17th March 2026 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong police will launch a territory‑wide enforcement operation from today to 31st March targeting both inattentive driving and unlawful pedestrian crossings, following a rise in road fatalities last year to 96, including 52 pedestrian deaths, up 24 percent from 2024. Officers and traffic wardens were already seen enforcing at the junction of Kwai Yan Road and Kwai Foo Road on 16 March, with pedestrians suspected of illegal crossings reportedly issued penalties. To stay on the right side of the law during the crackdown, pedestrians should follow the Road Traffic (Traffic Control) Regulations at all signal‑controlled crossings. A steady red man means do not start to cross. A steady green man authorises you to cross. When the green man flashes, those already on the crossing should continue over at a reasonable pace, but anyone not yet on it must wait and not begin to cross. Ignoring these signals can result in a HK$2,000 fine if there is no reasonable excuse.
Pedestrians should also avoid situations that constitute offences even away from traffic lights. Do not cross within zebra‑controlled areas unless you are on the zebra lines. Do not cross the carriageway within 15 metres of a signal‑controlled crossing unless you use that crossing. Within 15 metres of a footbridge or subway (or any part of it), you must use that facility rather than crossing at road level. Always comply with directions given by uniformed police officers, traffic wardens or school crossing patrols. Police advise the public to “avoid the three hazards” when crossing: do not run red lights, do not squeeze between vehicles, and do not ignore vehicle blind spots. They also recommend using the “four essentials” for pedestrians wherever possible: signalised crossings, zebra crossings, footbridges and subways. While jaywalking and similar minor regulatory offences are generally not recorded as criminal convictions of the type kept on formal registers, complying with the rules will help you avoid fines and, more importantly, reduce the risk of accidents during the heightened enforcement period.