Hong Kong proposes noise rule changes to boost building and cut traffic din
Hong Kong's environment chief outlined plans to simplify night-time construction noise permits for the Northern Territory, adopt new national and UN vehicle noise standards, and promote innovative noise-reducing windows and low-noise road surfaces to cut traffic noise for about 150,000 residents.
The Hong Kong government has proposed a package of measures to update noise regulations for construction and road traffic, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology told a Legislative Council panel on 2 November 2026.
Under the current system, contractors carrying out building work at night or on public holidays must apply for a noise permit from the Environmental Protection Department (EPD). The government now proposes to simplify the application process for developments in the Northern Territory while keeping existing noise limits unchanged. A new technical memorandum for the Northern Territory would allow contractors to monitor noise levels in real time on site and adjust equipment flexibly, as long as standards are not exceeded, to speed up construction.
For traffic noise, the government has promoted innovative noise-reducing windows and balcony designs for new residential buildings, which can cut traffic noise by up to 12 decibels (A). This has made it possible to develop housing on sites previously considered too noisy. In addition, low-noise road surfaces have been laid on expressways and about 130 district roads, benefiting approximately 150,000 residents.
The government also proposed three amendments to the Noise Control (Motor Vehicles) Regulation (Chapter 400I), which sets noise standards for vehicles when they are first registered in Hong Kong. The existing standards have been in use since 2002. The amendments would: first, adopt both national standards and UN regulations as acceptable; second, bring motor tricycles under the regulation; and third, make statutory the current administrative exemption for electric vehicles, which produce very low noise levels.
The EPD has consulted the industry on the legislative proposals and received support, the secretary said.