OVERVIEW
In Hong Kong, Speeding is governed principally by Section 41 of the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374).
STATUTORY PROVISIONS
Section 41 of the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374)
The relevant part of the current statutory provision states:
Section 41(1)
A person who drives a vehicle on a road at a speed exceeding—(a) 50 km an hour or such other speed limit as may be in force on that road under section 40; (b) 70 km an hour as provided for in section 40(5); or (c) 80 km an hour as provided for in section 40(5A), commits an offence and is liable to a fine at level 2.
SPEED LIMITS
The 3-Tier Penalty and Driving Points System
Penalties in Hong Kong escalate sharply depending on how many kilometres per hour (km/h) the driver travelled over the legal limit.
Speeding Penalties and Driving-offence Points
HK$480
0 points
None
HK$675
3 points
None
HK$900
5 points
None
HK$1,500
10 points
Minimum 6 months and mandatory completion of a driving improvement course
MORE THAN 45 KM/H OVER THE LIMIT
Severe Speeding Consequences (Exceeding by >45 km/h)
When a driver exceeds the speed limit by more than 45 km/h, the driver is summonsed to appear before a Magistrates' Court so that the mandatory disqualification can be dealt with.
While a standard speeding charge results in a fine or a short disqualification, extreme speeding may provide important evidence supporting a charge of dangerous driving under section 37 if the manner of driving falls far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver and it would be obvious to such a driver that driving in that way would be dangerous.
Upon conviction:
- Fixed Penalty: The current fixed penalty is HK$1,500.
- Driving-offence Points: The offence incurs 10 driving-offence points.
- Mandatory Disqualification: Under section 41(3) of the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374), the driver must ordinarily be disqualified for at least 6 months.
- Driving Improvement Course: The driver must also attend and complete a mandatory driving improvement course at their own cost.
Maximum Penalty
Maximum Penalty
- Under section 41(1) of the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374), the statutory maximum is a level 2 fine, currently HK$5,000. Where the matter is disposed of by fixed penalty, the amounts effective from 1 January 2026 range from HK$480 to HK$1,500, depending on how far the speed limit was exceeded.
- Disqualification: Exceeding the limit by more than 45 km/h carries a minimum 6-month disqualification and mandatory completion of a driving improvement course, subject to the statutory provisions.
- Driving-offence Points: Exceeding the limit by 15 km/h or less attracts no points; by more than 15 km/h but not more than 30 km/h attracts 3 points; by more than 30 km/h but not more than 45 km/h attracts 5 points; and by more than 45 km/h attracts 10 points. Please see the Transport Department's official points table.
HOW MCS CAN ASSIST
Advice and representation
MCS can assess the charge, the statutory elements and the prosecution evidence; advise on interview, plea, trial and sentence; and identify any defence or evidential issue available on the facts.