Drivers in Hong Kong will be prohibited from having more than two mobile devices on their dashboards starting from January.

In an effort to promote road safety and improve taxi service standards, the Transport and Logistics Secretary of Hong Kong, Mable Chan, has announced a series of amendments and new regulations.

One of the key changes is the ban on drivers placing more than two mobile phones on their vehicle dashboards, effective from January 25, 2023. This measure aims to reduce distractions while driving, particularly with regards to phones mounted on taxi meters.

Concerns over road safety have been expressed by some of the city's 40,000 cabbies, citing their reliance on multiple smartphones and devices to handle online orders while driving.

Another significant change is the requirement for children under the age of eight and shorter than 1.35 meters to use a child restraint device, such as a safety seat, when traveling in a private car, starting from the same date. This regulation is part of efforts to improve road safety and is accompanied by new regulations for school buses, which will require seat belts for all passenger seats.

The new regulations for buses, minibuses, and child restraint devices will also take effect from January 25, 2023. The government will introduce legislation next month to mandate seat belts on all seats in newly registered buses and minibuses.

To address frequent complaints from tourists and locals over cash-only services in taxis, the new regulation will also require all taxis in Hong Kong to provide at least two e-payment options from the same date.

The Road Traffic Ordinance in Hong Kong currently only penalizes motorists for speaking on the phone while driving, with offenders facing a maximum fine of HK$2,000 (US$257). The amendments aim to balance road safety with the operational needs of the industry and technological developments.

The amendments will be tabled in the Legislative Council next month. The Transport Department of Hong Kong is also considering measures such as enhancing enforcement and public education campaigns related to these regulations.

The announcements were reported by Singapore's CNA. The ban on multiple mobile devices on car headrests was announced on January 25, and the other regulations were announced at a later date. Both announcements were made by Transport and Logistics Secretary Mable Chan.

Drivers in Hong Kong will be prohibited from having more than two mobile devices on their dashboards starting from January.