Hong Kong motor trade sees red over tightened vehicle inspection rules
New rules impose much stricter requirements for private cars and light goods vehicles over six years old that fail mandatory annual inspections
Hong Kong’s car trade has reacted with frustration to a sudden tightening of annual vehicle inspection rules, with leaders warning that owners of failed vehicles could face thousands of dollars in extra costs and significant delays.
The backlash on Tuesday follows what they described as a “rushed” roll-out by the Transport Department, with the measures announced just days before they went into effect on Monday.
The new rules impose much stricter requirements for private cars and light goods vehicles over six years old that fail mandatory annual inspections.
Any vehicle found with one of 13 major defects – such as a fractured chassis, fuel leaks or failed parking brakes – will now be classified as “dangerous”, resulting in the immediate suspension of its licence.
Under the previous arrangement, owners had 14 days to fix issues and pay a HK$180 (US$23) fee at one of 40 designated testing centres.
Vehicles deemed dangerous must be towed for repairs at the owner’s expense.