What is the ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ Scheme?

‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ has long been on the public agenda, and is officially open for applications since June 1, 2023. Eligible Hong Kong private cars can, without the need to obtain regular quotas, receive a ‘Closed Road Permit’ and a ‘Mainland Electronic Vehicle License’, and therefore travel between Hong Kong and Guangdong through Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge since the midnight of July 1, 2023. 

What do I need to pay attention to when applying for the Scheme?

Eligibility of applicants and required documents:
‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ only accepts online applications at this stage. Applicants have to submit relevant documentations on the ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ website. Some key pointers to note are that applicants must be the registered owner of the private car, and that they must possess a valid Hong Kong Identity Card, a Mainland Travel Permit, and driving licenses issued by both Hong Kong and mainland authorities (if the applicant is one of the designated drivers).

If you haven’t yet obtained a mainland driving license, there is currently a mainland-Hong Kong test-exemption application mechanism for private cars’ driving licenses, where Hong Kong driving license holders can make the application at the Vehicle Administration Office of the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department.

Applicants can register not more than two drivers (one of which can be the applicant) for a private car, while the registered drivers must have a Hong Kong Identity Card, driving licenses under both jurisdictions, and valid travel and entry documents, but not necessarily a Mainland Travel Permit. 

Eligibility and requirements of vehicles:

‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ is designed for non-commercial private cars. Therefore, the vehicle must be registered under the name of an individual. Besides, vehicles which have obtained quota under ‘Regular Quotas for Cross-boundary Private Cars travelling between Guangdong and Hong Kong’ or ‘Ad Hoc Quotas for Cross Boundary Private Cars’ are not eligible to apply for the scheme.

On the vehicle type requirements, the vehicle must be in seating capacity of eight or below and must be less than six meters in length. It must also possess a valid Hong Kong vehicle license. 

Duration of stay per year:

Within the validity period, the vehicle may stay for no more than 30 consecutive days upon each entry to the mainland and no more than 180 days within a year in aggregate.

In addition, a key pointer to pay attention to is that ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ applications cannot be renewed. Owners may make a new application 30 days before their mainland digital license expires.

Vehicle inspection requirements:

For Hong Kong private cars registered or aged 6 years or more, applicants are required to submit Certificate of Roadworthiness when applying for ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’. If the application passes preliminary assessments by the two jurisdictions, applicants will receive notification from the relevant mainland authorities and can arrange vehicle inspection at designated locations. 

Insurance requirements for ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’:

Speaking of car insurance which most concern all of you, ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ requires vehicles to obtain not just Hong Kong car insurance, but also the mandatory ‘Mainland Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicles’, commonly known as ‘Compulsory Insurance’, or the third-party insurance in mainland China. When the insured incurs third-party casualties or property losses caused by traffic accidents, the insurance company will make the relevant compensation.

However, there are only a few Hong Kong insurance companies that currently offer car insurance plans that satisfy relevant requirements of both jurisdictions. Among them, AXA’s ‘HZMB Hong Kong Cross Border Motor Vehicle Mainland Compulsory Insurance under Unilateral Recognition’ fulfills the requirements of ‘Compulsory Insurance’ completely.

Besides the ‘Compulsory Insurance’ mandated by the mainland government, there is another optional coverage known as ‘Supplementary Insurance’ in the mainland, allowing owners to get more comprehensive protection. AXA also offers the ‘Supplementary Insurance’ option, providing two additional protection on top of ‘Compulsory Insurance’, namely:

• Raising the third-party liability coverage amount under ‘Compulsory Insurance’ from RMB200,000 to RMB2,000,000
• The Liability Insurance for Persons Onboard Motor Vehicles protects both the insured driver and passengers against casualties

But a point to note is that ‘Supplementary Insurance’ is an additional protection, and can only be applied for along with ‘Compulsory Insurance’. Therefore, you cannot only purchase ‘Supplementary Insurance’ but not ‘Compulsory Insurance’. Some readers may ask: Then is it possible to just purchase ‘Compulsory Insurance’ but not ‘Supplementary Insurance’? I would say, it is possible under the law, but my question is: are the coverage scope and amount sufficient? You would have to consider carefully.

Three key points to note when driving on the mainland:

1. Left-hand vs Right-hand driving

Contrary to Hong Kong, mainland cars have the driver seat on the left of the road. Therefore, you will have to pay extra attention to the road traffic in the mainland with your right-hand drive car.

First and foremost, the opposite traffic will appear on your left-hand side, while the slow lane will be the furthest right one, and the traffic flow of the roundabout is also reversed and is anti-clockwise. Pay attention also when turning corners and changing lanes, on the mainland you only need to cross over lanes when turning left, while you should stay on the lane when turning right. Besides, if there is no ‘No Right Turn On Red Light’ sign, vehicles are allowed to make a right turn even under a red light, provided they do not interrupt traffic or pedestrians.

If you are unfamiliar with the road situation, you are advised to drive slow, follow the traffic, and familiarise yourself with the mainland traffic. 

2. Pay attention to parking and road toll

There are many automated carparks in mainland China, some of them may not immediately recognise Hong Kong car plates under ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’. Therefore, you can make inquiries of the carparks at your destination before departure and remember to activate mainland mobile electronic payment apps in advance for parking charges.

On the other hand, tolls on the mainland are usually charged via the ‘Autotoll-Unitoll Card’. If you haven’t registered for it, please remember to drive through manual toll collection booths, so you can opt for electronic payment methods. 

3. What to do when traffic accidents occur?

In the event of traffic accidents, the steps to take in mainland China are similar to those in Hong Kong. After the accident, remember to remain calm, upon ensuring your personal safety, you should take photos and videos of the scene to preserve evidence. Then you should dial 110 (Public Security Department) or 122 (Traffic Incidents) to report the case to the mainland Public Security Department and give oral evidence, and call the mainland insurance company listed on the insurance policy.

If you have already purchased AXA’s ‘Compulsory Insurance’ and ‘Supplementary Insurance’, you can contact Chinese property insurance company AXA Tianping, which is entirely owned by AXA Group, where dedicated personnel will handle your compensation matters. 

Joyous driving in Guangdong starts with comprehensive protection

After reading all the above advice, all of you must be ready to hop on your beloved car and start your cruise up north. A final reminder once again, ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ is officially open for applications. Interested owners please keep an eye out for the lot-drawing and registration dates, as well as getting comprehensive protection, to enjoy a great peace of mind on your journey.