Over 200 taxi drivers booked under demerit system

Transport and Logistics Secretary Mable Chan announced on Wednesday that over 200 taxi drivers have accumulated demerit points since the Taxi Driver Offence Points System came into effect in September 2024. This system targets 11 offenses that impact service quality, with drivers earning points depending on the severity of their actions, which can lead to penalties once certain thresholds are reached.

Addressing a question from lawmaker Chris Ip during a Legislative Council session, Chan revealed that 125 of the 229 cases involved refusing a hire, the offense carrying the maximum penalty of 10 points. As of now, three drivers have been banned from operating a taxi for three months after piling up 15 or more points, she added.

The Transport Department has received nearly 6,000 complaints related to drivers between September 2024 and August 2025, of which 605 concerned refuse service. Upon receiving complaints, the Transport Department conducts investigations and forwards them to law enforcement agencies for follow-up depending on the nature of the case, Chan said.

Moreover, the department notifies taxi owners or drivers concerned to provide explanations, reminding them to adhere to the legislation and maintain a high standard of service. Chan emphasized that the goal is to uphold service quality and prevent such incidents from recurring.

Furthermore, from the end of this year, all taxis are required to be equipped with a journey-recording system, which includes a dash camera, an in-vehicle recording system, and a global navigation satellite system. This new requirement aims to strengthen the deterrent effect for drivers and ensure a fair record of evidence in case of disputes between passengers and drivers.