Autonomous vehicle (AV) technology has rapidly progressed in recent years, bringing with it the promise of enhancing road safety by minimising human errors and optimising the use of limited road space. Around the world, trials and pilot projects have been steadily expanding, and Hong Kong has positioned itself to explore the future of smart mobility through a carefully planned regulatory and policy framework.
The city first outlined its ambitions in the “Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint” released in December 2017, which recognised the facilitation of AV trials as a cornerstone of its Smart Mobility agenda. This early vision was reinforced in 2019 when the Transport Department released the Smart Mobility Roadmap for Hong Kong, setting out a clearer direction for the integration of new mobility solutions into the city’s transport landscape. Together, these initiatives signalled the government’s intent to prepare for a future where AVs could become a regular feature on public roads.
Since 2017, the Transport Department enabled AV trials through Movement Permits with case-specific conditions, but outdated regulations limited progress, prompting calls for a more flexible framework to match global advancements. This highlighted the need for clearer policies to support AVs as a viable transport option.
In response, the government introduced a modernised framework designed to provide flexibility while ensuring public safety. The Transport and Logistics Bureau, together with the Transport Department, completed legislative amendments in 2023 through the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Autonomous Vehicles) Ordinance. This was followed by the introduction of a new subsidiary legislation, the Road Traffic (AVs) Regulations, which was finalised in early 2024. The new regulatory regime officially came into effect on 1 March 2024, marking a significant milestone in the city’s smart mobility journey.
To guide the industry and ensure trials are conducted to the highest standards, the Transport Department also released the “Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of AVs,” which came into effect at the same time. This comprehensive document provides guidance across technical, safety and operational aspects, ensuring that AV trials are not only aligned with regulatory requirements but also conducted with a consistent emphasis on safety and reliability.
The updated framework represents a decisive step in positioning Hong Kong for the future of transportation. By replacing the limited case-by-case approach with a more flexible, structured system, the city is now better placed to support innovation in the field while maintaining strong oversight. Researchers, industry players and transport operators are given greater room to test and evaluate AV technologies under controlled conditions, ultimately paving the way for wider adoption.
One of the flagship projects enabled under the new regime is the trial and pilot use of the autonomous transport system known as the “Airportcity Link.” This initiative, developed by the Airport Authority Hong Kong, will connect the Skycity and the Hong Kong Port Artificial Island, offering passenger services in a controlled setting. The system is expected to extend further to Tung Chung city centre in the future, providing a real-world demonstration of how AV technology can enhance connectivity within the city’s transport ecosystem.
The establishment of a comprehensive regulatory structure highlights Hong Kong’s readiness to embrace new transport solutions while ensuring that safety remains a top priority. As AV technologies continue to evolve globally, the city’s proactive approach to regulation and guidance positions it to harness the benefits of innovation while addressing the challenges associated with deploying autonomous systems on public roads.
With the foundation now in place, Hong Kong is laying the groundwork for AVs to transition from experimental trials to practical transport solutions, contributing to a smarter and more efficient mobility network for the future.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Alita Sharon
Dieser Artikel ist neu veröffentlicht von / This article is republished from: Open Gov Asia, 19.08.2025
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