Footage of a police crackdown on Hong Kong minibus commuters who were not wearing their seat belts has gone viral on social media.
Hong Kong police last Friday said they would issue summons to 31 people after undercover officers discovered they were not wearing seat belts while riding a minibus. The force said the operation involved undercover officers from its Kowloon East traffic enforcement and control division. They were checking for anyone not wearing seat belts on minibuses.
The viral clip shows a man rising from his seat on the minibus and shouting: “Everyone don’t move! [It’s the] police”.
He then brandishes a card before counting aloud how many passengers failed to fasten their seat belts.
A uniformed traffic police officer is later seen boarding the minibus to assist, while the undercover officer asks all passengers to take out their identity cards.
A police spokesman did not confirm if the clip was of Friday’s operation.
“The force will continue to target various kinds of traffic offences and take appropriate enforcement actions regularly to ensure road safety and smooth traffic,” he said.
Under Hong Kong law, passengers must fasten their seat belts if they are provided on minibuses. Drivers may refuse to operate their vehicles if passengers are not wearing seat belts.
Those who are found not to be wearing their seat belts could face a maximum fine of HK$5,000 (US$640) and up to three months in prison.
The commissioner for transport may consider granting an exemption to those who can present a valid medical certificate. But very few people can be exempted on medical grounds, even during pregnancy.
Any person granted an exemption must carry the relevant letter when travelling.
