Hong Kong Traffic: Rules & Emergencies

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Some expats might take a while before they feel comfortable navigating through Hong Kong's traffic.

If you plan on hitting the road in Hong Kong, traffic regulations are the first thing you should learn by heart. They might be very different to those you are used from your home country. Our guide on Hong Kong traffic gives you an overview on rules, penalties, and what to do in case of an accident.

Hong Kong Traffic: Regulations

In many countries which have been under British rule, and this also applies for Hong Kong, traffic moves on the left side of the road. All other major traffic rules as well as further tips for safe driving are listed in the Road User’s Code issued by the Transport Department. Below are some of the more important ones.

The usual speed limit on all roads is 50 km/h. On major roads within Hong Kong, traffic can legally move as fast as 70 km/h, 80 km/h or 100 km/h. High speed zones are always clearly marked. You may overtake only on the right unless there are traffic queues. If there is a solid white line on the street, you are forbidden to overtake other cars.

In general, cars coming from minor roads must give way to traffic on main roads. At larger intersections, right of way is regulated by road signs. There are “give way” and “stop” signs, which indicate that you have to stop even if there is no traffic. When entering roundabouts, which are becoming more and more popular in Hong Kong, traffic on your right has right of way. Signal left when you exit the roundabout again.

Hong Kong Traffic: Regulations on Alcohol and Phones

Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal, and penalties for all offences are severe. The limit is 50 mg alcohol per 100 ml of blood. The police have the right to demand a breath test if they suspect you are over this limit. If the breath test indicates that their suspicion is correct, they will take you to the police station for additional blood and/or urine tests. Moreover, using mobile phones while driving is prohibited - you may only use a hands-free system for talking on the phone in your car.

Hong Kong Traffic: Offences and Penalties

In Hong Kong, traffic offences are met with two kinds of penalties. First, there are strong penalties on driving offences. Any offence considered dangerous driving by the government (a list of all dangerous driving offences is available online) can incur a maximum fine of HK$ 25,000 as well as three years of imprisonment and/or a disqualification from driving for at least six months. If the dangerous driving offence leads to the death of a person, the maximum fine goes up to HK$ 50,000 and you may be imprisoned for no less than ten years or face disqualification from driving for more than five years.

Hong Kong Traffic: Driving-Offence Points

In addition to fines and other penalties, certain offences against Hong Kong traffic regulations carry driving-offence points, which are then centrally recorded. If you have received ten points within a period of two years, you have to attend a driving improvement course which you have to pay for yourself. If you get as many as 15 points or more during the two-year period, your license can be revoked for at least three months. Just to give you an idea, failing to comply with traffic signs will earn you five points, exceeding the speed limit by more than 15 km/h three points, and for driving under the influence of alcohol ten points.

Hong Kong Traffic: Accidents and Emergencies

In Hong Kong, traffic accidents are no less common than in other cities of its size. If you get into an accident, you should first warn the other traffic with hazard warning lights and a warning triangle. Then get help by calling either the emergency number 999 or using one of the roadside emergency telephones. Provide first aid if necessary and stay at the scene until the emergency services arrive. In Hong Kong, traffic accidents leading to injury of persons or damage of property need to be reported to the police. This includes minor incidents, such as damaging a traffic sign. Report to the police no later than 24 hours after the incident occurred. If you damage another car in a parking lot and you do not have the possibility to contact the owner, you also need to go straight to the police.