Can Mainland Vehicles Drive to Hong Kong?
2 Answers
Mainland-licensed vehicles are generally not allowed to enter Hong Kong directly. Below is relevant information: Specific reasons: Because Hong Kong's driver's license is different from that of the mainland. Drivers holding a mainland driver's license can only drive in Hong Kong if they possess a Hong Kong driver's license; otherwise, it is considered illegal driving. Additionally, all vehicles in Hong Kong are left-hand drive, and right-hand drive is not permitted, so mainland vehicles are not allowed to enter Hong Kong. Finally, if it is absolutely necessary to drive from the mainland to Hong Kong, one must obtain a Hong Kong and Macau travel permit, drive a left-hand drive vehicle, and enter Hong Kong through customs from the mainland. Additional information: Moreover, mainland vehicles driving to Hong Kong must invest a certain amount in Hong Kong, or companies with certain assets in the mainland must establish a permanent resident office or institution in Hong Kong. Vehicles purchased by such companies in the mainland can apply to Hong Kong Customs after obtaining a legal license in the mainland, and then the Hong Kong Transport Department will issue a Hong Kong license. Drivers also need to hold a mainland driver's license and a Hong Kong driver's license (those holding a Guangdong driver's license can obtain a Hong Kong driver's license without taking a test) or an international driver's license.
Mainland cars can drive into Hong Kong, but they need temporary licenses to be road legal. That's exactly what I did. A few months ago, I drove my Beijing-registered car to Hong Kong for a road trip and applied for a Closed Road Permit. The whole process wasn't difficult—just fill out an online form, pay the fee, and wait for approval, which took about two to three weeks. The cost was around 300-400 RMB, and all I needed to submit was copies of my vehicle registration certificate and driver's license. When driving into Hong Kong via the Shenzhen checkpoint, I found the road conditions excellent, though the opposite driving direction took some getting used to. The first few turns were a bit chaotic, so I recommend practicing in advance. The scenery along the way was stunning—seeing Victoria Harbour's night view from the highway was totally worth it, and it saved me the cost of renting a car. The vehicle standards aren't strict; as long as your emissions meet the requirements, you're good to go. Just don't forget to buy extra insurance, as Hong Kong has strict roadside checks. In short, with the right documents and a bit of patience, a self-drive trip to Hong Kong is absolutely fantastic.
