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Hong Kong Scraps Controversial Seat Belt Law After Backlash

2/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Hong Kong repealed a bus seat belt law five days after its January 25, 2026 enactment, citing “technical deficiencies.”
The law required seated passengers to wear seat belts, with fines up to HK$5,000.
Public backlash cited the law's strictness and confusion over applicability to newly registered buses.
Mable Chan, the Transport Secretary, said the law did not reflect legislative intent and that public consultation would precede any reintroduction.

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Story summary

Hong Kong repealed a bus seat belt law five days after its January 25, 2026 enactment, citing “technical deficiencies.”
The law required seated passengers to wear seat belts, with fines up to HK$5,000.
Public backlash cited the law's strictness and confusion over applicability to newly registered buses.
Mable Chan, the Transport Secretary, said the law did not reflect legislative intent and that public consultation would precede any reintroduction.