Q1. Does the regulation regarding running engines on idling vehicles also apply to electric motor cars?

The Motor Vehicle Idling (Fixed Penalty) Ordinance (Cap. 611) comes into effect on 15 December 2011 with the prime objective to control air pollution and fuel waste caused by combustion-type vehicle engines. That would include vehicle engines powered by fuels such as petrol, diesel or liquefied petroleum gas, as well as hybrid vehicles operating in fuel combustion mode.

According to sections 5 and 7 of the Ordinance, if a driver causes or permits a vehicle to be idling on a road for more than 3 minutes in any 60-minute period, he/she is liable to pay a fixed penalty of $320.

Nevertheless, as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles operating solely in electric mode do not emit pollutants, the Environment Protection Department has confirmed that the Ordinance does not apply to such vehicles.