Fewer accidents on the roads of Macau in 2025, but more injuries and deaths

In 2025, the number of road accidents in Macau decreased by 5.62%, according to statistics released by the Public Security Police Force (PSP).

In total, 14,638 traffic accidents were recorded, 872 fewer than in 2024.

The PSP said that the top three primary causes of traffic accidents continued to be “failure to maintain a safe distance,” “inability to control vehicle speed,” and “careless turning.”

Compared to 2024, cases of failure to maintain a safe distance and of inability to control vehicle speed decreased by 2.59% and 1.27%, respectively, while instances of careless turning increased by 3.44%.

The police force noted that, despite a reduction in the number of accidents, there were more injuries last year, totaling 4,578, an increase of 0.68% compared to the 4,547 cases recorded in 2024.

Similarly, in 2025, the number of deaths from traffic accidents rose from 5 in 2024 to 7, an increase of 40%, even though the force stated that “the number of deaths caused by traffic accidents remained in the single digits, indicating overall traffic safety is at a good level.”

Aiming to continue reducing traffic accidents and their consequences, the PSP called on drivers and citizens to pay attention to road and weather conditions when traveling, obey traffic signs, and allow sufficient travel time.

The force also reportedly launched several road traffic prevention campaigns targeting different levels of the community.

DUI cases dropped 17%

Throughout 2025, there were 141 cases of driving under the influence (DUI), representing a 17.06% decrease from the 170 cases recorded in 2024. Among these, 86 cases involved the offense of “drunk driving” (blood alcohol content equal to or exceeding 1.2 grams per liter), a 23.21% decrease from the 112 cases in 2024.

Driving under the influence of alcohol (between 0.5 g/dL and 1.2 g/dL) totaled 55 cases, a 5.17% decrease from 58 cases in 2024.

On the other hand, cases involving driving under the influence of drugs increased from two in 2024 to three in 2025.

The PSP noted that the rules and regulations regarding DUI have been proactively enforced based on the characteristics and trends of such offenses. These include targeted deployments around restaurants and bars, particularly during holidays and major events.

The force also consistently highlighted cases of drivers caught under the influence of alcohol or drugs through press releases, to heighten vigilance and amplify the impact of these messages, aiming to deter offenses.

Taxi violations exponentially increased

In 2025, the number of taxi violations increased exponentially, with prosecuted cases rising from 870 in 2024 to 1,989, an increase of 118.16%.

The PSP explained that, of these cases, the majority (1,110) involved violations for failing to respect line order at taxi stands. Following this were 428 refusals to provide transportation to passengers.

The PSP also detected 110 cases of obvious detours from the route, 43 cases of overcharging, 19 cases of drivers failing to activate taxi meters (usually related to price negotiation), 13 cases of taxi drivers illegally negotiating fees with passengers, and 123 other non-catalogued offenses.

Compared to 2024, there is a massive increase in cases of failing to respect the line at taxi stands (up 306.59%) and a 2.8% increase in instances of not following logical routes, while cases of not respecting or activating the meter dropped by over 47%.

To strengthen oversight of the taxi industry, the police said they request vehicle data from authorized departments upon receiving taxi-related complaints to ensure fair and impartial enforcement. In 2025, the PSP submitted 3,247 requests for vehicle data to follow up on passenger complaints, a 142.68% increase from 2024.

The force is also said to maintain focused patrols and surveillance at taxi stands near tourist attractions, border checkpoints, and large resort hotels. Additionally, the PSP says it is in active dialogue with the taxi industry to promote communication while urging self-discipline, compliance with laws and regulations, and adherence to order to uphold the professional image of the taxi sector.

Pedestrian violations stabilized

The force noted that, regarding illegal pedestrian crossings, in 2025, the number of cases prosecuted remained stable, increasing by 2.56% to 7,651. This figure represents over 147 cases prosecuted per week.

The PSP said it is continuing to work to reduce violations at their source, collaborating with other departments to inspect high-incidence locations, installing pedestrian safety signage, and optimizing physical infrastructure.

Following coordination meetings and on-site inspections with community representatives, the PSP installed additional signage at Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, Rua do Campo, Rua de Pequim, and Avenida Dr. Carlos D’Assumpção, among others.

The PSP also noted the need to continue monitoring violation hotspots and to promptly propose installing physical barriers to relevant departments, such as adding iron railings or raising fences, to prevent pedestrians from crossing illegally and dangerously.