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HKID: leniency on the carry at ALL times rule

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  1. #1

    Join Date
    Dec 2012
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    HKID: leniency on the carry at ALL times rule

    In general I have my wallet with me, so no problems with keeping the id with me. But I run, generally with another person, so I don't carry ID. A few weeks ago on Bowen path there were a fair number of police, and they were stopping people asking for ID--generally non-running, young Chinese males. Curious, if I were stopped and did not have my ID when running: What would happen? Would this be a major issue, or would they be fine to accompany me home to see my HKID?


  2. #2

    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    7,517

    Yes, need to carry.

    See http://www.hklii.hk/eng/hk/legis/ord/115/s17c.html

    and http://www.clic.org.hk/en/topics/pol...owers/q1.shtml

    I think you can be fined up to HK$1000, although depends what a "reasonable excuse" means. Can't you just carry your ID card with your keys in a small bag?


  3. #3

    Join Date
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    I know several people that have gotten stopped without ID (or claimed they were without), and the police just told them to carry one and gave them some stank-eye. No biggie....


  4. #4

    Join Date
    Mar 2013
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    2,454

    Probably depends on what mood the officer is in. My husband has been stopped without his before and they just told him to carry it next time. I think if you could potentially just be a tourist they don't want to be too dickish about it.


  5. #5

    Join Date
    Dec 2012
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    Thanks for the information. It sounds like one of those many gray zones. With the chances of being fined low and assuming most police officers would accept the explanation that I don't bring it with me running, I'm going to take the chance, and if I am stopped and subsequently fined, no complaints. I was forewarned.

    As for the suggestion of taking it in a small bag, with the swinging arms, I don't think that will work. I have tried a few of those runners belts but have yet to find one that I like. I have popped ID in the small inner pocket before, but wedging it in and out is a hassle, and several times I've forgotten to take it out--putting it through the wash or forgetting about it for days until I needed ID and didn't have it.

    A true note of thanks to all of you who share your advice. As a new arrival, I've ready many of your posts and you have truly helped me settle in and make smarter choices. Thanks!


  6. #6

    Join Date
    May 2009
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    6,180
    Quote Originally Posted by usehername:
    Probably depends on what mood the officer is in.
    Depends also if you speak Mandarin only or have a really dark skin.

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Victoria, Hong Kong
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    833
    Quote Originally Posted by flameproof:
    Depends also if you speak Mandarin only or have a really dark skin.
    Don't you know, Chicomms rule the city now. The Police won't dare to touch any mainland scum. Not good for the career you know...

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Oct 2006
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    Hong Kong
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    If you are of dark skin, ALWAYS carry HKID.

    Sent from my Nexus 4 using GeoClicks mobile app

    usehername likes this.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Gold Coast Marina
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jackie1:
    Thanks for the information. It sounds like one of those many gray zones. With the chances of being fined low and assuming most police officers would accept the explanation that I don't bring it with me running, I'm going to take the chance, and if I am stopped and subsequently fined, no complaints. I was forewarned.

    As for the suggestion of taking it in a small bag, with the swinging arms, I don't think that will work. I have tried a few of those runners belts but have yet to find one that I like. I have popped ID in the small inner pocket before, but wedging it in and out is a hassle, and several times I've forgotten to take it out--putting it through the wash or forgetting about it for days until I needed ID and didn't have it.

    A true note of thanks to all of you who share your advice. As a new arrival, I've ready many of your posts and you have truly helped me settle in and make smarter choices. Thanks!
    I have a tiny purse with a strap which you can put on your arm (or leg). It's about ID card sized and can hold ID, a few notes and a key - great for those times when you really don't want much else. Otherwise, get one of those running shirts with the largish pocket at the back - they are pretty common. I wouldn't leave home without my ID and my octopus and a few notes, just in case of accidents more than anything. If you fall, you need your ID to get free treatment at hospital and some money to get home!
    vmlinuz and hktraveller like this.

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Sep 2012
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    1,756
    Quote Originally Posted by pin:
    If you are of dark skin, ALWAYS carry HKID.

    Sent from my Nexus 4 using GeoClicks mobile app
    sad but true.

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