Complete Guide to Hong Kong Vehicles Travelling to the Mainland in 2025: Application Process, Vehicle Inspection, Renewal, Accident Handling, and Precautions (with Instructions for Applying for Guangdong ETC Card)
Brief Introduction to the Hong Kong Cars' Northbound Expansion Plan
Since the launch of the Hong Kong Cars to the Mainland Scheme, it has attracted many Hong Kong car owners to drive to the mainland for tourism. The scheme allows eligible Hong Kong private cars to travel within Guangdong Province, with a maximum stay of 30 days per entry and a cumulative total of no more than 180 days per year. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the latest application process, vehicle inspection arrangements, renewal applications, and application tutorials for the Guangdong ETC card for Hong Kong cars entering the mainland in 2025
Application Qualifications and Conditions
Vehicle requirements
Limited to non-commercial private vehicles
Registration must be made in an individual's name
The number of seats in a vehicle shall not exceed 8 (including the driver)
The vehicle length must not exceed 6 meters
Driver Qualification
Holders of valid Hong Kong identity cards and Home Return Permits
Possess a private car driver's license in Hong Kong and Mainland China
The applicant must be the registered owner of the vehicle
Notes:
Applicants must designate themselves as the designated driver in the application form and submit a copy of their mainland driver's license
Once submitted, the information cannot be changed. If modifications are needed, a new application must be submitted. Fees already paid are non-refundable
You need to book your departure date in advance. If you fail to cancel your booking twice within 3 months as required, your booking eligibility will be suspended for 3 months
Application Steps
1. Online registration and lottery
Starting in January 2025, registration will be accepted every two weeks, with 500 applications processed each working day
The registration and lottery schedules can be found onthe Transport Department's website.
2. Submit application documents
If you are selected in the lottery, you must submit the following documents within the specified time:
Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card
Copies of Hong Kong and Mainland license plates
Card Book Copy
Vehicle inspection certificate (applicable to vehicles over 6 years old)
Pay the road closure permit fee (HK$540 per year or HK$45 per month)
3. Awaiting approval results
It will take about 7 to 10 working days for the Zhuhai authorities to issue a notification
4. Schedule a vehicle inspection
The vehicle needs to be inspected at China Inspection or China Travel Service, and the fee is HK$800 (including HK$400 for the border crossing fee)
If the vehicle fails the initial inspection, it can be re-inspected free of charge within 14 days
5. Purchase mainland insurance
You must purchase "compulsory traffic accident liability insurance" or "equivalent prior recognition" insurance, and it is recommended to purchase additional commercial insurance
The premium is approximately RMB ¥1,500 to ¥3,000
6. Upload the document and collect the restricted area paper
After vehicle inspection and insurance purchase, relevant documents need to be uploaded
After review, the Transport Department will issue a road closure permit
7. Scheduled departure date
Reserve a specific departure date through the "Designated Date Reservation System"
Renewal application eligibility and process
Applicants for renewal must meet the following conditions:
The applicant, vehicle, and designated driver remain unchanged
No need for a new lottery; you can submit your renewal application directly
Renewal application process:
The Transport Department sent out an invitation email
Applicants shall submit their applications and pay the fees within the specified time
The Transport Department conducted a preliminary review and forwarded the application to the relevant departments in mainland China
You may need to arrange a vehicle inspection and renew your insurance
After obtaining the new "electronic license" and "permit", you can schedule a customs clearance date
Insurance requirements and costs
Compulsory traffic accident liability insurance and commercial insurance
| five-seater car | Seven-seater | Five-seater electric vehicle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory traffic accident liability insurance (required by law) | From ¥665 | From ¥770 | From ¥950 |
| Commercial third-party liability insurance (coverage of ¥1 million) | From ¥756 | From ¥894 | From ¥950 |
| Total cost reference | ¥1,421 | ¥1,664 | ¥1,895 |
Equivalence Prior Recognition Restriction:
It must be purchased from the same insurance company as your existing Hong Kong car insurance policy
Traffic accident claims are handled by the Hong Kong insurance company's mainland partner organization
Reference for Hong Kong car northbound toll fees
| Project | Cost |
|---|---|
| Road closure permit | HK$540 per year or HK$45 per month |
| Mainland license plate replacement | ¥480 RMB / Driver's license processing fee ¥10 RMB |
| Vehicle inspection fee | HK$800 (including border crossing fee) |
| Insurance premium | ¥1,500 - ¥3,000 per year |
| Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge toll collection | ¥150 per time |
How to apply for Guangdong ETC card
The Guangdong Tong Card ETC allows vehicles to automatically pay tolls on mainland highways and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, improving driving efficiency
Application Method
1. Download the "Guangdong Tong Card ETC" APP
2. Register an account and submit your personal information
3. Link your bank card or Alipay account
4. Upload vehicle registration documents
5. Await approval and obtain the ETC device
6. Install the Guangdong Tong card on the vehicle's windshield
Top-up and usage
Top up via APP or offline channels
Automatic toll deduction via ETC lane
Common problems of Hong Kong cars going north
1. Can the vehicle or driver be changed after the application is submitted?
It cannot be changed. If modifications are needed, a new application must be submitted. Fees already paid are non-refundable
2. What should I do if my vehicle fails the inspection?
A free retest is available within 14 days
3. What precautions should be taken when driving in mainland China?
Obey local traffic laws; speeding or illegal parking can result in fines or even license plate revocation
The Hong Kong Cars to the Mainland Scheme allows Hong Kong car owners to easily drive around Guangdong, but the application process involves several steps and requires advance preparation. We hope this guide will help you successfully complete your application and enjoy driving in the Mainland!