Chen Meibao: Six pilot licenses have been issued, involving 62 autonomous driving vehicles in testing projects in six locations.

On March 18, the Director of Transport and Logistics in Hong Kong, Ms. Chen Mibao, responded to questions from members of the Legislative Council by stating that under the new regulatory framework, the Transport Department has issued six pilot licenses, involving 62 autonomous vehicles conducting testing projects in six locations (namely, North Lantau Island, West Kowloon Cultural District, Southern District Cyberport, Kowloon East Kai Tak Development Area, Airport "Space Corridor", and Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge "Transfer Parking Lot"). Among them, the testing project in North Lantau Island has made significant progress since its launch at the end of 2024, achieving four major technological advancements, including multiple vehicles operating simultaneously, passenger testing, road segment expansion, and increase in vehicle speed. Ms. Chen Mibao stated that the Hong Kong government implemented a new autonomous vehicle regulatory framework on March 1, 2024, which includes revised regulations and the "Autonomous Driving Vehicle Testing and Pilot Use Guidelines" issued by the Transport Department. The guidelines clearly outline detailed technical, safety, and operational requirements for testing and using autonomous vehicles. The new regulations are flexible to accommodate the evolving autonomous vehicle technology, facilitating the testing and use of autonomous vehicles in Hong Kong more extensively and flexibly. The new regulatory framework allows autonomous vehicles to be registered and licensed like traditional vehicles under the "Road Traffic Ordinance" and its subsidiary regulations, aligning with the regulations for traditional vehicles, comprehensively regulated by the law, including vehicle categories, registration, and licensing. This arrangement effectively promotes the development of autonomous driving technology while enhancing the safety and security of autonomous vehicles. The guidelines specify the considerations for the Transport Department to approve pilot licenses for autonomous vehicles, including requirements for backup operators to take over control of the vehicle, accident handling arrangements, and road testing mileage requirements to ensure the safety of road users. For example, backup operators must receive appropriate training and possess the necessary operational skills to control the vehicle when necessary; applicants must also submit incident reporting mechanisms, safety management plans, and contingency plans to the Transport Department; and conduct closed-road and open-road testing on designated routes. She also stated that the Transport Department will strictly monitor and approve testing projects to ensure road safety. The guidelines detail that pilot operators of autonomous vehicles must submit the design and operational scope of the autonomous driving system, relevant international or national standards/guidelines, road testing conditions, and contingency plans. Contingency plans must outline emergency procedures and contact methods and procedures with law enforcement agencies and emergency personnel in case of emergencies. The Transport Department will review the emergency procedures outlined in the proposal and consult with relevant government departments. Furthermore, Ms. Chen Mibao stated that if license applications for commercial operations of autonomous vehicles involve providing public transport services, the Transport Department will comprehensively consider the impacts of proposed services on transportation, public transport services (including operating routes, operating hours, and fares), industry ecology, and public interests when approving applications. She mentioned that with technological advancements, the appropriate use of autonomous vehicles has the potential to improve transportation efficiency, road safety, and traffic service stability, and could also bring new business opportunities and job opportunities, such as remote vehicle operators in the background, backup operators in the vehicle, supervisors, and maintenance personnel. With the rapid development of autonomous vehicle technology, the government will carefully consider how to leverage the technology to enhance overall benefits and make the most of opportunities to further promote smart mobility in Hong Kong. The Director of the Transport Department has established the "Autonomous Driving Vehicle Application Promotion Working Group" to work with relevant departments and industry stakeholders to advance related work, including reviewing the progress and requirements of individual autonomous vehicle projects, selecting testing locations and vehicle categories, and providing supervision for the licensing arrangements needed to support the commercial development of autonomous vehicles.