Don't let a "highway toll" ruin your trip across Hong Kong. Police just nabbed another taxi driver for trying to fleece passengers with a fake HK$85 fee. It's a classic move in the city's ongoing battle against rogue cabbies. This time, the driver didn't realize his passengers were undercover officers on a sting operation.
If you've spent any time in Hong Kong, you know the drill. Most drivers are honest and efficient. But there's a small group that gives the whole industry a bad name. They target tourists or anyone they think doesn't know the rules. The latest arrest happened in Central, where a 57-year-old driver tried to charge way more than the metered fare. He claimed he needed an extra HK$85 for a "highway toll" that didn't exist. He's now facing charges for overcharging and failing to use a taximeter.
Why Some Drivers Think They Can Get Away With This
Overcharging isn't new. It's a persistent headache for the Transport Department and the police. The usual trick involves "cherry-picking" passengers. Drivers will wait in high-traffic areas like Lan Kwai Fong or Tsim Sha Tsui and refuse to take anyone who won't pay a flat, inflated rate. If you aren't going to the airport or across the harbor, they might tell you they're "changing shifts" or just point you toward another cab.
In this recent case, the undercover cops boarded the taxi near a popular nightlife spot. The driver probably thought he found some easy marks. By the time they reached their destination, he demanded the extra HK$85. That's a massive markup. For context, most actual tunnel tolls in Hong Kong range from HK$10 to HK$50 depending on the route. Demanding nearly a hundred bucks for a non-existent highway fee is bold. It's also illegal.
The problem persists because the payout is high and the risk, until recently, felt low. A driver can make three times the legal fare on a single trip if they find a confused visitor. That's a lot of incentive to break the rules.
The Reality of Tunnel Tolls and Extra Charges
You need to know what you're actually supposed to pay. Hong Kong has a very specific set of rules for surcharges. If you take a taxi through the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, the Eastern Harbour Crossing, or the Western Harbour Crossing, there's a fee. Usually, you pay the toll plus a return fee if you didn't pick up the cab at a dedicated cross-harbor stand.
- Cross-Harbour Tunnel: Usually around HK$25.
- Tsing Ma Control Area: Specifically for airport trips.
- Luggage: HK$6 per piece.
- Telephone Booking: HK$5.
The driver in the news tried to invent a "highway toll." Hong Kong doesn't have a general "highway toll" that gets added to the meter at a flat rate of HK$85. If a driver tells you there's a fee for using a major road that isn't a tunnel, they're lying. It's that simple.
Police are ramping up these "decoy" operations because they work. Last year, several drivers were hit with heavy fines and even jail time for similar offenses. The government is also pushing for a demerit point system. Under this system, drivers who repeatedly overcharge or refuse hires could lose their license. It's about time.
How to Protect Yourself from Taxi Scams
You don't have to be a victim. If a driver tries to negotiate a price before you get in, walk away. That's the first red flag. Every taxi in Hong Kong must use a meter. It's the law. If the meter isn't running, the ride isn't legal.
I always recommend taking a photo of the driver's ID card displayed on the dashboard. It's right there in front of the passenger seat. If they see you looking at it or taking a quick snap, they'll usually think twice about scamming you. They know that card has their license number and name. It's your best leverage.
Ask for a Printed Receipt
Never leave the cab without a printed receipt. The receipt shows the taxi's registration number, the time, the distance traveled, and the total fare. If you realize later that you were overcharged, that piece of paper is your evidence. Without it, your complaint to the police or the Transport Complaints Unit (TCU) won't go far.
If the driver says the printer is "broken," that's another red flag. Most of the time, it's a lie to avoid leaving a paper trail. Write down the license plate number on the outside of the car instead.
Use Official Taxi Apps
If you're worried about street hails, use apps like HKTaxi or Uber (which includes a "Taxi" option in HK). These platforms track the ride via GPS. There's a digital record of the route and the price. Rogue drivers hate these apps because they can't easily inflate the price or claim they got "lost" to run up the meter.
What the Police Are Doing Now
The recent arrest in Central was part of a larger crackdown. Police from the Hong Kong Island regional traffic unit are out in force. They're specifically looking for "black sheep" drivers who target people during peak hours or near tourist landmarks.
They've made it clear that "overcharging" includes any attempt to collect more than the legal fare shown on the meter, plus authorized surcharges. It doesn't matter if the driver calls it a "highway toll," a "fuel surcharge," or a "service fee." If it's not on the official list, it's a crime.
The court system is starting to take this more seriously too. In the past, a small fine was just the "cost of doing business" for these guys. Now, we're seeing more license suspensions. That actually hurts. It takes the driver off the road and hits their wallet where it counts.
Dealing With a Driver Who Demands Extra Cash
What do you do if you're in the car and the driver starts demanding HK$85 for a toll you know is fake? Don't get into a physical fight. It's not worth it.
- Stay Calm: State clearly that you'll pay the metered fare plus the legal tolls.
- Mention the Police: Tell them you're happy to settle the dispute at the nearest police station. Usually, this makes the "extra fee" disappear instantly.
- Record the Conversation: If you feel safe doing so, start a voice memo or video on your phone.
- Pay and Report: If you feel threatened, pay the money, get the receipt, and call the police immediately after you exit the vehicle.
The 57-year-old driver caught in the sting is currently out on bail. He'll have to report back to the police later this month. His taxi was also impounded for inspection. That's a huge win for the public. Every time one of these guys gets caught, it sends a message to the rest of the fleet.
If you suspect you've been a victim, don't just grumble about it to your friends. Report it. Use the police hotline or the TCU website. Provide the taxi plate number, the time, and the location. If enough people speak up, these "highway toll" scams will eventually become a thing of the past.
Check the official Transport Department website for the most current list of tunnel fees. Keep that list on your phone. When a driver tries to pull a fast one, you'll have the facts ready to shut them down. Be smart, stay informed, and don't pay a cent more than what the meter says.
