Darker-tinted mainland vehicles spark 'double standards' debate over HK regulations

The arrival of mainland vehicles with darker-tinted car windows under the new "Southbound Travel" scheme has ignited a public debate over regulatory "double standards," prompting calls from industry experts to renew Hong Kong's regulations.

Under the current law, vehicles are required to have over 70 percent light transmission rate for the front windscreen and a minimum of 44 percent for rear passenger windows glass including the rear windscreen.

However, public scrutiny has grown as several vehicles arrived from Guangdong via the Scheme feature darker window glasses.

The Transport Department earlier stated that while all incoming vehicles must have compliant windscreens, those staying temporarily are exempt from the 70 percent transmittance rule for front side windows.

Speaking to Sing Tao Daily -- the sister publication of The Standard -- the honorary life president of the Hong Kong, China Automobile Association Ringo Lee Yiu-pui noted that Hong Kong's standards differ significantly from global trends and also the Chinese standard.

With modern vehicles focused on energy saving, Lee stated that many countries and regions have relaxed restrictions for windows behind the B-pillar and rear windows to aid heat insulation and reduce air-conditioning use.

While he acknowledged potential safety concerns with darker tints, he argued that electronic rearview mirrors effectively mitigate the issues.

"If many countries allow it, why can't Hong Kong?" he questioned.

Lawmaker Ben Chan Han-pan questioned the necessity of the current strict standards considering today's well-lit urban streets. 

Election Committee lawmaker Adrian Ho King-hong also described the regulations as "outdated." Citing the relaxed requirements around the globe, he urged the government to reevaluate the laws to prioritize energy savings and comfort, especially in light of Hong Kong's increasingly hot weather.

Incoming lawmaker Mark Chong Ho-fung expressed concerns that the current laws might foster a perception of "double standards" among the public. He recommended the Transport Department standardize vehicle regulations to avoid disputes, but cautioned that reform should not hinder the overall scheme.

He believes that advancements in automotive technology could allow darker-tinted windows to contribute to energy savings by reducing direct sunlight and lowering internal temperatures.

When asked if the government mandated the incoming vehicles replace their tinted windows would be environmentally wasteful, Chan agreed, saying "Hong Kong's windscreens requirements are outdated."

He highlighted the costly window replacements for imported vehicles, and singled out the regulations that contradictorily permit window blinds—which offer similar effects as dark tints—and urged a review of these standards.

Incoming lawmaker Chan Cho-kwong acknowledged the safety rationale behind Hong Kong's stricter standards but concurred that the regulations deserve re-examination in light of regional differences.

In response to inquiries, the Transport Department stated that according to the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulations, the glass shall be the safety material approved by the Commissioner for Transport; and its transparency does not obscure the view of the interior of the motor vehicle.

The department affirmed it closely monitors automotive technological developments internationally and regularly reviews its regulations and guidelines in consultation with law enforcement agencies.