Hong Kong lawmakers pass bill to regulate ride-hailing services like
Uber
[October 16, 2025] By
KANIS LEUNG
HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong lawmakers passed a bill Wednesday to regulate
online ride-hailing services, requiring platforms like Uber, along with
their vehicles and drivers, to be licensed, after years of backlash from
the city's taxi industry.
The first licensed platforms are expected to start operating in late
2026 at the earliest, officials said.
In granting a license, Hong Kong's transport commissioner can consider
the firm’s experience, financial capacity and intended investments in
the region. Licensed companies will need to maintain “proper and
efficient” services and ensure all vehicles and drivers on their
platforms hold valid permits, according to the new rules.
Drivers are required to be at least 21, have held a private car driving
license for at least one year and have no serious traffic convictions
within five years. They also need to pass a test and take a pre-service
course.
The bill marks an important step in the development of ride-hailing
services in Hong Kong, which currently bans drivers of private vehicles
from providing paid services to customers without a permit.
Uber Hong Kong welcomed the voting results. “This decision marks a
significant milestone in integrating ridesharing into the city’s
transport system and ensuring riders and drivers benefit from clear
rules,” it said.
Police have previously arrested some Uber drivers suspected of driving
without a permit and in 2018, more than two dozen drivers were fined.
[to top of second column] |
Impounded vehicles meant for Uber service, center, are parked
behind a police cordon line at a police station in Hong Kong, on May
23, 2017. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)
Some taxi companies have long
resisted online platforms like Uber, seeing them as a threat to
their business.
Uber, which started operating in Hong Kong in 2014, has faced
multiple legal and regulatory challenges in its overseas expansion
but remains popular in the Asian financial hub, where many residents
are frustrated with what they describe as poor taxi services.
Officials proposed a cap on the number of vehicles offering
ride-hailing services under the new rules, which will be specified
in a subsidiary legislation next year. If that legislation is
passed, they will invite applications for licenses.
Uber Hong Kong said it looked forward to “constructive discussions”
on vehicle quota mechanisms.
Anyone who operates a ride-hailing platform and provides services
without a license will face a fine of up to 1 million Hong Kong
dollars (about $128,600) and a maximum jail term of one year,
according to the bill.
A platform that arranges cars or drivers without valid permits to
serve passengers could be punished by a maximum penalty of six
months imprisonment and a fine of 10,000 Hong Kong dollars ($1,286)
per violation on a first conviction. For subsequent conviction, the
maximum jail term would double, in addition to a higher fine.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved |
