Rules of the Road and Traffic Regulations
The basic rule: keep left
Hong Kong traffic drives on the left. Overtake on the right unless traffic is congested and lanes are moving at different speeds. Do not straddle lanes; return to the left lane when it is safe. At a roundabout, traffic travels clockwise and you give way to traffic already on the roundabout approaching from your right.
Speed and separation
- Unless signed otherwise, the general urban speed limit is 50 km/h; obey every speed-limit sign and roadworks limit.
- Keep a two-second gap in dry conditions; at least four seconds in rain or poor visibility.
- Signal early, check mirrors and blind spots, and cancel the indicator.
- Do not enter a yellow box junction unless your exit is clear.
- Give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing; do not park or overtake on the zig-zags.
Junctions and lanes
At a T-junction, traffic on the major road has priority unless signs say otherwise. When turning, give way to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering. Bus lanes operate at the times shown; a motorcycle may use one only if the sign permits motorcycles. Never ride on the pavement, against the flow of traffic, or through a red light.
Worked example
You are in the left lane approaching a four-exit roundabout and intend to take the second exit, straight ahead. You should keep left on approach without signalling, give way to traffic from your right already on the roundabout, stay in the left lane around the roundabout, and signal left after you pass the first exit. Check your left mirror and shoulder before leaving. If you miss the exit, go round again; do not cut across lanes.
Traps
Overtaking on the left in moving traffic; entering a roundabout without giving way; using a handheld phone while stopped at lights, when you are still in charge of the vehicle; and assuming a green light means the junction is clear. Also watch for trams: they cannot steer around you, so do not obstruct tram tracks or pass a tram that has stopped to let passengers board.
Riding with traffic
Plan lane changes early, avoid weaving between lanes, and never ride in the gutter where you are invisible and vulnerable. When traffic slows, keep enough space to stop without hitting the vehicle ahead.