Can Hong Kong License Plate Vehicles Leave Guangdong?
2 Answers
Hong Kong and Macau dual-plate vehicles are not permitted to leave Guangdong Province. Foreigners driving motor vehicles temporarily entering the country to participate in organized tours, competitions, or other exchange activities must have approval documents from the national competent authorities. Here is more relevant information: Legal provisions: According to the "Reply from the Ministry of Public Security on the Use of 92-Style Vehicle License Plates for Vehicles Entering and Exiting the Mainland from Hong Kong and Macau" (Public Traffic Management [2000] No. 112), it is explicitly stipulated that the driving area for vehicles entering and exiting the Mainland from Hong Kong and Macau is restricted to within Guangdong Province. This means that, as per the provisions of this reply from the Ministry of Public Security, these license plates can only be used within the scope of Guangdong Province.
I've driven Hong Kong-plated cars into Guangdong from Hong Kong several times before, and found it quite convenient but with restrictions. First, you need to apply for a temporary Guangdong-Hong Kong cross-border license through CTS or the port management office, bringing along the vehicle registration certificate and driver's license. The fee is a few hundred dollars, and the validity period is usually three months. When driving through Shenzhen Bay or Huanggang Port, border security will check your documents, so having a border pass ready saves time. After entering Guangdong, you can only drive in designated areas like the Pearl River Delta, and cannot freely travel to other provinces or cities, otherwise you'll be stopped and fined. Pay special attention to mainland traffic rules: strict speed limits on highways, mandatory seatbelt use, and getting a temporary ETC card for easier toll payments. I recommend planning your route in advance, using Baidu Maps for navigation to avoid restricted zones, and ensuring your vehicle is well-maintained to prevent breakdowns during the trip. Although the procedures are a bit cumbersome, the flexibility of self-driving makes it suitable for short trips.
