[glue]

Does anyone have first hand knowledge on the differences in the traffic laws between that of the US and HK? (other than the obvious right side of the lane )

I seem to recall seeing a point system of sorts in the HK traffic system? Any input?

Also, does anyone ride a motorbike? Is it legal to split lanes?

Thanks for all the input.

[BEL]

I'm not familiar with the US rules, but I thought this link to the HK Transport Department's road user's code book might be helpful for you - there is a chapter on motor cycles too (chapter 7).

Transport Department - Index

[Skyhook]

Hong Kong being an ex British Colony, having adopted mother England's rule of law, also adopted it's Commonwealth road rules. I would be pretty safe in saying that Hong Kong would be the same as Australia or any other Commonwealth country that drives on the left hand side of the road..

So the answer to your question is, that it is very likely that lane splitting ( 2 vehicles occupying the same lane at any one time ) or lane filtering, would be deemed illegal here.

You can get a copy of Hong Kong's road rules at either the Transport Dept or most news agencies, via the learner handbooks. More info can be found here including mention of the demerit point situation also > Transport Department - Driving-offence points system

[tvrlover]

This is why I love HK:

Section 36(1) Causing death by dangerous driving 10

You get 15 points total, and if you run someone over via dangerous driving they give you a 10 point warning 5 left to go eh.

[PerryCo]

Review of US driving laws: Having driven in the US for over 40 years and all across the USA, I can tell you there are significant differences, and not just the driver-right, car-left system. #1 difference is most everywhere in the US there will be traffic cops with radar detectors (they know how to use them), posted speed limits within cities and towns, stop on red, stop for people in the crosswalk (California law requires the car to stop as soon as you step off the curb into the street), no yellow light between red and green, just red to green, and #2 difference, the traffic cops are not afraid to stop you and haul you into jail.

Hong Kong: the traffic laws are basic; whatever you can get away with is OK, including hitting people on the curb and in the street.

#3 is culture. Most Americans are taught to respect the laws, and give people a break, and show some manners when driving. Not required in Hong Kong.

Road Rage is normal in Hong Kong.

[HKFella]

Can't turn left on stop signal in HK, which you can (albeit right turn) across most of N. America barring some exceptions like NYC and Montreal at last count.

[Skyhook]

Can't say that i have ever experienced road rage in all the years I have driven here. Driving in Hk is actually pretty easy and one area you won't hear a complaint from me about.

[namaste]

I've been driving here for three years and have never experienced road rage, unlike in the US where I've had a gun pointed at me twice, with the kids in the car. Note: I wasn't in a rage either time and found it quite surprising. My opinion is that the drivers here know how to drive and do so quite well.

Differences: It's very, very easy to go through a red light b/c they change from green to red so fast. I received a traffic ticket in the mail for this and now have five points against my license. Quite shocking that you only get 15 points for killing someone!

The police here aren't aggressive in the same way as in the US. I once crossed a solid white line b/c I didn't want to get back on the freeway after I had just gotten off. I got pulled over and indicated to the police that the road is unmarked. He let me go, asked me if I needed directions home, and the next day, there were road signs posted there!

[PerryCo]

That all said: Hong Kong Police are about the most polite and professional I have experienced. As for driving rules, they are a little different, and as you know, Hong Kong is extremely small and crowded. Drive with care, everywhere.

[Sigga]

Difference is that HK police don't enforce traffic laws. Run red lights, speed, stop on junctions/crossings, sound horn all day, it's fine. You can always rely on your friendly neighbourhood copper to look in the other direction*.

Cross the road on foot while the light's red and there's no traffic, though, and you get a summary fine.

Great sense of proportion!



*Especially if you're driving a taxi or a bus.