Hong Kong to mandate health checks for commercial drivers aged 65 and above

Hong Kong plans to introduce mandatory health checks for commercial vehicle drivers aged 65 or above by the middle of next year, tightening both the age threshold and the frequency of assessments to improve road safety.

Undersecretary for Transport and Logistics Liu Chun-san told the Legislative Council on Wednesday that authorities would also establish a register of doctors, providing guidance to help drivers choose an appropriate practitioner.

Liu said the government planned to lower the age threshold for mandatory medical certification from 70 to 65 to assess whether elderly drivers were fit to drive.

The validity period of their driving licences will also be shortened to one year, requiring annual medical checks for renewal.

“We are working out the details of the new health check arrangements for commercial drivers aged 65 or above. We will report our progress to the Legco’s transport panel next month and roll out the legislative proposals as soon as possible,” he said.

“By the middle of next year, we plan to enforce the new arrangements. We will also arrange doctors to provide briefings to the stakeholders to explain the new rules to see if they are fit to drive.”