a. How it works

The Fixed Penalty System is governed by the Fixed Penalty (Traffic Contraventions) Ordinance (Cap.237 of the Laws of Hong Kong) and the Fixed Penalty (Criminal Proceedings) Ordinance (Cap.240 of the Laws of Hong Kong).

Both Ordinances provide that the owner or driver (as the case may be) of a vehicle may be discharged from the liability for a specified offence upon the payment of a fixed penalty. In other words, once the penalty is paid, there can be no conviction.

However, if the fixed penalty is not paid within 21 days, the Commissioner of Police may serve a notice on the owner or driver (as the case may be) of the vehicle, demanding payment and informing the owner or driver of their right to dispute the liability. If the payment is not made and no dispute is raised, the Court shall order the offender to pay the fixed penalty plus an additional penalty equal to the amount of the fixed penalty.