Taking the MTR is one of the most efficient ways of getting around Hong Kong. So to ensure a safe and smooth ride for all passengers taking the subway lines, there are several things every discerning passenger should be mindful of.
Some are quite obvious as labeled inside the carriages like for instance, improper use of emergency equipment carries an HK$5,000 fine, and bringing in animals is subject to HK$2,000 fine.
Some laws are enforced strictly like requiring cyclists to disengage bicycle wheels when entering the MTR premises or barring entry of astronomical musical instruments. But some are more relaxed — or shall we say harder to enforce — like fines for the consumption of food or beverage (HK$2,000), failure to report lost property upon discovery (HK2,000) or failure to queue (HK$2,000). But we are wondering why there is none listed that is related to sexual assault or voyeurism.
In addition to the list of violations and punishments defined by MTR By-laws below, we suggest (with great inspiration from HK Magazine) the following passenger actions to be subject to fines or at least reprimand:
1. Nail clipping and preening in front of reflecting materials (for their safety).
2. Exposure of uncovered armpits.
3. Bringing any foul-smelling entity.
4. Assaulting defenseless companions like little children or boyfriends.
5. Misuse of train accessories like handrails used for pole dancing or bars used to hang hammocks.
6. Delaying train operations by sticking handbag, limbs, or similar obstruction.
7. Impeding passenger movement by not preparing Octopus cards in front of turnstiles.
Given that there are CCTV cameras inside the carriages, it’s easier to gather evidence against an offender.
Here’s the complete list of MTR violations and penalties.
| By-law | Summary of offense | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Trespass | $5,000 fine |
| 4A | Bringing vehicles, animals, etc. across the railway premises | $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment |
| 4B | Unauthorized structures | $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment |
| 5 | Damage to railway premises, plant, and equipment | $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment |
| 6 | Sewage placed on railway premises | $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment |
| 7 | Depositing or throwing of rubbish, etc. | $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment |
| 8 | Improper use of emergency equipment | $5,000 fine |
| 9 | Wrongfully entering or leaving the train | $2,000 fine |
| 14 | Entry and travel without a ticket | $5,000 fine |
| 14A | Failure to pay fares, etc. | $5,000 fine |
| 16(2A) | Wrongfully using machines | $5,000 fine |
| 17(1) | Failure to hand in tickets | $5,000 fines |
| 17(2) | Failure to produce a ticket | $5,000 fine |
| 17(4) | Sale of tickets | $5,000 fine |
| 18(1) | Damaging a ticket | $5,000 fine |
| 18(2) | Using a damaged ticket | $5,000 fine |
| 21 | Non-compliance with notices, etc. | $2,000 fine |
| 22 | Feet placed on seats | $2,000 fine |
| 23 | Smoking | $5,000 fine |
| 23A | Fire hazard | $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment |
| 24 | Spitting and littering | $5,000 fine |
| 25 | Passenger causing a nuisance | $5,000 fine |
| 26 | Playing musical instruments, etc. | $2,000 fine |
| 26A | Playing radios, cassettes, etc. | $2,000 fine |
| 27(a) | Bringing prohibited items of luggage, etc. | $2,000 fine |
| 27(b) | Consumption of food or beverage | $2,000 fine |
| 28 | Bringing animals | $2,000 fine |
| 28A | Improper operation of equipment, etc. | $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment |
| 28B | Climbing barriers, turnstiles, etc. | $3,000 fine |
| 28C(1) and (2) | Entrance or exit by improper means | $3,000 fine |
| 28C(4) | Failure to queue | $2,000 fine |
| 28D | Entrance to trains by improper means or overloading | $5,000 fine |
| 28E | Entry to restricted area | $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment |
| 28F | Intoxication | $5,000 fine |
| 28G | Improper dressing | $5,000 fine |
| 28H | Abusive language | $5,000 fine |
| 28I | Flying materials endangering operations | $3,000 fine and three months imprisonment |
| 29 | Soliciting, etc. | $5,000 fine |
| 30 | Hawking | $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment |
| 31 | Loitering | $2,000 fine |
| 32 | Bill posting, etc. | $5,000 fine and three months imprisonment |
| 32A | Unauthorized display of materials for advertisement, etc. | $5,000 fine |
| 33 | Motor vehicles left on railway premises | $4,000 fine |
| 35 | Failure of vehicle driver to comply with signs | $4,000 fine and two months imprisonment |
| 36 | Dangerous driving | $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment |
| 37 | Vehicles on certain parts of railway premises | $5,000 fine |
| 38 | Firearms | $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment |
| 39 | Dangerous goods | $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment |
| 39B | Soliciting for handling of luggage | $5,000 fine |
| 39D | Soliciting for the handling of goods | $5,000 fine |
| 40 | Failure to report lost property upon discovery | $2,000 fine |
| 41E | Entry to cross-boundary restricted area | $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment |
| 41J | Failure of an employee to surrender canceled permit | $1,000 fine |
| 41K | Failure of employer to surrender canceled permit | $1,000 fine |
| 41L | Failure of an employer to notify and surrender a permit | $1,000 fine |
| 41M | Failure of the permit holder to surrender permit upon cessation of employment | $1,000 fine |
| 41P | Failure of the permit holder to report loss of permit | $1,000 fine |
| 41Q | Failure of employer to report loss of permit | $1,000 fine |
| 41R | Failure to deliver lost permit upon discovery | $1,000 fine |
| 42(1) and (1A)(a) | Failure to give particulars of name, address or telephone number or to produce proof thereof or of identity | $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment |
| 42(1A)(b) | Giving false or misleading particulars of name, address or telephone number | $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment |
