Gov’t heightens penalty for illegal car-hailing activities

New measures include increasing the maximum fine and term of imprisonment for violators.

The legislative council has passed a bill that increases the penalty for illegal car-hailing activities.

The Road Traffic Legislation (Enhancing Personalized Point-to-point Transport Services) (Amendment) Bill 2023 increases the maximum fine for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward.

The bill also lengthens the periods of vehicle license suspension and vehicle impoundment and increases the maximum term of imprisonment.

Police will advance enforcement against illegal car-hailing and will welcome more information on such activities.

The government will also examine the regulation of online car-hailing platforms to ensure that only taxis and vehicles with hire permits can provide services through such platforms.