Government to introduce new ride-hailing regulations

Platforms, vehicles, and drivers must obtain appropriate licences.

The Road Traffic Bill 2025 will be gazetted to introduce a regulatory regime for ride-hailing services and enhance public safety for travellers.

Under the proposed regulatory regime, platforms, vehicles, and drivers will be required to obtain appropriate licences and meet their conditions as imposed by the Transport Department.

The government will set entry thresholds based on operational experience, proof of financial capacity, capital investment, and directors' qualifications.

The platforms must also maintain appropriate and efficient services and conduct due diligence on their vehicles and drivers.

Regarding ride-hailing vehicles, the government proposes that they must be registered in the name of an individual and can only be operated by their registered owners.

As for drivers, applicants must be at least 21 years of age, hold a Hong Kong permanent identity card, and have no serious traffic conviction records within the five years before the application date.

The bill will be tabled at the Legislative Council on 10 September for first and second readings following its gazettal.