When you’re new to Hong Kong, the roads can seem like a buzzing, fast-paced jumble of cars and other larger vehicles all vying for right of way without much of a thought for laws and road rules. The winding roads, lengthy one-way stretches, and spidery off-ramp systems make for one steep learning curve here. Other drivers are also a constant hazard, but simply because the culture of driving in Hong Kong can be different from your home country.
Here are some key features you should understand about driving in Hong Kong:
1. Hong Kong drives on the left
Like 17 other countries and territories around the world, Hong Kong drives on the left side of the road. This will not be unfamiliar for those of you from places like Australia, the UK, Malaysia, or South Africa, but can be a bit of an adjustment if you’re from the right-side driving world.
2. No turning on a red light
In some countries, turning left on a red light is still legal as long as the road is clear and you can make the turn safely. Driving through a red light at any time is illegal in Hong Kong.
3. Traffic lights dictate right of way
Traffic lights are the authority when it comes to intersections. In countries like New Zealand, the signals can give drivers wishing to turn a green light, while pedestrians crossing the road will have their own right of way signalled by a crossing light. Drivers are therefore expected to give way to pedestrians before making their turn. In Hong Kong, the traffic signals do not allow both pedestrians and vehicles to use the same stretch of road - but you should also be watchful when turning anyway.
4. Indicating to change lanes or turn
You must use your signals whenever you need to change lanes or turn in Hong Kong. You may see drivers frequently forgetting this rule, but it is a finable offence under local driving laws.
5. Slow lane left, fast lane right
When on a two-or-more laned road, slower vehicles should always use the left-most lane. If you need to pass or overtake a vehicle, you should do so on that car’s right side.
6. Stopping on motorways
There are some expressways where stopping is illegal and these will be highlighted by a red circled cross over blue sign. These are “no stopping” zones, but they do not apply in an emergency or when signaled to stop by a Police Officer/Traffic Warden. In emergencies, you should come safely to a stop and then turn on your hazard lights.
7. Roundabouts and traffic circles
Drivers need to take extra care to follow local Hong Kong laws related to roundabouts or traffic circles. You must always turn left at the entrance to a roundabout, giving way to those on your right or pedestrians waiting to cross at designated areas. Those exiting on the first left in a two-laned roundabout should always enter at the left-most lane, while those going straight or taking the third or fourth exit should take the lane most suitable for their path. Exits should always be signalled by indicating left prior to leaving the roundabout.
8. Seatbelts must be worn at all times
Safety is important and, in Hong Kong, seatbelts must be worn by all passengers in the vehicle - not just the driver. Children under the age of 15 should be secured by means of an approved child restraint suitable to their age and size, while children two years old or younger are recommended to have their child restraint secured in a back passenger seat rather than the front.
9. Drink-driving
As with most countries, drink-driving in Hong Kong is a criminal offence. Breath tests can be randomly requested by Police or can be required from any driver who has been involved in an accident, has committed a moving traffic offence, or is suspected of drink-driving. The legal alcohol limits in Hong Kong are:
- 50 milligrams per 100 ml of blood; or
- 22 micrograms per 100 ml of breath; or
- 67 milligrams per 100 ml of urine.
Those found to exceed the limits may face prosecution under the law.
10. Using your phone whilst driving
The laws of Hong Kong prohibit a driver from holding a hand-held mobile phone by hand or in between their ear and shoulder whilst the vehicle is in motion. Using a hands-free headset is fine, but being caught using the handset can see you liable for a fine of up to HKD 2,000.
