Hong Kong Island Traffic Department conducted a crackdown on unlicensed for-hire vehicles, also known as "white牌 taxis," today. An undercover operation involved using an intermediary platform to arrange a ride from Mei Foo Sun Chuen to Sheung Wan for HKD 121. The platform dispatched a locally registered private vehicle to pick up the passenger, and an officer disguised as a passenger boarded the vehicle. During the ride, the officer revealed his identity and arrested a 49-year-old local man for allegedly operating a for-hire vehicle without a license and without third-party insurance. The involved vehicle was towed and impounded for further investigation. Police urged drivers to refrain from engaging in illegal taxi operations. According to the Road Traffic Ordinance, unless a vehicle is licensed for hire services, anyone found operating or using a vehicle for such purposes can face a fine of HKD 10,000 and up to 6 months imprisonment for the first offense, and a fine of HKD 25,000 and up to 12 months imprisonment for subsequent offenses. A driver convicted of operating without a license faces a driving ban for at least 12 months, with a maximum of 3 years. High-level traffic officers stated that Transport署 would temporarily suspend the vehicle's registration for 6 months for a first offense and 12 months for subsequent offenses. If the vehicle is cross-border, Transport署 may also revoke its通行证 due to a violation of the conditions of its closed road passage permit.
The crackdown targeted the growing issue of white牌 vehicles in Hong Kong, which are largely unregulated and pose safety concerns. Authorities have been stepping up efforts to crack down on these vehicles, which often operate illegally, undercutting licensed taxi fares and sometimes operating without proper insurance. The police operation highlighted the enforcement of existing laws and regulations to maintain public safety and orderly transport in the region. The use of an intermediary platform to arrange rides also reflects the changing methods employed by illegal operators, necessitating ongoing vigilance and adaptability from law enforcement agencies.