Transport authority maintains left-hand traffic, rules out change to right-hand traffic

10th April 2024 – (Hong Kong) The Transport and Logistics Bureau indicated on Wednesday that there are no plans to switch Hong Kong’s left-hand traffic to right-hand traffic, as adopted by mainland China and the United States. This response came after a lawmaker, Ben Chan of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, inquired about the possibility of relaxing the registration of left-hand drive vehicles.

Chan also raised the question of whether Hong Kong authorities would consider adopting China’s vehicle examination standards in the future, as the city currently follows European standards for examining imported vehicles.

Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Liu Chun-san, responded in writing, stating that Hong Kong currently adheres to the rule of driving on the left side of the road, known as left-hand traffic. The city’s transport infrastructure and traffic management measures are designed and developed based on this traffic rule.

Liu explained that left-hand drive vehicles are not compatible with the transportation and road systems of left-hand traffic, as their steering wheels are positioned on the left side. This misalignment can narrow the field of vision for motorists and increase risks during manoeuvres such as overtaking, turning right at priority junctions, navigating roundabouts, or merging onto expressways from slip roads.

Furthermore, Liu highlighted that parking payment facilities in Hong Kong are predominantly positioned on the right side of vehicles for driver convenience. Conversely, passenger drop-off and pick-up areas, as well as passenger queuing facilities, are typically located on the left side.

However, Liu mentioned that the Transport Department may issue permits, subject to specific conditions, to authorise the use of individual left-hand drive vehicles on Hong Kong’s roads under particular circumstances.