HK government to gazette ride-hailing regulation bill tomorrow

4th September 2025 – (Hong Kong) The Government will gazette the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Bill 2025 tomorrow, aiming to establish a regulatory framework for ride-hailing services to enhance public travel safety.

A spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau stated today, “The current administration is committed to reforming personalised point-to-point transport services. In addition to various measures to improve taxi services in recent years, we propose to introduce a clear legislative framework to regulate ride-hailing services, addressing longstanding issues.”

The spokesperson emphasised that public safety and interests are paramount in developing the regulatory framework, with careful consideration given to the opinions of various stakeholders. “Our objective is to ensure ‘people-oriented and safe travel,’ providing the public with more safe, legally compliant, and diverse travel options while fostering a healthy and orderly development of the point-to-point transport service industry. This will invigorate the industry and create a competitive environment beneficial for all parties. Furthermore, we plan to implement new measures to combat illegal passenger services,” they added.

Under the proposed regulations, platforms, vehicles, and drivers offering ride-hailing services must secure appropriate licences and comply with conditions set by the Transport Department. The Government will establish entry thresholds for platforms, including requirements for company registration in Hong Kong, operational experience, financial capacity, capital investment, and director qualifications. Platforms must also ensure efficient services and perform due diligence on their vehicles and drivers.

For ride-hailing vehicles, the proposal stipulates that they must be registered to an individual who is also the driver. Additionally, these vehicles must obtain appropriate third-party risk insurance and display required identification markings. Drivers must meet several criteria, including being at least 21 years old, holding a Hong Kong permanent identity card, and having no serious traffic conviction records in the five years prior to their application.

In July, the Government consulted the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport regarding the proposed regulatory framework. Members unanimously supported the initiative to regulate ride-hailing services, endorsing the Government’s strategy to amend principal legislation and address technical details through subsidiary legislation or permit conditions, thereby expediting regulation and meeting public expectations.

“We appreciate the support of LegCo Members in advancing the legislative work for ride-hailing regulation. We will work closely with LegCo during the scrutiny process and aim to pass the Bill before the end of the current term,” the spokesperson concluded.

The Bill will be introduced to the LegCo for its first and second readings on 10th September.