Undercover anti-illegal hire-car sting nets two drivers
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
Police in the New Territories North region mounted an operation on September 10 targeting the illegal use of private cars for hire or reward in passenger transport. Officers posing as passengers in Sheung Shui later intercepted two private cars on a trip to Yuen Long, and the two drivers are to be summonsed.
Key Points
- The operation was conducted by the Enforcement and Control Division Task Force of the New Territories North Regional Traffic unit on September 10
- Officers went undercover as passengers in Sheung Shui and travelled toward Yuen Long before stopping two suspected private hire vehicles.
- The two arrested motorists were local men aged 42 and 63, suspected of using a car for illegal hire or reward passenger service.
- Police said summonses would be issued to both drivers, while the two private cars were detained for investigation and further examination.
- Under the Road Traffic Ordinance, using a vehicle for hire or reward without a valid hire-car permit is prohibited.
Why It Matters
The case points to continued enforcement against so-called unlicensed “white-plate cars” in the northern New Territories, with police using undercover tactics rather than roadside spot checks alone. For drivers, the legal risk is significant: a first conviction can bring a HK$10,000 fine and six months’ imprisonment, rising to HK$25,000 and 12 months for a subsequent offence.