[Mainland Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles] Learn about the application requirements, process, and important notes for Hong Kong vehicles travelling to the Mainland in one article.

In recent years, many people have enjoyed travelling north for leisure, and quite a few prefer to drive directly from Hong Kong to mainland China, taking the opportunity to shop at mainland supermarkets or arrange vehicle maintenance and repairs. However, how exactly does one apply for the "Hong Kong Vehicles Northbound" scheme? What are the application requirements? And what should one be aware of? This time, 10Life has compiled a detailed application process for "Hong Kong Vehicles Northbound" to help everyone explore the vast lands of China with ease.

"Hong Kong Vehicles to the North" refers to Hong Kong-registered vehicles travelling northwards. Private car owners do not need to apply for the traditional Hong Kong-Mainland license plate and can travel short-term between Hong Kong and Guangdong Province via the artificial island port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Compared to the traditional Hong Kong-Mainland license plate, the application for Hong Kong Vehicles to the North does not require tax payment or quota competition, and the application criteria are more relaxed. Each application is valid for one year and applies only to private cars used for non-commercial purposes.

Applicant Eligibility

• Holder of a valid Hong Kong Identity Card and a Mainland Travel Permit
• Must be the registered owner of the vehicle in Hong Kong
• Holder of both Hong Kong and Mainland driving licences (if the applicant applies to be one of the designated drivers)

Please note that each applicant can only apply for one private car under their name. Each private car can have a maximum of two designated drivers, and one of the drivers can be the applicant themselves. However, the applicant will not automatically be designated as a driver; if they wish to be designated, they must complete the relevant information in the application form and upload colour copies of the original and supplementary pages of their Mainland driving licence.

Driver Eligibility

• Holder of a valid Hong Kong Identity Card and:
  • Mainland Travel Permit; or
  • Foreign passport and valid visa; or
  • Other international travel documents and valid visa
• Holder of a valid Hong Kong driving licence
• Has been issued a Mainland temporary driving permit (which can be obtained online or at a service counter)

Vehicle Eligibility

The "Hong Kong Vehicles Northbound" scheme applies only to non-commercial Hong Kong private cars. The vehicle must be registered under an individual’s name and meet the following conditions:

Basic Vehicle Requirements

• Private car or small passenger vehicle registered in Hong Kong (excluding taxis and vehicles for commercial use)
• Vehicle has no more than 8 seats (including the driver)
• Vehicle length is less than 6 metres
• For vehicles older than 6 years, a valid motor vehicle safety inspection certificate (i.e., vehicle examination report) must be submitted
• Vehicle is equipped with an electronic tag or other identification device
• Holder of a valid Hong Kong vehicle licence

Insurance Requirements

• Has purchased mandatory Hong Kong third-party insurance
• Must additionally purchase specified Mainland motor vehicle insurance, such as compulsory traffic accident liability insurance (CTALI) or an equivalent "mutual recognition" coverage

Documents Issued Upon Successful Application

1. Closed Road Permit (issued by the Hong Kong Transport Department)
   • Used to permit vehicle access on closed road sections between the Hong Kong Port and Zhuhai Highway Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, with a fee of HKD 540 per year or HKD 45 per month. For access to other restricted areas in Hong Kong (e.g., Lantau Island), a permit can only be applied for with special justification.
2. Electronic Temporary Entry Motor Vehicle Licence (issued by Mainland authorities)
   • Serves as proof of legal road access in the Mainland, confirming that the vehicle is registered and granted temporary entry permission, applicable to designated roads within Guangdong Province.

Registration for Ballot

Want to apply for the "Hong Kong Vehicles to Mainland" scheme? The first step is to register for the ballot. Applicants must complete online registration by filling in personal and vehicle information on the designated website. Each ballot round opens approximately every two weeks. Remember to keep your ballot reference number, as it will be required to proceed with the formal application process if you are selected. Daily ballot quotas are limited, so it is advisable to prepare early to avoid missing out. You can check the computer ballot timetable on the official website.

Online Application Submission

Upon successful selection in the ballot, you must complete the formal application form online within the specified timeframe and upload relevant supporting documents, including your Hong Kong Identity Card, Home Return Permit, vehicle registration certificate, and a valid vehicle insurance policy. If the vehicle is older than 6 years, a safety inspection certificate is also required. Authorities from both regions will jointly review the application, and if additional information is needed, you will be notified via email. Once approved, you will need to pay fees related to the Closed Road Permit and other associated costs.

Waiting for Approval and Vehicle Inspection

After submitting the application, you will need to wait for approval from the governments of both regions. Results are generally communicated via email. If the vehicle was manufactured or registered more than 6 years ago, you must book an appointment at a designated centre (such as China Inspection Company or Hong Kong China Travel Vehicle Inspection Centre) for a vehicle inspection and submit a pass certificate. The cost is approximately HKD 600, to be borne by the vehicle owner. The entire inspection process can be completed in Hong Kong without the need to travel to the mainland. If the applicant has successfully completed a vehicle inspection within the past two years, and the mainland temporary licence remains valid with unchanged driver and vehicle details, a re-inspection may be waived upon reapplication.

Purchasing Insurance and Collecting Permits

Once approved, vehicle owners must purchase the mainland’s "Compulsory Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance for Traffic Accidents" (commonly known as CTPL). Depending on individual needs, additional commercial insurance can be purchased for enhanced protection. Note that the insurance period must align with the validity of the electronic temporary entry permit. If you prefer not to purchase a separate mainland insurance policy, some Hong Kong insurance companies offer an "Equivalent Recognition" policy option, which adds mainland coverage to your existing third-party insurance, meeting the requirements for the "Hong Kong Vehicles to Mainland" scheme.

According to information from the Insurance Authority of Hong Kong and industry sources, there are currently 18 insurance companies in Hong Kong offering "Equivalent Recognition" products, including AXA Hong Kong and Macau, BOCG Insurance, Dah Sing Insurance, Zurich, Ping An, and others.

Once all documents are complete and verified, applicants will receive the mainland electronic temporary entry vehicle permit and the Hong Kong Closed Road Permit (commonly known as "Restricted Zone Permit"), allowing legal self-driving between Hong Kong and Guangdong.

Booking Travel

After all documents are prepared, applicants must book a departure date through the system. A travel booking is required for each departure, and clearance cannot be processed without a completed booking. On the day of departure, you must bring all necessary documents (such as the mainland temporary permit, Closed Road Permit, insurance policy, etc.) and complete clearance procedures at the designated port (e.g., Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge or Shenzhen Bay). Once completed, you can legally drive within Guangdong Province.

Driving Range and Stay Restrictions

Under the current arrangement, the "Hong Kong Vehicles Northbound" scheme is limited to driving within Guangdong Province and does not permit entry into other mainland regions. At present, entry is only allowed via the Zhuhai Highway Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. The maximum stay per entry is 30 days, with a cumulative limit of 180 days per year. During the stay in the mainland, vehicles must comply with local traffic regulations and must not exceed the permitted duration or be used improperly, as violations may affect future application eligibility.

Insurance and Validity Period

As mentioned earlier, vehicle owners are required to purchase mainland China's Compulsory Traffic Insurance ("CTI") or an "Equivalent First Recognition" policy for their vehicles. The validity period of the mainland license and insurance must align, with a maximum duration of one year. Additionally, vehicles must also hold Hong Kong third-party liability insurance. In the event of an accident, claims can be filed with the respective insurance companies in both regions. It is recommended to double-check all policy dates before departure to ensure they are valid.

Differences in Traffic Rules

Unlike Hong Kong, driving in mainland China is on the right side of the road. Drivers should pay special attention to intersections, entrances, exits, and lane-changing manoeuvres to avoid misjudging road conditions. Furthermore, traffic signs and traffic light designs in the mainland may differ from those in Hong Kong. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with local signs and road rules before departure. Penalties for traffic violations in the mainland are relatively strict, including speeding, illegal parking, and drink-driving. Violations may result in penalty points, fines, or impact on renewal eligibility.

Special Notes for Electric Vehicles

If you are driving an electric vehicle "northbound," it is necessary to research the specifications and distribution of charging facilities in the mainland in advance. Some Hong Kong and Macau vehicle models may require adapters for compatibility. It is recommended to download mainstream charging platform apps such as "Star Charge" or "Teladoc" before departure, and complete account registration and payment activation (e.g., via Alipay or WeChat Pay) to facilitate convenient charging along the journey.

Is the Applicant Automatically Considered the Driver?

The applicant is not necessarily the driver. The actual driver must meet the relevant qualifications, including holding a valid driving licence and complying with the requirements for "Hong Kong Vehicles Travelling North" regarding drivers. If the driver is not the applicant, the driver’s information must still be submitted together with the application for approval.

Is Vehicle Inspection Mandatory for Cars Over 6 Years Old?

Generally, if a vehicle has been manufactured or registered for more than 6 years, an appointment must be made with a designated organisation (such as Hong Kong China Inspection or China Travel Service) for vehicle inspection, and a certificate of compliance must be submitted. However, if the applicant reapplies within two years of a qualifying inspection and there are no changes to the vehicle or its details, an exemption may be granted.

How to Purchase Mainland Insurance?

Vehicle owners must purchase Mainland China’s Compulsory Traffic Insurance ("CTI"). This can be arranged through Hong Kong insurance companies offering "Equivalent Recognition" services, by directly adding Mainland coverage to an existing car insurance policy. Alternatively, owners may choose to purchase through Mainland insurance platforms or by contacting relevant insurance companies, but they must ensure that the insurance validity period aligns with the electronic permit. According to the Hong Kong Insurance Authority and industry information, there are currently 18 insurance companies in Hong Kong offering "Equivalent Recognition" products, including AXA Hong Kong and Macau, BOCG Insurance, Dah Sing Insurance, Zurich, Ping An, and others.

How is the Duration of Stay Calculated?

After each successful entry, a continuous stay of up to 30 days is permitted, with a cumulative total not exceeding 180 days per year. The calculation is based on the actual dates of entry and exit. It is advisable to keep proper records of each entry to avoid overstaying, which could affect future application eligibility or result in violations of Mainland traffic regulations.

What Should I Do in Case of a Traffic Accident in the Mainland?

If a traffic accident occurs in the Mainland, you should immediately report it to the police and record details of the accident scene, including the other party’s licence plate number, identification documents, accident photos, and police report records. You should also notify your car insurance company as soon as possible. If someone is injured, seek medical attention promptly. As Hong Kong residents are not entitled to medical vouchers or public subsidies for hospitalisation in the Mainland, all related medical expenses must be paid out of pocket. Therefore, for "Hong Kong Vehicles Travelling North", in addition tocar insurance, you may also consider purchasingtravel insuranceorGreater Bay Area-specific travel insurancethat covers medical protection in the Mainland. This includes coverage for public transport accidents and medical expenses, helping to alleviate sudden financial burdens and providing greater peace of mind when travelling north.

Further Reading:

[Greater Bay Area Travel Insurance] Essential Protection for Travelling in the Greater Bay Area! Coverage for High-Speed Rail Delays and Ride-Hailing Injuries
[Hong Kong Vehicles Travelling North Insurance] What’s the Difference Between Hong Kong and Mainland Car Insurance? Tips for Purchasing Coverage

Last updated: 31 July 2025

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.