Amendment regulations for mandating the fitting and wearing of seat belts and regulating the use of mobile telecommunications devices while driving were published in the Government Gazette today.

The amendment regulations cover two arrangements. The first one is to extend the mandatory fitting and wearing of seat belts to all newly registered buses, private light buses, goods vehicles and special purpose vehicles as well as their seats. Where seats are equipped with seat belts, passengers must wear them.

Furthermore, all student service vehicles, including existing and newly registered ones, will be required to be fitted with seat belts and safer seats.

The second arrangement involves strengthening the regulations for drivers’ use of mobile phones, tablets and laptops while driving. Restrictions will be imposed on the number of devices, screen size and placement of the device.

The Transport & Logistics Bureau said that the two amendments aim to enhance the safety of passengers travelling on public transport and in commercial vehicles, as well as the safety of using mobile telecommunications devices while driving. 

Details of the regulatory regime and commencement dates are specified in the respective amendment regulations.

The Road Traffic (Construction & Maintenance of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2025, the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 and the Road Traffic (Traffic Control) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2025, will be tabled at the Legislative Council on September 10 for negative vetting.