.
“If you have meters, the government gets revenue and people are willing to pay. But there are so many roads with no meters at all, what do you expect people to do?” he said.
The government spokesman said raising traffic fines in a measured way was necessary to curb rising violations and ensure smoother, safer roads for all users.
“At the same time, the government will strive to increase the supply of parking spaces to meet public demand and will strengthen publicity and education efforts on road safety,” he added.


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Hong Kong transport

Hong Kong to raise fines for 19 traffic offences on January 1, including illegal parking

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Transport chief Mable Chan says the Hong Kong and Guangdong governments are determined to ensure strict enforcement of the scheme. Photo: May Tse

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Motorists will also be able to pay penalties on a digital platform set up by the force. Photo: Winson Wong

Officers can save up to 15 minutes in processing time after issuing the electronic tickets, according to the force. Photo: Jelly Tse

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News

Hong Kong

Transport

New penalties to range from HK$480 for minor offences to HK$1,500 for serious violations such as driving more than 45km/h over speed limit


New penalties to range from HK$480 for minor offences to HK$1,500 for serious violations such as driving more than 45km/h over speed limit.


Hong Kong to raise fines for 19 traffic offences on January 1, including illegal parking

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}New penalties to range from HK$480 for minor offences to HK$1,500 for serious violations such as driving more than 45km/h over speed limit

New penalties to range from HK$480 for minor offences to HK$1,500 for serious violations such as driving more than 45km/h over speed limit