ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES) REGULATIONS

ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES) REGULATIONS

ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES) REGULATIONS

ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS

Regulation Page
PART I

PRELIMINARY

1......................................Citation D4
2..............................Interpretation ........... D4
3......................................Application D5

PART II

PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCES

4.....................Application for passenger service licence - ......... ......................... D 5
5......................................Form and contents of-application D 5
6......................................Period of passenger service licence D 5
7......................................Contents of passenger service licence D 5
8......................................Amendment of passenger service licence D 6
9......................................Exemption of licensee from regulations D 6
10..............................Fees for passenger service licence ..... D 6
11......................................Licence to be delivered on cancellation, etc . D 6
IIA, Issue of duplicate passenger service licence D 7
12......................................Passenger service licence certificates and plates D 7

PART III

HIRE CAR PERMITS

13...........................Interpretation D8
14......................................Issue or refusal of hire car permits D 8
15......................................Restrictions on issue of hire cat permits and considerations for issue D 9
16......................................Renewal of permit DII
17...........................Replacement of permit for a different vehicle ................................... DII
18......................................Validity of permits D 12
19......................................Power to limit number of permits D 12
20..................Permit fees .................................................... ............... D 13
21......................................Offences and penalties for breach of permit conditions D 13
22......................................Cancellation of permits D 13
23......................................Right of review D 14
24-25. (Repealed) ......................- --- D 14
26. Return of permits to Commissioner ..D 14
27......................................Production of permit or records on request D 15





Regulation Page
PART IV

STANDS AND STOPPING PLACES

28......................................Public light bus stopping places DIS
29.................Public light bus stands .................................................................... D 16
30......................................Taxi stands D 16
31......................................Designation of temporary stands and stopping places D 17
32......................................Temporary suspension of stands and stopping places D 17
33......................................Picking up and setting down passengers D 17
34......................................Use of stands and stopping places by public service vehicles D18
35......................................Conduct at public light bus stands D 19
36......................................Conduct at taxi stands D 19

PART V

OBLIGATIONS OF DRwERs, LICENSEES AND PASSENGERS

37......................................Obligations of taxi driver D 20
37A. Driver may refuse hire or to drive if passenger fails to wear seat belt D 20
38......................................Hiring of public service vehicle as a whole D 20
39......................................Insurance and driving licence D 21
40......................................Soliciting D 21
41......................................Carriage of goods D 22
42......................................Carriage of animals, birds, etc . D 22
43................Public service vehicle badges .................................................................... D 22
44......................................Cleanliness D22
45......................................General conduct of driver D 23
45A. Conduct of passengers in relation to scat belts D 24
46......................................General conduct of passengers D 24

PART VI

FARES AND TAmmETERs

47......................................Taxi fares D 26
48................Offences in relation to fares .................................................................... D 27
49......................................Use of taximeter, etc . D 27





Regulation Page
PART VII

NoTicEs

50......................................Destination indicators and fares to be displayed on public light bu ses D 28
51......................................Notices and numbers to be displayed on certain public service vehicles D 29
52......................................Information on services operated under a passenger service licence D 29

PART VIII

LOST PROPERTY

53......................................Lost property found by passengers D 30
54......................................Search for lost property D 30
55......................................Disposal of lost property D30
PART VIIIA
REviEw BY A TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL
55A.....................................Review D 30
55B. Practice and procedure on review ..D 31

PART IX
MISCELLANEOUS
56.Powers of drivers of certain public service vehicles to refuse entry and demand
removal .............................D 31
57......................................Offences D32
58......................................Powers of arrest D32
59......................................Forms D32
60......................................Revocation D 32
61......................................Transitional provisions D33
62......................................Transitional. Conversion of taximeters D 33

Schedule 1. Fees ........................D33
Schedule 2. Passenger service licence certificate and plate D 34
Schedule 3. Conditions for the user of a private vehicle in respect of which a permit is
issued under Part 111 ...................D35
Schedule 4. Stands and stopping places ..D 36
Schedule 5. Taxi fares ..................D 41
Schedule 6. Colours of destination indicators on public light buses D 42
Schedule 7. Transitional provisions .....D43
Schedule 8. Requirements of a notice under regulation 51(3) D 44





ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC SERVICE VEMCLES) REGULATIONS

(Cap. 374, sections 7 and 14)
[25 August 1984]L.N. 300 of 1984

L.N. 289 of 1983 - L.N. 33 of 1984, L.N 261 of 1984, L.N. 52 of 1986, L.N. 51 of 1987, L.N. 248 of
1987, L.N. 385 of 1987, R.Ed. 1987, L.N. 185 of 1988, L.N. 353 of 1988, L.N. 38 of 1989, L.N.
71 of 198 L.N. 76 of 1989 L N 206 of 1989 L.N 207 of 1989

PART I
PRELIMINARY

1.Citation

These regulations may be cited as the Road Traffic (Public Service
Vehicles) Regulations.

2. Interpretation

(1) In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires-
,,authorized person' means any employee of a licensee on duty on or in
connection with a vehicle;
'hirer' includes a person intending to seek hire;
'licensee' means a person who is the holder of a valid passenger service licence;
'parking', subject to subregulation (2), means the standing of a vehicle,
whether occupied or not, except when standing temporarily for the
purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading or picking
up or setting down passengers;
'public light bus stand' means an area of road designated as a public light bus
stand under regulation 29 or 3 1;
'public light bus stopping place' means an area of road designated as a public
fight bus stopping place under regulation 28 or 3 1;
',scheduled service' means a service of one or more vehicles authorized under a
passenger service licence and limited by the conditions of such licence to
specified routes;
'taxi stand' means an area of road designated as a taxi stand under regulation
30 or 31.
(2) Notwithstanding the definition of 'parking' in subregulation (1), a
vehicle shall be deemed not to be parked for the purposes of these regulations
where it is prevented from proceeding by breakdown or other circumstances
beyond the driver's control, and all reasonable steps are taken to minimize any
obstruction and effect the removal of the vehicle as soon as possible.





3. Application

These regulations shall not apply to a public bus operated under a
franchise granted under the Public Bus Services Ordinance (Cap. 230).

PART II

PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCES

4. Application for passenger service licence

(1) A person proposing to operate a public bus service, a private bus
service or a public light bus service within the meaning of section 27 of the
Ordinance may at any time deliver to the Commissioner an application for a
passenger service licence in accordance with these regulations.
(2) Where the Commissioner considers it desirable to introduce a service
referred to in subregulation (1) he may by notice in the Gazette or in such other
manner as he thinks fit, invite applications for a passenger service licence under
subregulation (1).

5. Form and contents of application

An application under regulation 4 shall be in a form specified by the
Commissioner and shall set out-
(a) the type of service proposed;
(b) the route or area to be served;
(c) the number and type of vehicles to be operated on the service;
(d) the maintenance facilities proposed;
(e) the stalf to be employed;
the frequency at and the period on each day during which the
service shall be operated;
(g) proposed fares (if any); and
(h) such other particulars as the Commissioner may require.

6. Period of passenger service licence

A passenger service licence may be issued for a period not exceeding 5
years and may be extended by the Commissioner for a further period or periods
each of not more than 5 years.

7. Contents of passenger service licence

A passenger service licence shall be in a form specified by the
Commissioner and shall set out-





(a) its date of commencement and expiry;
(b) the passenger service licence number;
(c) the name of the licensee;
(d)the service or services in respect of which the passenger service
licence is issued;
(e)the registration marks of the vehicles to be operated under the
passenger service licence;
(f) any conditions specified under section 29 of the Ordinance;
(g) any exemptions specified under regulation 9;
(h)the fee payable under regulation 10 and the date upon which such
fee is payable; and
(i) such other particulars as the Commissioner deems necessary.

8. Amendment of passenger service licence

(1) The Commissioner may, after consultation with the licensee, by giving
3 months' notice in writing to the licensee, either personally or by registered
post, amend the terms or conditions of a passenger service licence at any time
during its validity, whether by way of expansion, variation or curtailment of the
service or services provided for, or otherwise. (L.N. 185 of 1988)
(2) Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Commissioner under
subregulation (1) may, within 14 days after the notification under subregulation
(1), apply in writing to the Commissioner for a review of the decision by a
Transport Tribunal, and that decision shall not take effect pending the outcome
of the review. (L.N. 185 of 1988)
(3) Regulations 55A and 55B shall apply to an application made under
subregulation (2). (L.N. 185 of 1988)

9. Exemption of licensee from regulations

The Commissioner may, in his discretion, exempt a licensee from the
requirements of any provision of these regulations specified in the passenger
service licence, subject to the conditions (if any) specified in such licence.

10. Fees for passenger service licence

The fees for a passenger service licence shall be as specified in Part A of
Schedule 1 and shall be payable on the date specified in such licence.

11. Licence to he delivered on cancellation, etc.

(1) Where a passenger service licence is cancelled, suspended or varied
under section 31 or 35 of the Ordinance, or amended under regulation 8, the





licensee shall, within 72 hours after such cancellation, suspension, variation
or amendment comes into effect, deliver the passenger service licence to the
Commissioner. (L.N. 185 of 1988)
(2) Where a passenger service licence is delivered under subregulation (1)
the Commissioner shall-
(a) record the cancellation of;
(b) withhold; or
(c) amend,
the passenger service licence as the circumstances require.

11A. Issue of duplicate passenger service licence
Where a passenger service licence issued to a licensee is lost, defaced or
destroyed, the Commissioner may, on payment of the appropriate fee specified
in Part A of Schedule 1, issue a duplicate licence, which shall have the same
force and effect as the original licence.
(L.N. 185 of 1988)

12. Passenger service licence certificates and plates
(1) The Commissioner shall, on application by a licensee and on payment
of the appropriate fee specified in Part B of Schedule 1, issue in respect of each
vehicle operated under a passenger service licence a certificate in a form
specified by the Commissioner. (L.N. 185 of 1988)
(2) A certificate issued under subregulation (1) shall be valid for a period
of 12 months from the date of issue thereof or until the expiry of the passenger
service licence to which the certificate relates, whichever is the sooner, and shall
not be transferable to another vehicle.
(3) Every vehicle operated under a passenger service licence shall
display-
(a)the certificate issued under subregulation (1) on the left hand half
of the vehicle's windscreen in a manner as to be visible from the
front of the vehicle; and (L.N. 185 of 1988)
(b)at the rear of the vehicle, a plate showing the passenger service
licence number in accordance with Figure No. 2 of Schedule 2.
(4) No person shall drive or use a vehicle operated under a passenger
service licence or suffer or permit such a vehicle to be driven or used, if such
vehicle-
(a)does not display the certificate and the plate referred to in
subregulation (3);
(b)displays any such certificate or plate other than in the manner
prescribed by subregulation (3);
(c)displays any certificate or plate, purporting to be a certificate or
plate referred to in subregulation (3), that-





(i) is damaged, altered or defaced;
(ii) does not relate to a passenger service licence currently in
force in respect of the vehicle; or
(iii) does not relate to the vehicle; or
(d)displays a certificate referred to in subregulation (3) that is
invalid.
(5) Where a certificate issued under subregulation (1) is lost, defaced or
destroyed, the Commissioner may, on payment of the appropriate fee specified
in Part B of Schedule 1, issue a duplicate certificate, and such certificate when
issued shall be deemed to be a certificate issued under subregulation (1) and
shall have the same force and effect as the original certificate.
(6) No fee payable under this regulation shall be refunded.

PART 111

HIRE CAR PERMITS

13. Interpretation

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires-
'applicant' means an applicant for a hire car permit;
'hire car permit' means a hire car permit referred to in regulation 14(1);
'hire car permit holder' means a person who is the holder of a valid hire car
permit;
'hire car service' means any type of hire car service specified in regulation
14(1);
'hotel' has the meaning assigned to it by section 2 of the Hotel Proprietors
Ordinance (Cap. 158);
'tourist agent' means any person carrying on a business in Hong Kong
consisting wholly or in part of organizing and conducting tours for, or
supplying guides to, visitors to Hong Kong.

14. Issue or refusal of hire car permits

(1) Subject to this regulation and to regulations 15 and 19, the
Commissioner may for the purpose of authorizing the use of a private car for
the carriage of passengers for hire or reward, issue in respect of the private car a
hire car permit for any of the following types of services-
(a) an hotel hire car service;
(b) a tour hire car service;
(c) an airport hire car service;
(d) a school hire car service;
(e) a private hire car service.





(2) An application for a hire car permit in respect of a private car shall be
made to the Commissioner in the specified form by the registered owner of the
private car.
(3) On receipt of an application under subregulation (2) and on payment
of a fee calculated in accordance with regulation 20, the Commissioner may
issue to the applicant a hire car permit if the Commissioner-
(a) is satisfied-
(i) as to the particulars furnished in the application;
(ii) that there is in force in relation to the user of the private car
for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward such policy
of insurance or such a security in respect of third party risks
as complies with the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party
Risks) Ordinance (Cap. 272);
(iii) that such policy or security will remain in force during the
period of validity of the hire car permit applied for; and
(iv)that there is in force a vehicle licence in respect of the private
car to which the application relates; and
(b) is of the opinion that the type of hire car service specified in the
application is reasonably required.
(4) Subject to regulation 18, a hire car permit shall be valid until the
vehicle licence of the private car in respect of which the hire car permit is issued
next expires; and the Commissioner shall specify the date of expiry of the hire
car permit in the permit.
(5) A hire car permit shall be subject to such of the conditions set out in
Schedule 3 as are specified in the hire car permit and to such other conditions as
the Commissioner may from time to time specify in the hire car permit.
(6) The Commissioner may refuse to issue a hire car permit, and if he
does so, shall give the applicant notice in writing, either personally or by
registered post, of his refusal and inform him of the reasons therefor; and any
fee paid by the applicant under subregulation (3) shall be refunded to him.
(7) Where a hire car permit issued under subregulation (1) is lost, defaced
or destroyed, the Commissioner may, on payment of a fee of $60, issue a
duplicate permit, and such permit when issued shall be deemed to be a permit
issued under subregulation (1) and shall have the same force and effect as the
original permit. (L.N. 185 of 1988)

15. Restrictions on issue of hire car permits
and considerations for issue

(1) A hire car permit for an hotel hire car service may only be issued-
(a) where an hotel proprietor is the.registered owner of the private
car, to the hotel; or





(b)in any other case, to the registered owner of the private car
who produces, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, written
approval from the proprietor or manager of the hotel concerned
for the provision of an hotel hire car service exclusively for that
hotel,
and in determining whether to issue such a hire car permit, the Commissioner
may have regard to, amongst other matters, whether the number of bedrooms
and general standard of service provided by the hotel to which the application
for the hire car permit relates, and its location, are such that an hotel hire car
service is reasonably required for such an hotel.
(2) A hire car permit for a tour hire car service may only be issued-
(a)where a tourist agent is the registered owner of the private car, to
the tourist agent; or
(b)in any other case, to the registered owner of the private car
who produces, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, written
approval from a tourist agent for the provision by such owner of
a tour hire car service exclusively for that tourist agent,
and in determining whether to issue such a hire car permit, the Commissioner
may have regard to, amongst other matters-
(i) the nature and availability of existing facilities for visitors to tour
Hong Kong; and
(ii) whether the applicant has the means and experience to enable
him to provide visitors to Hong Kong with a suitable standard of
tour hire car service.
(3) (a)A hire car permit for an airport hire car service may only be
issued to the registered owner of the private car who produces, to
the satisfaction of the Commissioner, written approval from the
Director of Civil Aviation for the provision of an airport hire car
service and, in determining whether to issue such a hire car
permit, the Commissioner may have regard to, amongst other
matters, the nature and availability of existing facilities-
(i) for persons arriving in Hong Kong by air to reach their
destination within Hong Kong; and
(ii) for persons intending to depart from Hong Kong by air to
reach Kai Tak Airport.
(b)No other type of hire car permit shall be issued in addition to a
hire car permit for an airport hire car service in respect of the
same private car without the further approval in writing of the
Director of Civil Aviation.
(4) A hire car permit for a school hire car service may only be issued to
the registered owner of the private car and, in determining whether to issue
such a hire car permit. the Commissioner may have regard to, amongst other
matters-





(a)whether the applicant's private car is licensed to carry 7
passengers; and
(b)whether the applicant is able to provide satisfactory evidence that
the proposed school hire car service to the school or schools
specified in his application is required by the production of
written approval from the principal or head of each school
concerned.
(5) A hire car permit for a private hire car service may only be issued to
the registered owner of the private car and, in determining whether to issue such
a hire car permit, the Commissioner may have regard to, amongst other
matters-
(a)the extent to which the area from which the applicant proposes to
operate the private hire car service is served by public transport;
(b)whether the applicant is able reasonably to demonstrate that a
private hire car service is required in the area from which he
proposes to operate; and
(c)whether the applicant has, in the area from which he proposes to
operate the private hire car service, a place which, in the opinion
of the Commissioner, is a suitable place to park the private car
when it is available for hire.

16. Renewal of permit

(1) A hire car permit holder may apply to the Commissioner in the
specified form for the renewal of his hire car permit for the same type of hire car
service in respect of the same private car at any time during the period of 4
months immediately preceding the date of expiry of his existing hire car permit.
(2) On receipt of an application under subregulation (1) the Com-
missioner may, subject to regulations 15 and 19, issue to the applicant a new
hire car permit for the same type of hire car service in respect of the same
private car; and a hire car permit issued under this regulation shall take efrect
from the date of expiry of the existing hire car permit.
(3) Regulation 14(3), (4), (5) and (6) and regulation 15 shall apply in
relation to an application under subregulation (1) as if it were an application
for the issue of a hire car permit under regulation 14(2).

17. Replacement of permit for a diferent vehicle

(1) A hire car permit holder may apply to the Commissioner in the
specified form for the cancellation of his hire car permit and for a new hire car
permit to be issued to him in replacement thereof for the same type of hire car
service in respect of another private car of which the applicant is the registered
owner.





(2) On receipt of an application under subregulation (1) and on the
surrender to the Commissioner of the existing hire car permit he may cancel
that hire car permit and, subject to regulations 15 and 19, issue to the applicant
a new hire car permit for the same type of hire car service in respect of the other
private car specified in the application.
(3) Regulation 14(3), (4), (5) and (6) and regulation 15 shall apply in
relation to an application under subregulation (1) as if it were an application
for the issue of a hire car permit under regulation 14(2).

18. Validity of permits

Without prejudice to regulation 14(4), a hire car permit shall cease to be
valid on the happening of any of the following events-
(a)the withdrawal of approval referred to in regulation 15(1)(b), (2)(b)
or (3)(a) or (b) for provision of the hire car service concemed;
(b)the hire car permit holder ceases to be the registered owner of the
private car to which the hire car permit relates;
(c)the hire car permit holder transfers or otherwise parts with the
user of or disposes of the private car to which the hire car permit
relates to any other person;
(d) the hire car permit is cancelled under regulation 17(2) or 22.

19. Power to Unlit number of permits

(1) The Commissioner may by notice in the Gazette limit the number of
hire car permits which may at any time be issued for any type of hire car permit
specified in regulation 14(1) and may by notice in the Gazette vary any limit so
set.
(2) Any limit notified under subregulation (1) shall not affect any hire car
permit which is in force when the notice comes into operation.
(3) Where a limit is imposed under subregulation (1)-
(a)the Commissioner may by notice in the Gazette specify the
manner in which, and the date by which, applications under
regulation 14(2) may be made; and
(b)the Commissioner shall not be obliged to issue permits up to the
limit so imposed.
(4) If the Commissioner-
(a)receives applications for hire car pe rmits of a type specified in
regulation 14(1) which is the subject of a notice under sub-
regulation (1); and
(b)would, but for the limit under subregulation (1) on the number of
the hire car permits that may be issued for that type, grant
applications,
the Commissioner may cause the applications to be determined by lot.





20. Permit fees

(1) Subject to subregulation (2), the fees payable for hire car permits are
as follows-
(a) for a school hire car service permit $500 per annum;
(b) for any other hire car permit $1,000 per annum.
(2) Where by reason of regulation 14(4) a hire car permit will cease to be
valid-
(a)within 4 months of the date of the proposed issue thereof, the fee
payable under this regulation shall be an amount equal to 35 per
cent of the relevant annual fee specified in subregulation (1); or
(b)within 12 months of, but more than 4 months after, the date of
the proposed issue thereof, the fee payable under this regulation
shall be an amount equal to the relevant annual fee specified in
subregulation (1).
(3) If under regulation 14(4) or for any reason under regulation 18 a hire
car permit ceases to be valid, no part of the fee paid under this regulation- shall
be refunded.

21. 011ences and penalties for breach
of permit conditions

(1) Any person who drives or uses any private car in respect of which a
hire car permit is issued in contravention of any condition to which the hire car
permit is subject under regulation 14(5) commits an offence and is liable to a
fine of $ 1,000 and to imprisonment for 6 months.
(2) If an offence under subregulation (1) is committed by any person
other than the hire car permit holder, the hire car permit holder also commits
an offence and is liable to a fine of $1,000 and to imprisonment for 6 months.
(3) In any proceedings against a hire car permit holder for an offence
under subregulation (2) the onus shall be upon the hire car permit holder to
satisfy the court or magistrate that he was not aware and had no reasonable
grounds for believing that the private car was driven or used in contravention
of the condition of the hire car permit.

22. Cancellation of permits

(1) The Commissioner may cancel a hire car permit if-
(a)any condition to which it is subject under regulation 14(5) is
contravened; or
(b)the registered owner or a driver of the private car is convicted of
an offence under section 52(3), (5), (6), (7) or (8) of the Ordinance
or regulation 21.





(2) The Commissioner shall cancel a permit if-
(a)the vehicle licence of the private car in respect of which the
hire car permit is issued is suspended under section 93 of the
Ordinance; or
(b)there is not in force in relation to the user of the private car for
the carriage of passengers for hire or reward such policy of
insurance or such a security in respect of third party risks as
complies with the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks)
Ordinance (Cap. 272); or
(c)registration of the private car is transferred under regulation
16 of the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles)
Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg.); or
(d)the vehicle licence of the private car is surrendered to the Com-
missioner under regulation 24 of the Road Traffic (Registration
and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg.).
(3) Notification of the cancellation of a permit under subregulation (1) or
(2) shall be served forthwith in writing, either personally or by registered post,
on the holder of the hire car permit.

23. Right of review

(1) Any person aggrieved by-
(a)any condition specified by the Commissioner in a hire car permit
under regulation 14(5); or
(b)any decision of the Commissioner under regulation 14(6) or
22(1),
may within 14 days after-
(i) the issue of the permit; or
(ii) the notification under regulation 14(6) or 22(3),
as the case may be, apply to the Commissioner in the appropriate specified form
for a review by a Transport Tribunal of the condition or decision.
(2) Regulations 55A and 55B shall apply to an application made under
subregulation (1). (L.N. 185 of 1988)

24-25. (Repealed L.N. 185 of 1988)

26. Return of permits to Commissioner

(1) The holder of a hire car permit shall return the permit to the
Commissioner within 30 days of the happening of any of the following events~
(a)where the hire car permit ceases to be valid under regulation
14(4) or 18; and





(b) without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a)---
(i) on receipt of a notification under regulation 22(3), unless the
hire car permit holder applies for a review under regulation
23(1);
(ii) where an application for a review is deemed to have been
withdrawn under regulation 55A(3), on receipt of a noti-
fication under regulation 55A(4); or
(iii) in the event of such a review, where the Commissioner's
decision is confirmed under regulation 55B(2), on receipt of
a notification under regulation 55B(3). (L.N. 185 of 1988)
(2) Any person who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes sub-
regulation (1) commits an offence and is liable to a fine of $ 1,000.

27. Production of permit or records on request

(1) A police officer or the Commissioner may require the production for
examination-
(a) of a hire car permit by any person in charge of a vehicle which he
reasonably suspects is being or has been used in the operation of
a hire car service; or
(b) of a record referred to in condition 1(b) of Schedule 3 by the
operator of a hire car service at the address or addresses specified
in his hire car permit.
(2) The operator of a hire car service who, without reasonable excuse,
fails to produce-
(a) his hire car permit immediately when asked for it under
subregulation (1)(a); or
(b) the record mentioned in subregulation (1)(b) immediately when
asked for it under that subregulation,
commits an offence and is liable to a fine of $ 1,000.

PART IV

STANDS AND STOPPING PLACES

28. Public light bus stopping places

(1) The Commissioner may designate an area of road as an area within
which a public light bus may stop for the purpose of picking up or setting down
passengers.
(2) A public light bus stopping place may be designated under sub-
r , egulation (1) in respect of more than one public light bus service, and
notwithstanding that it is also designated as a bus stop under the Public Bus
Services Ordinance (Cap. 230).





(3) The Commissioner shall cause every public light bus stopping place-
(a) where the stopping place is not also a bus stop under the Public
Bus Services Ordinance (Cap. 230), to be delineated on the road
by means of road markings of the type set out in Figure No. 1 of
Schedule 4; and
(b) to be indicated by means of a traffic sign-
(i) where the stopping place is designated in respect of public
light buses on a scheduled service only, of the type set out in
Figure No. 2 of Schedule 4; or
(ii) where the stopping place is designated in respect of public
light buses on a service other than a scheduled service, of the
type set out in Figure No. 3 of Schedule 4.

29. Public Ught bus stands

(1) The Commissioner may designate an area of road as an area within
which a public light bus may stand for the purpose of picking up or setting
down passengers.
(2) The Commissioner shall cause every public light bus stand-
(a) to be delineated on the road by means of road markings of the
type set out in Figure No. 4 of Schedule 4; and
(b) to be indicated by means of a traffic sign-
(i) where the stand is designated in respect of public light buses
on a scheduled service only, of the type set out in Figure No.
5 of Schedule 4; or
(ii) where the stand is designated in respect of public light buses
on a service other than a scheduled service, of the type set
out in Figure No. 6 of Schedule 4.

30. Taxi stands

(1) The Commissioner may designate an area of road as an area within
which a taxi may stand or ply for hire.
(2) The Commissioner shall cause every taxi stand-
(a) to be delineated on the road by means of road markings of the
type set out in Figure No. 4 of Schedule 4; and
(b) to be indicated by means of a traffic sign of the type set out in
Figure No. 7 of Schedule 4.
(3) Where a taxi stand delineated and indicated in accordance with
subregulation (2)-
(a) is designated in respect of taxis that are licensed to be available
for hire or to carry passengers within the New Territories only,
the Commissioner shall cause the taxi stand to be indicated by





means of a traffic sign of the type set out in Figure No. 10 of
Schedule 4;
(b)is designated in respect of taxis other than taxis that are licensed
to be available for hire or to carry passengers within the New
Territories only, the Commissioner shall cause the taxi stand to
be indicated by means of a traffic sign of the type set out in
Figure No. 11 of Schedule 4;
(c)is designated in respect of taxis generally, the Commissioner shall
not cause the taxi stand to be indicated by means of a traffic sign
of the type set out in Figure No. 10 or 11 of Schedule 4. (L.N.
261 of 1984)

31. Designation of temporary stands and stopping places

The Commissioner of Police may designate an area of road as-
(a) a public light bus stopping place;
(b) a public light bus stand; or
(c) a taxi stand,
for any period not exceeding 72 hours and may indicate such designation by
traffic signs of such type and description as he considers appropriate.

32. Temporary suspension of stands and stopping places

The Commissioner of Police may suspend-
(a) a public light bus stopping place;
(b) a public light bus stand; or
(c) a taxi stand,
for any period not exceeding 72 hours by-
(i) covering or removing any traffic signs; or
(ii) the placing of signs of such type and description as he considers
appropriate.

33. Picking up and setting down passengers

(1) The driver of a public light bus on a scheduled service shall not stop to
pick up or set down passengers except as specified in the passenger service
licence in respect of such service.
(2) The driver of a public light bus on a service other than a scheduled
service, shall not stop to pick up or set down passengers except-
(a) at a public light bus stand or public light bus stopping place; or
(b)when requested by a passenger or hailed by an intending
passenger.





(3) The driver of a public bus on any public bus service shall not stop to
pick up or set down passengers except as specified in the passenger service
licence in respect of such service.
(4) The driver of a public bus or public light bus on hire within the
meaning of regulation 38 shall not stop to pick up or set down passengers
except at a place specified in a pre-arranged contract of hire.
(5) The driver of a taxi shall not stop to pick up or set down passengers
except-
(a)at a taxi stand designated in respect of the taxi under regulation
30; or (L.N. 261 of 1984)
(b)when requested by a passenger or hailed by an intending
passenger.
(6) Nothing in this regulation shall be construed as-
(a)permitting the driver of a public bus, public light bus or taxi to
stop for the purpose of picking up or setting down passengers at
any place or in any manner prohibited by these regulations, the
Road Traffic (Traffic Control) Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg.) or
any other enactment; or
(b)preventing the driver of a public bus, public light bus or taxi
from stopping for the purpose of enabling any person to remove
himself from the vehicle when ordered to do so under regula-
tion 56.

34. Use of stands and stopping places
by public service vehicles

(1) The Commissioner may, by the use of the time plate in Figure No. 8
or 9 of Schedule 4, placed in conjunction with the traffic sign in Figure No. 5, 6
or 7 of that Schedule, as appropriate, specify when a public light bus stand or
taxi stand may be used as such and when it may be used for parking by any
class of vehicle specified on the sign.
(2) Subject to subregulations (3) and (4), the driver of a public light bus
or taxi shall not park his vehicle at a public light bus stand or taxi stand,
as the case may be, except where a traffic sign and time plate referred to in
subregulation (1) so permit: (L.N. 261 of 1984)
Provided that a vehicle shall be deemed not to be parked for the purposes
of this subregulation where-
(a) if a taxi, it is standing for hire at a taxi stand; or
(b)if a public light bus, it is standing for the purpose of picking up or
setting down passengers at a public light bus stand.
(3) The driver of a public light bus on a service other than a scheduled
service shall not stop or park his vehicle at any public light bus stopping place





or public light bus stand which, under regulation 28 or 29, is designated in
respect of public light buses on a scheduled service only.
(4) The driver of a taxi shall not stop or park his taxi at any taxi stand
other than at a taxi stand designated in respect of the taxi under regulation 30.
(L.N. 261 of 1984)

35. Conduct at public light bus stands
(1) The driver of each of the first 2 public light buses standing at a public
light bus stand-
(a) shall not, without reasonable excuse, leave his vehicle; and
(b) shall be ready and willing at all times to drive his vehicle from the
stand.
(2) The driver of a public light bus standing at a public light bus stand
shall-
(a) move up his vehicle as vacancies occur;
(b) if he is requested to do so by the driver of another public light
bus, move his vehicle in order to permit the other public light bus
to be driven from the stand; and
(c) move his vehicle, in accordance with any direction given to him
by a police officer or traffic warden in uniform, from the stand or
to any position within the stand.
(3) No person shall without lawful authority obstruct-
(a) a driver of a public light bus from-
(i) moving his vehicle into a public light bus stand, which has a
vacant space therein;
(ii) moving his vehicle forward in turn to any space in front of
his vehicle that becomes vacant within the public light bus
stand;
(iii) picking up passengers when his vehicle is stopped or
standing within a public light bus stand; or
(iv) moving his vehicle away from a public light bus stand; or
(b) any other person from boarding a public light bus that is stopped
or standing within a public light bus stand.
(4) Nothing in this regulation shall be construed as preventing the driver
of a public light bus from parking his vehicle at a public light bus stand where a
traffic sign and time plate referred to in regulation 34(1) so permit.

36. Conduct at taxi stands
(1) The driver of each of the first 2 taxis at a taxi stand shall sit in or stand
beside his taxi and shall be ready to be hired at once by any person.
(2) The driver of every taxi at a taxi stand shall move up his taxi as
vacancies occur.





(3) If a person wishes to engage a taxi-
(a)the driver of the first taxi at the taxi stand shall accept the hire;
and
(b)the driver of a taxi other than the first taxi at the stand shall not
accept the hire, unless the drivers of all taxis ahead of his taxi at
the stand have either accepted a hire or are not in or near their
taxis.
(4) Nothing in this regulation shall be construed as preventing the driver
of a taxi from parking his vehicle at a taxi stand where a traffic sign and time
plate referred to in regulation 34(1) so permit.

PART V

OBLIGATIONS OF DRIVERS, LicENsEEs AND PASSENGERS

37. Obligations of taxi driver

The driver of a taxi shall not without reasonable excuse-
(a)wilfully refuse or neglect to accept a hire from a hirer whether the
intention of such hirer is indicated expressly or by implication;
(b)refuse or neglect to drive the taxi to any place indicated by a
hirer;
(c)refuse or neglect to carry such number of passengers, not
exceeding the number specified in the vehicle licence in respect of
the taxi, as he may be required to carry by the hirer;
(d)when hired to drive to a specified destination, drive to such
destination other than by the most direct practicable route;
(e)when his taxi is hired, permit any person other than the hirer to
enter the taxi without the consent of the hirer.
37A.Driver may refuse hire or to drive if
passenger fails to wear seat belt

The driver of a taxi or public light bus when acting as such may refuse a
hire or to drive the vehicle if a passenger in the vehicle who is required by
regulation 7A of the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations (Cap. 374
sub. leg.) to wear a seat belt refuses or fails to do so.
(L.N. 38 of 1989)

38. Hiring of public service vehicle as a whole

(1) The registered owner of a public bus or public light bus, if permitted
to do so under the terms of a passenger service licence which is in force in





respect of the vehicle, and the registered owner of a taxi, may hire the vehicle to
any person at a rate of hire based on the time during which the vehicle is hired
with or without additional charge in respect of the mileage travelled by the
vehicle while it is so hired, or on such other terms as may be agreed with the
hirer.
(2) A condition of the hiring of a vehicle under subregulation (1) may be
that it shall be driven only by a person in the employ of the registered owner of
the vehicle or that such a person is provided to drive the vehicle.
(3) Before a vehicle is hired under subregulation (1), the registered owner
and hirer shall complete and sign 2 copies of a document which shall contain
the following particulars-
(a) the rate or scale of charges applicable to the hiring;
(b)details of the third party risks insurance held in respect of the
vehicle; and
(c)the names and addresses of the persons who are permitted to
drive the vehicle while it is the subject of the hiring and the
numbers of their driving licences.
(4) The registered owner shall retain one copy of the document and shall
produce it on demand by a police officer made within 3 months after the
commencement of the hiring.
(5) The hirer shall retain one copy of the document and shall produce it
on demand by a police officer made during the continuance of the hiring.

39. Insurance and driving licence
Notwithstanding anything. in regulation 38, the registered owner of a
public bus, public light bus or taxi shall not hire the vehicle to any person unless
he is satisfied, in respect of each person whose name appears on the document
referred to in regulation 38(3) as a person permitted to drive the vehicle, that-
(a)during the continuance of the hiring there shall be in force in
relation to the user of the vehicle by each such person, such
policy of insurance or such a security in respect of third party
risks as complies with the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party
Risks) Ordinance (Cap. 272); and
(b)each such person is the holder of a valid driving licence issued
under the Road Traffic (Driving Licences) Regulations (Cap. 374
sub. leg.) which entitles him to drive the public bus, public light
bus or taxi, as the case may be.

40. Soliciting
No driver or person acting or purporting to act on behalf of the driver of a
public bus, public light bus or taxi, shall in any manner attract or endeavour to
attract any person in order to induce such person to make use of the vehicle.





41. Carriage of goods

(1) No goods other than personal hand baggage shall be carried on a
public bus, public light bus or taxi, except, in the case of a public bus or public
light bus, goods carried for hire or reward in accordance with a goods permit
issued under the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Reg-
ulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg.).
(2) No personal hand baggage which is permitted under subregulation (1)
shall include any goods which-
(a) are of a dangerous or offensive nature; or
(b) are not securely wrapped.
(3) Without prejudice to the generality of subregulation (1), in this
regulation-
'personal hand baggage' includes wheelchairs, crutches or any other thing used
as an aid to or means of mobility, carried by any passenger. (L.N. 353 of
1988)

42. Carriage of animals, birds, etc.

(1) The carriage of animals and birds on a public bus or public light bus
or in a taxi and the terms and conditions under which any animal or bird is
carried shall be at the sole discretion of the licensee in respect of the vehicle or,
in the case of a taxi, the driver of the vehicle.
(2) Any person who is permitted to take any animal or bird on a vehicle
under subregulation (1) shall be responsible for and shall pay for any damage
caused to the vehicle by the animal or bird.

43. Public service vehicle badges

(1) The Commissioner may issue to any person employed as the driver of
a public bus, public light bus or taxi a badge showing an identifying number.
(2) The driver of a public bus, public light bus or taxi who is issued with a
badge under subregulation (1) shall, at all times when he is on duty, wear his
badge in a conspicuous position.
(3) No person shall wear a badge issued under subregulation (1) that-
(a) has not been issued to him; or
(b) is altered or defaced.
(4) No person shall wear anything purporting to be a badge issued under
subregulation (1) that is not such a badge.

44. Cleanliness

The licensee in respect of a public bus or public light bus and the driver of
a taxi shall ensure that the vehicle is kept in a clean and tidy condition.





45. General conduct of driver

(1) The driver of a public bus, public light bus or taxi, when acting as
such-
(a) shall behave in a civil and orderly manner;
(b) shall be clean and tidy in his person and adequately clothed;
(c)shall not smoke in or on the vehicle when it has passengers on
board;
(d)shall take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of
passengers in or on or entering or alighting from the vehicle;
(e)shall ensure that all exits of the vehicle, including emergency
exits, are free from obstruction and, when passengers are on
board, are not locked;
(f)shall, if requested by any police officer or traffic warden in
uniform or any person authorized by the Commissioner, give
particulars of his name and address and the name and address of
the licensee or owner by whom he is employed;
(g)shall not, at any reasonable time, obstruct, or neglect to give all
reasonable information and assistance to, any person having
authority to examine the vehicle;
(h)shall not cause the vehicle to remain stationary on a road longer
than is necessary to pick up or set down passengers except at a
stand or place where such vehicles are permitted to stop for a
longer time than is necessary for that purpose;
(i) shall not unreasonably delay the journey; and
(j)shall not congregate or assemble with other drivers to the
annoyance of members of the public.
(2) A driver, when in charge of a taxi, shall-
(a)not deceive or refuse to inform a passenger or intending
passenger as to the proper fare and route to any place;
(b)at all times when the taxi is available for hire or is hired, carry,
for the purpose of giving change, not less than-
(i) $90 in notes of a denomination of $10 or in coins of a
denomination of $2 or more; and
(ii) $10 in coins of a denomination of $1 or less;
(c)while the taxi is available for hire, not loiter or stop elsewhere
than at a taxi stand except through accident or unavoidable
cause;
(d)while conveying passengers to or picking up passengers from any
place of public amusement or assembly, draw up in order of
arrival as near to the door or entrance thereto as is reasonably
practicable and, subject to any direction by a police officer or
traffic warden in uniform, drive the taxi away immediately after





the passengers have alighted from or boarded the taxi in such
manner as to cause the minimum of obstruction and congestion.

45A. Conduct of passengers in relation to seat belts
A passenger in a taxi or public light bus who is required by regulation 7A
of the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg.) to
wear a seat belt but who refuses or fails to do so shall-
(a)leave the vehicle if so required by the driver, an authorized person
or a police officer; and
(b) (i) in the case of a taxi, pay the legal fare then recorded on the
taximeter; and
(ii) in the case of a public light bus, pay, if he has not already
done so, the fare indicated at the time he boarded the vehicle
on the card displayed in accordance with regulation 50(3).
(L.N. 38 of 1989)

46. General conduct of passengers

(1) A passenger or intending passenger on a public bus, public light bus
or taxi shall not-
(a)use obscene or offensive language or conduct himself in a
disorderly manner;
(b)wilfully obstruct, impede or distract the driver of the vehicle or an
authorized person;
(c)wilfully do or cause to be done with respect to any part of the
vehicle or its equipment, or any accessory thereto, anything
which is calculated-
(i) to obstruct or interfere with the working of the vehicle or to
cause damage; or
(ii)to cause injury, discomfort, annoyance or inconvenience to
any other person;
(d)spit or wilfully damage, soil, deface or defile any part of the
vehicle or any equipment thereon, or any accessory thereto;
(e)wilfully remove, displace, deface or alter any number plate, fare
table, route indicator or destination board or any printed or
other notice or advertisement in or on the vehicle;
(f)drive the vehicle, or interfere with its doors or any other
mechanism, device or control which forms part of the vehicle or
which is connected with the vehicle;
(g) enter or alight from the vehicle while it is in motion;
(h) when entering or attempting to enter the vehicle-
(i)impede any passenger seeking to enter or alight from the
vehicle; or





(ii) behave in any other manner which is likely to delay the
vehicle;
(i)enter, remain or travel in or on the vehicle while in possession
of-
(i) any firearm, unless he is a police officer, or member of the
Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force under the Royal
Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force Ordinance (Cap. 233)
or of the Customs and Excise Service under the Customs
and Excise Service Ordinance (Cap. 342), and is on duty; or
(ii) any other dangerous or offensive article;
(j)enter or remain in or on the vehicle when requested not to do so
by the driver or an authorized person on the grounds that-
(i) the petrol or oil tank of the vehicle is to be filled;
(ii) the vehicle is carrying its full complement of passengers; or
(iii)the driver or licensee is debarred, by reason of any
enactment or by reason of any condition attached to the
vehicle licence or passenger service licence issued in respect
of the vehicle, from permitting any passenger to enter or
remain in the vehicle at the place in question;
(k)enter or alight from the vehicle when requested not to do so by
the driver or an authorized person on the grounds that, by reason
of any enactment or by reason of any condition attached to the
vehicle licence or passenger service licence issued in respect of the
vehicle, the place in question is a place where-
(i) the vehicle is not permitted to stop; or
(ii)the passengers are prohibited from entering or alighting
from the vehicle;
(1)if his condition is such as to be offensive to passengers on the
vehicle, or the condition of his dress or clothing is such that it
may be reasonably expected to soil or injure any lining, cushion,
seat or other part of the vehicle or the clothing of any passenger
on the vehicle, enter or remain in or on the vehicle after the driver
of the vehicle, or an authorized person or police officer, has
requested him-
(i) not to enter the vehicle; or
(ii) to leave the vehicle,
by reason of his condition or of the condition of his dress or
clothing;
(m)bring any article into or onto the vehicle without the permission
of the driver or an authorized person, or place such article in
any place in which such driver or authorized person may have
requested him not to place such article;
(n) when in or on the vehicle-





(i) use or operate to the annoyance of any other person any
noisy or musical instrument or any gramophone, radio or
tape player;
(ii) make or combine with any other person to make excessive
noise by singing or shouting;
(iii)throw within the vehicle or on to any road or footway any
article or thing;
(iv) attach to or trail from the vehicle any streamer, balloon, flag
or other article or set or put any thing out of the vehicle in
such manner as to overhang the road; or
(v) lean out or put any limb out of the vehicle in such manner as
to overhang the road.
(2) A passenger or intending passenger on a public bus or public light bus
shall not-
(a) enter the vehicle otherwise than by the door or opening provided
for the entry of passengers, or alight from a vehicle other than
from the door or opening provided for the exit of passengers; or
(b) while in or on the vehicle-
(i) beg;
(ii) sell or offer for sale any article except with the permission of
the driver or licensee; or
(iii) distribute printed, written or similar matter of any
description or distribute any article for the purpose of
advertising.

PART VI

FARES AND TAximiTERs

47. Taxi fares

(1) The scale of fares for the hiring of taxis shall be as specified in
Schedule 5.
(2) No registered owner or driver of a taxi shall charge for the hiring of
the taxi a fare exceeding the appropriate scale of fares specified in Schedule 5.
(3) Light personal hand baggage, that is to say, light suitcases, hat boxes,
attache cases and similar articles may be carried inside the passenger com-
partment of the taxi and if so shall be carried free of charge.
(4) Wheelchairs and crutches of a disabled person who is a passenger in
a taxi shall not be regarded as baggage for the purposes of additional fares
specified in Schedule 5. (L.N. 353 of 1988)
(5) In this regulation-





'disabled person' means a person who is the holder of a certificate signed by or
on behalf of the Director of Health or the Director of Hospital Services
stating that such person is suffering from a permanent disease or physical
disability that causes him considerable difficulty in walking. (L.N. 353 of
1988; L.N. 76 of 1989)

48. Offences in relation to fares

(1) No person shall-
(a)hire a taxi, knowing or having reason to believe that he cannot
pay the legal fare chargeable under regulation 47 and with intent
to avoid payment of the legal fare;
(b)dishonestly endeavour to avoid payment of a legal fare lawfully
due from him; or
(c)having failed or refused to pay the fare demanded by the driver of
a taxi, either refuse to give to the driver of the taxi his name and
an address at which he can be found or give, with intent to
deceive, a false name or address.
(2) No person shall-
(a)board a public bus or a public light bus, knowing or having
reason to believe that he cannot pay the fare and with intent to
avoid payment of the fare; or
(b) dishonestly avoid payment of a fare due from him.
(3) In subregulation (2) 'fare', in relation to a public light bus, means the
fare indicated on the card displayed on the vehicle under regulation 50(3).

49. Use of taximeter, etc.

(1) The driver of a taxi available for hire shall-
(a) display the taximeter indicator; and
(b)during the hours of darkness keep the roof 'TAXI' sign
illuminated.
(2) The driver of a taxi as soon as the taxi has been hired shall move the
taximeter indicator to the recording position and as soon as the hiring has
terminated shall return the taximeter indicator to the non-recording position.
(3) For the purposes of subregulation (2) the hiring of the taxi shall
commence from the time at which the journey begins or the time at which the
taxi is first made immediately available to the hirer at the time and place
appointed by the hirer, whichever first occurs.
(4) If for the distance covered the taximeter records a fare clearly higher
than the legal fare chargeable under regulation 47, the hirer of the taxi shall not
be obliged to pay to the driver more than the legal fare.





(5) In this regulation 'taximeter indicator' means the taximeter indicator
referred to in regulation 42(1) of the Road Traffic (Construction and Main-
tenance of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg.). (L.N. 261 of 1984)

PART VII

NOTICES

50. Destination indicators and fares to
he displayed on public light buses

(1) A driver of a public light bus when acting as such shall ensure that, at
all times when it is used for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward-
(a)there is displayed at the front of the vehicle a destination
indicator which complies with subregulation (2); and
(b)such destination indicator is adequately illuminated at all times
when, by the provisions of any other enactment, the lights of the
vehicle are required to be illuminated.
(2) A destination indicator displayed on a vehicle in accordance with
subregulation (1) shall-
(a) be of a design and construction approved by the Commissioner;
(b)clearly indicate the destination of the vehicle in English and in
Chinese characters by reference to a road junction or a similarly
precise location; and
(c)be coloured in accordance with paragraph 1, 2, 3 or 4 of Schedule
6, as the case may be.
(3) A driver of a public light bus when acting as such shall ensure that, at
all times when it is used for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward, there
is displayed at the front of the vehicle in a prominent position a card which
complies with subregulation (4) showing the fare chargeable for carriage to the
destination indicated on the destination indicator.
(4) A card displayed on a vehicle in accordance with subregulation (3)
shall-
(a) be of a design and construction approved by the Commissioner;
(b)indicate the fare in English and Chinese in red letters and
characters on a white background.
(5) A licensee in respect of a public light bus, and a driver of a public light
bus when acting as such, shall not-
(a)change or remove a destination indicator while passengers are
being carried thereon with intent to induce any passenger to-
(i) alight from the vehicle before reaching the destination
indicated on the indicator at the time the passenger boarded
the vehicle; or





(ii) pay a fare additional to the fare indicated on the card
displayed on the vehicle under subregulation (3) at the time
the passenger boarded the vehicle;
(b)without reasonable excuse, require any passenger to alight from
the vehicle before reaching the destination indicated on the
destination indicator at the time the passenger boarded the
vehicle; or
(c)cause or permit to be displayed at the front of the vehicle more
than one destination indicator at any one time.

51. Notices and numbers to he displayed
on certain public service vehicles

(1) When a taxi is standing or plying for hire the driver shal~display so as
to be clearly visible to any passenger travelling in the taxi and legihfe to him-
(a)a table showing in English and in Chinese characters the scale of
fares chargeable in respect of the use of the taxi; and
(b) the registration mark of the vehicle.
(2) The licensee in respect of a public light bus shall ensure that there is
displayed on a plate inside the vehicle the registration mark of the vehicle.
(3) The owner of a taxi or a public light bus shall ensure that there is
displayed on the taxi or the public light bus, so as to be clearly visible at all
times of the day and night to any passenger who is required by regulation 7A of
the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg.) to wear a
seat belt, a notice which shall meet the requirements of Schedule 8. (L.N. 38
of 1989)
(4) No person shall drive a taxi or a public light bus when it is being used
for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward unless there is displayed on the
taxi or the public light bus a notice required to be displayed in accordance with
subregulation (3). (L.N. 38 of 1989)

52. Information on services operated under
a passenger service licence

(1) Subject to subregulation (2), a licensee may display signs indicating
the services provided by the licensee.
(2) A sign referred to in subregulation (1) shall not be displayed unless it
is-
(a) of a type; and
(b) at a place,
approved by the Commissioner.





PART VIII

LOST PRopERTY

53. Lost property found by passengers
Any person who finds any property accidentally left in a public bus, public
light bus or taxi shall immediately hand it in the state in which he finds it to the
driver or an authorized person, who shall deal with it in accordance with these
regulations.

54. Search for lost property
Immediately after the termination of every journey or hiring of a public
bus, public light bus or taxi, the driver or an authorized person shall carefully
search the vehicle to ascertain whether any property has been accidentally left
therein and if the vehicle is not searched by the driver or an authorized person
at the termination of the journey or hiring it shall be done as soon as is
practicable thereafter.

55. Disposal of lost property
(1) Any driver or authorized person who finds any property left in a
public bus, public light bus or taxi or any person to whom any such property is
handed shall, within 6 hours, deposit such property at a police station in the
state in which it was found by or handed to him and shall truly state the
particulars of such finding:
Provided that if such property is sooner claimed by the owner thereof and
satisfactory proof of ownership is given, it shall be restored to the owner
forthwith instead of being deposited at a police station.
(2) Any property deposited in a police station in accordance with the
provisions of subregulation (1) shall be disposed of in accordance with sections
40, 41 and 43 of the Police Force Ordinance (Cap. 232).

PART VIIIA

REVMW BY A TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL

55A. Review
(1) On receipt of an application for a review of the Commissioner's
decision by a Transport Tribunal, the Commissioner shall fix a time and place
for the review and give not less than 14 days' notice in writing thereof, either
personally or by registered post, to the applicant, and shall inform him that
if neither he nor his authorized representative appears at the hearing and
no written representations are received, the application shall be treated as
withdrawn.





(2) A Transport Tribunal may postpone a review if it thinks fit and where
a review is postponed the Commissioner shall cause a notice in writing to be
served, either personally or by registered post, on the applicant specifying
the date to which the review has been postponed, and shall inform him that
if neither he nor his authorized representative appears at the hearing and
no written representations are received, the application shall be treated as
withdrawn.
(3) If-
(a)an applicant or his authorized representative does not appear
before the Transport Tribunal on the date of the review notified
to him in a notice under subregulation (1) or (2); and
(b) an application makes no written representations,
his application for a review shall be deemed to have been withdrawn.
(4) Where an applicant for a review is deemed to have been withdrawn
under subregulation (3), the Commissioner shall give notice thereof in writing,
either personally or by registered post, to the applicant.

55B. Practice and procedure on review
(1) On a review a Transport Tribunal shall consider-
(a)any evidence received by it, whether tendered on behalf of the
applicant or otherwise, which it considers relevant to the review;
(b)any representations made by or on behalf of the applicant,
whether orally or in writing;
(c)any representations made by or on behalf of the Commissioner,
whether orally or in writing.
(2) The Transport Tribunal may confirm, vary or reverse the condition or
decision specified or made by the Commissioner.
(3) The Commissioner shall give notice in writing, either personally or by
registered post, to an applicant of the Transport Tribunal's decision under
subregulation (2).
(4) The decision of the Transport Tribunal under subregulation (2) shall
be final.
(L.N. 185 of 1988)

PART IX

MISCELLANEOUS

56. Powers of drivers of certain public service vehicles
to refuse entry and demand removal
(1) Without prejudice to any other provision of these regulations, the
driver of a public bus, public light bus or taxi may refuse entry to his vehicle
or may order any person to remove himself from the vehicle where he has





reasonable grounds to believe that such person has committed or is about to
commit an offence against these regulations.
(2) No person shall-
(a)having been refused entry under subregulation. (1), enter the
vehicle; or
(b)having been ordered to remove himself from the vehicle under
subregulation (1), fail to comply with such order.

57. Offences
(1) Any person who without reasonable excuse contravenes any of the,
provisions of, or any requirement under, regulation 12(4), 34, 35, 36, 38, 39,
45(1), 45A, 46, 48 or 49(1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a
fine of $3,000 and to imprisonment for 6 months. (L.N. 38 of 1989)
(2) Any person who without reasonable excuse contravenes any of the
provisions of, or any requirement under, regulation 11(1), 33, 41, 43(2). (3) or
(4), 44, 50, 51(1), (2), (3) or (4), 52(2), 53, 54, 55(1) or 56(2) commits an offence
and is liable on conviction to a fine of $2,000. (L.N. 38 of 1989)
(3) Any person who without reasonable excuse contravenes any of 1 the
provisions of, or any requirement under, regulation 37, 40, 45(2), 47(2) or 49(2)
commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $5,000 and to
imprisonment for 6 months. (L.N. 207 of 1989)

58. Powers of arrest
Any-
(a)driver of a public bus, public light bus or taxi while on duty and
while wearing his badge issued under regulation 43; and
(b) authorized person on duty,
may apprehend any person whom he believes on reasonable grounds to have
committed an offence against regulation 45A, 46, 48 or 56 and may detain such
person until he can be handed over to a police officer. (L.N. 38 of 1989)

59. Forms
The Commissioner may specify any form required for the purposes of these
regulations.

60. Revocation

The Road Traffic (Public Omnibus, Public Light Bus and Public Car)
Regulations (Cap. 220 sub. leg.)* and the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles)
Regulations (Cap. 220 sub. leg.)* are revoked.

* See Extractions 1984 Revision, Vol. 3.





61. Transitional provisions
(1) Without prejudice to the provisions of any other enactment, Schedule
7 shall have effect for the purposes of transition to the provisions of these
regulations from the provisions of-
(a)the Road Traffic (Public Omnibus, Public Light Bus and Public
Car) Regulations (Cap. 220 sub. leg.)* and the Road Traffic
(Public Service Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 220 sub.- leg.)*
revoked by regulation 60 of these regulations; and
(b)the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Reg-
ulations (Cap. 220 sub. leg.)* revoked by regulation 61 of the
Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regula-
tions (Cap. 374 sub. leg.),
and shall be in addition to and shall not derogate from section 23 of the
Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap. 1).
(2) The Governor may by order amend. Schedule 7.

62. Transitional. Conversion of Taximeters
(1) Until the taximeter of a taxi licensed to operate within Lantau has
been -

(a) converted to record the scale of fares in force pursuant to
regulation 2 of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles)
(Amendment)(No.2) Regulation 1989 (L.N. 206 of 1989)('the
amending regulations'); and
(b) tested and stamped and sealed by the Commissioner,
there shall be displayed in a prominent position inside such taxi a notice in a
form specified by the Commissioner setting out a table for converting the
reading on such taximeter to the appropriate fare under regulation 2 of the
amending regulations.
(2) If a notice in the form specified by the Commissioner under
subregulation (1) is not displayed in a taxi referred to in subregulation (1), the
fare for hiring such taxi shall, notwithstanding regulatin 47, be the fare shown
in the taximeter.
(L.N. 206 OF 1989)

SCHEDULE 1 [regs. 10, 11A & 12]
(L.N. 185 of 1988)

PART A

PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE FEES

1. Public bus service $150 per annum
2. Public light bus service $150 per annum

--------------------------------------------
* See Extractions 1984 Revision, Vol. 3.





3...................................Private bus service $150 per annum
4...................................Any duplicate licence (L.N. 185 of 1988) $W

PART B

PASSENGER SERvicE LICENCE CERTIFICATE FEES

1...............................Public bus $T3 vehicle per annum
2...............................Public light bus s~rr vehicle per annum
3...............................Private bus vehicle per annum
Any duplicate certificate .....vehicle

SCHEDULE2 [reg. 121

DIMENSIONS OF THE FIGURES IN THIS SCHEDULE ARE
IN MILLIMETRES UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED

FIGURE NO. 1

(Repealed L.N. 185 of 1988)

FIGURE NO'. 2

PSI LICENCE
NUMBER VANABLE)

RED

t iflor

PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE PLATE

PLATE TO BE DISPLAYED AT THE BACK OF A VEHICLE.

FOR VEHICLE USED ON A SCHEDULED SERVICE - GREEN IN
PLA CE OF RED.





SCHEDULE3 [regs. 14(5) & 271

CONDMONS FOR THE USER OF A PRIVATE VEHICLE IN RESPECT
OF WHICH A P~ IS ISSUED UNDER PART III

1 (a) The hire car service shall be operated only from an address-
(i) specified in the hire car permit issued therefor; and
(ii) registered with the Commissioner.
(b)No hire car service hiring shall commence unless there is first recorded in the specified
form of record at the address mentioned in paragraph (a) or at such other address (if
any) specified in the hire car permit- .
(i) the name of the person hiring the private car; and
(ii) a brief description of the journey for which the private car is hired.
2.The hire car permit shall be displayed inside the private car in respect of which it is issued in
such manner as is approved by the Commissioner in writing.
3.A hire car permit holder shall not place or cause to be placed on or in the private car any
marking, words, sign or device visible on or from the outside of the car except such as may be
approved or required by law or by the Commissioner in writing.
4.The private car shall not be fitted with any equipment permitting the driver to transmit and
receive messages by radio, unless the hire car permit is for an hotel hire car service or an airport
hire car service.
5.A private car in respect of which a hire car permit is issued for an hotel hire car service shall
not be hired other than for the conveyance of guests of an hotel which is specified in the hire
car permit and of persons bona fide accompanying such guests.
6.A private car in respect of which a hire car permit is issued for a tour hire car service shall not
be hired other than for the conveyance of visitors to Hong Kong and of persons bona fide
accompanying such visitors on ajourney which commences and terminates at the same point.
7.A private car in respect of which a hire car permit is issued for an airport hire car service shall
not be hired other than for the conveyance of persons who board or alight from the vehicle at
Kai Tak Airport.

8.A private car in respect of which a hire car permit is issued for a school hire car service shall
not be hired other than for the conveyance of the students, teachers and employees of any
schools.





SCHEDULE4 [regs. 28, 29, 30 & 341

DIMENSIONS OF THE FIGURES IN THIS SCHEDULE ARE
IN MILLIMETRES UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED

FIGURE NO. 1

CHANNEL----, KERB LINE-,

U

W H 17 E
AS REQUIRED

STOPPING PLACE

THIS ROAD MARKING WHEN PLACED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
SIGN IN:-

FIGURE NO. 2 DEMARCATES THE LIMITS OFA STOPPING PLACE THAT
MAY REUSED BY VEHICLES ON SCHEDULED SERVICES.

(b)FIGURE NO. 3 DEMARCATES THE LIMITS OFA STOPPING PLACE THAT
MAY BE USED BY PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.

FIGURE NO. 2

WHITE

GREEN

- 1

SCHEDULED SERVICE STOPPING PLACE

THIS SIGN WHEN PLACED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ROAD
MARKING IN FIGURE NO. 1 INDICATES A STOPPING PLACE THAT
MAY BE USED BY VEHICLES ON SCHEDULED SERVICES.





FIGURE NO. 3

3 0

PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STOPPING PLACE

THIS SIGN WHEN PLACED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ROAD
MARKING IN FIGURE NO. 1 INDICATES A STOPPING PLACE THAT
MAYBEU SED BY PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.

FIGURE NO. 4

CHANNEL ERB LI E

WHI1E
AS REQUIRED

SCHEDULED SERV[CE STAND
PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND
TAXI STAND

THIS ROAD MARKING WHEN PLACED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
SIGN IN -

(a)FIGURE NO. 5 DEMARCATES THE LIMITS OFA PART OF THE CARRIAGE-
WAY UPON WHICH VEHICLES ON SCHEDULED SERVICES ARE PERMITTED
TO STAND;

(b)FIGURE NO. 6 DEMARCATES THE LIMITS OFA PART OF THE CARRIAGE-
WAY UPON WHICH PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ARE PERMITTED TO STAND;

(c)FIGURE NO. 7 DEMARCATES THE LIMITS OF A PART OFTHE CARRIAGE-
WAY UPON WHICH TAXIS ARE PERMITTED TO STAND.

WHEREA SIGN IN FIGURE NO. 5, 6 OR 7 IS PLACED IN CONJUNCTION
WITH ATIME PLATE IN FIGURE NO. 8 OR 9AS APPROPRIATE. A STAND
DESIGNATED BY THIS ROAD MARKING MAY ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT
CERTAIN TIMES FOR PARKING AS PERMITTED BY THE TIME PLATE.





FIGURE NO. 5

REEN
GREEN

,,WHITE

SCHEDULED SERVICE STAND

THIS SIGN WHEN PLACED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ROAD
MARKING SHOWN IN FIGURE NO. 4 DEMARCATES THE LIMITS OFA
PART OF THE CARRIAGE WAY UPON WHICH VEHICLES ON
SCHEDULED SERVICES ARE PERMITTED TO STAND. IT MAY ALSO
BE PLACED IN CONJUNCTION WITH TH E TIME PLATE IN FIGURE NO. 8.

FIGURE NO. 6

RED RED

WHITE

PUBLIC LiGHT BUS STAND

THIS SIGN WHEN PLACED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ROAD
MARKING SHOWN IN FIGURE NO. 4 DEMARCATES THE LIMITS OFA
PART OF THE CARRIAGEWAY UPON WHICH PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES
ARE PERMITTED TO STAND. IT MAY ALSO BE PLACED IN CONJUNCTION
WITH THE TIME PLATE IN FIGURE NO. &





FIGURE NO. 7

~lR~IN WHITE BORDER,I_ TTERS
men.... M*,0

TAXI S~AND

coo

TAXI STAND

THIS SIGN WHEN PLACED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ROAD
MARKING SHOWN IN FIGURE NO. 4 DEMARCATES THE LIMITS OF A
PART OFTHE CARRIAGEWAY UPON WHICH TAXIS ARE PERMITTED TO
STAND. IT MAY ALSO BE PLACED IN CONJUNCTION WITH TH E TIME
PLATE IN FIG U RENO. 9 AND THE SUPPLEMENTARY PLATE IN FIGURE
NO. 10 OR 11.

FIGURE NO. 8

Mon-Fri
BLACK 'DW-,
LETTERS. 7 am-9 pm
NUMERALS AND
CHARACTERS
-b ri -IF T
WHI SYMBOL At other times
BACK -p
7
BLU

BLACK SYMBOIL

MSC'I TIME PLATE
6~U-

K ly.-

T 15 SIGN MAY BE USED IN CONIUNCTIGN WITH THE SIGHS 1.

I.,F GURE NO 5 TO INDICATE WHEN THE SPACE MAY BE USED AS A
5 HEDULED SERVICE 57AND AND T HAT AT OTHER TIMES IT MAY BC
USED FOR THE PARKING OF VEHICLES ON SCHEEKLED SERVICES.

IblFIGURE No 6 TO INDICATE WHEN THE SPACE MAY BE USED A5 A
PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND AND THAT AT OTHER TIMES IT MAY BE
USED FOR THE PARKING OF PUBLI LIGHT BUSES.
THE W RDING ON THE SIGN MAY BE VARIED TO SPECIFY ANY
PERIOD OF T 1 ME OR ANY DAY OR DAYS OR TO DELETE THE REFERENCE TO
PARK ING THE WMENSIONS OF THE SIGN MAY BE VARIED TO SUIT ANY
VARIATION 1 N THE WORDING.





FIGURE NO. 9

Mon-Fri
BLACK BORDER-
LETTERS, 7am-9pm
NUMERALS AND
CHARACTERS TL
WHITE SYMEOL. - At other-firnes
BACKGROUND W
B UE p
BLACK
LETTERS AND 10
CHARACTERS

TIME PLATE

THI 51 M MAY BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SIGN IN

FIGURE NO 7 TO INDICATE WHEN THE SPACE MAY BE USED AS A TAXI
STAND AND THAT AT OTHER TIMES IT MAY BE USED FOR THE PARKING OF
TAXIS.

THE W ING ON THE SIGN MAY BE VARIED TO SPECIFYANY
PERIOD OF TIME OR MY DM DAYS OR TO DELETE REFERENCE TO
PARKING, THE DIMENS ONS OF 1 HE SIGN MAY BE VARIED TO SWIT MY
VARIATION $MTHE WORDING,

FIGURE NO. 10
325 1,6751 -1

N T taxis

.MITE BACKGROUND J\'~-htA(X LETTERS. 1HARIC11R1
OGROER

SUPPLEMENTARY PLATE

THIS SIGN WHEN PLACED IN CONJUNCTION WITH FIGURE NO. 7
INDICATES THATTHE TAXI STAND MAY 13E USED BYTAXIS LICENSED
TO BE AVAILABLE FOR HIRE OR TO CARRY PASSENGERS WITHIN THE NEW
TERRITORIES ONLY, i. e. WITHIN THE PERMITTED AREA FOR NEWTERRITORIES
TAXIS S PECIFIEO IN SCHEDULE 7 TO THE ROADTRAFFIC (REGISTRATION
AND LICEN SING OFVEHICLES) REGULATIONS UNDER CAP. 374.

(L.N. 261 of 1984)





FIGURE NO. 11
410 tti-t - - - 1

Except N T taxis

&ORO

SUPPLEMENTARY PLATE

THIS SIGN WHEN PLACED IN CONJUNCTION WITH FIGURE NO. 7
INDICATES THATTHE TAXI STAND SHALL NOT BE USED BY TAXIS
LICENSED TO BEAVAILABLE FOR HIRE OR TO CARRY PASSENGERS WITHIN
THENEW TERRITORIES ONLY, i. c. WITHIN THE PERMITTED AREA FOR NEW
TER RITORIES TAXIS SPECiFIED IN SCHEDULE 7 TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC
(REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS
UNDER CAP. 374.

(L.N. 261 of 1984)

SCHEDULE 5 [reg. 471

TAxi F~

1.................................Taxis licensed to opera te in Hong Kong and Kowloon
(L.N. 353 of 1988) ..............$1 for the first 2
.................................kilometres oWrgjart
.................................thereof and ts for
.................................every 250 metres or part
.................................thereof thereafter.
2. Taxis licensed to operate within Lantau (L.N. 206 of 1989) $a-l~or the first 2
............kilometres or a part
............thereof and 70 VAts for
............every 250 metres or part
............thereof thereafter.
2a. Taxis licensed to operate in the New Territories (L.N. 353 of
1988) ...........................$A for the first 2
.................................kilometres or apy part
.................................thereof and 7@W~ts for
.................................every 250 metres or part
.................................thereof thereafter.
1989 ED CAP 374 D42




2.Any route which terminates in Kowloon and New Kowloon (other than a cross-harbour
route)---
White letters and characters on a green background.

3. Any route which terminates in the New Territories (other than a cross-harbour route)-
White letters and characters on a yellow background.

4. Any route which operates through the Cross-Harbour Tunnel-
White letters and characters on a red background.

SCHEDULE 7 [reg. 6,0M

TRANSMONAL PROVISIONS

1,An area of road designated as a taxi stand under regulation 13(1) of the revoked Road Traffic
(Public Service Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 220 sub. leg.)* shall be deemed to have been
designated as a taxi stand under regulation 30(1) of these regulations.

2.An area of road designated as a public light bus stand under regulation 39A(I) of the revoked
Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 220 sub. leg.)* shall be deemed to
have been designated as a public light bus stand under regulation 29(1) of these regulations.

3. Any road marking delineated or sign erected in accordance with regulation 13(3) or
39A(3) of
the revoked Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 220 sub. leg.)*, in respect
of a taxi stand or public light bus stand, shall be deemed to be a road marking delineated or
traffic sign erected in accordance with regulation 30(2) or 29(2) of these regulations, as the case
may be.

4.A contract of hire entered into in accordance with regulation 35 of the revoked Road Traffic
(Public Service Vehicles) Regulations shall be deemed to be a contract of hire entered into in
accordance with regulation 38 of these regulations.

5.A hire car permit issued or renewed under Part IIA of the revoked Road Traffic (Registration
and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 220 sub. leg.)* shall, if the permit is valid at the
commencement of these regulations, be deemed to be a hire car permit issued under Part III of
these regulations.

6.A bus stop designated under regulation 22 of the revoked Road Traffic (Public Omnibus,
Public Light Bus and Public Car) Regulations (Cap. 220 sub. leg.)* shall continue to have
effect as if that regulation had not been revoked.

7.Without prejudice to any other provision of this Schedule, in so far as any application,
determination or decision made or having effect as if made, direction or notice issued, given or
delivered or having effect as if issued, given or delivered, condition imposed or havig effect as if
imposed, fee paid, exemption made, or other thing done or having effect as if done, under the
revoked Road Traffic (Public Omnibus, Public Light Bus and Public Car) Regulations or Road
Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations could have been made, issued, given, imposed,
paid or done under a corresponding provision of these regulations it shall not be invalidated by
the revocation effected by regulation 60 of these regulations, but shall have effect as if made,
issued, given, delivered, imposed, paid or done under that corresponding provision.

* See Extractions 1984 Revision, Vol. 3.





8. For the purposes of this Schedule 'revoked' means-
(a)in the case of the Road Traffic (Public Omnibus, Public Light Bus and Public Car)
Regulations and the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, revoked by
regulation 60 of these regulations;
(b)in the case of the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations,
revoked by regulation 61 of the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles)
Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg.)

SCHEDULE 8 [reg. 51(3)]

REQuiREmENTs OF A NOTICE UNDER REGULATION 51(3)

A notice referred to in regulation 51(3) shall-
(a)clearly indicate to the passenger referred to in that regulation, that if he does not wear a
seat belt-
(i) he commits an offence;
(ii) the driver of the vehicle may refuse the hire or to drive; and
(iii) he may be required to pay the fare and leave the vehicle;
(b) bein English and Chinese; and (L.N.7]of]989)
(c)be of a size and a background colour and consist of such letters and characters of a size
and colour so as to be easily legible and visible to a passenger referred to in regulation
51(3), and be constructed of a durable and water resistant material.
(L.N. 38 of1989)

https://oelawhk.lib.hku.hk/items/show/3401

1964

v24

374

44