The Statutory Ban against Idling of Motor Vehicle Engines
Part 2 - Exemptions applicable to passenger transport vehicles
Super:
The Motor Vehicle Idling (Fixed Penalty) Ordinance comes into effect on December 15, 2011. If a driver causes the engine of an idling vehicle to operate for more than three minutes in aggregate within any 60-minute period, a Traffic Warden or Environmental Protection Inspector may issue a penalty notice to the driver, imposing a fixed penalty of HK$320.
Idling Prohibition - Exemption Arrangements
In view of practical or operational needs, the Ordinance has provided some exemptions for certain conditions.
Exemptions applicable to specified vehicles
Taxis
All taxis at a taxi stand are exempted from the idling prohibition.
Exemptions applicable to specified vehicles
Green minibuses
The first two green minibuses of each route at a minibus stand are exempted from the idling prohibition.
Exemptions applicable to specified vehicles
Red minibuses
Red minibuses are also exempted from the idling prohibition if they satisfy either of the following conditions:
- They are the first two red minibuses at a minibus stand
- They are carrying any passenger on board or are immediately behind a red minibus with passengers on board at a minibus stand
Exemptions applicable to specified vehicles
Buses and school private light buses
Buses or school private light buses with passengers on board are exempted from the idling prohibition.
Exemptions applicable to specified vehicles
Franchised buses
Franchised buses that are ready for boarding by passengers are exempted from the idling prohibition.
Other than in exempted situations specified in the Ordinance, all drivers should remember to switch off idling engines.
Switch off idling engines
Make it a habit.
