Complete guide to ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’: What to do in case of a car accident on the mainland? How does insurance work? 4 must-know tips for driving northbound!
Lifestyle2025-06-30
7 Mins Read
With the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, driving to the mainland has become increasingly popular among Hong Kong residents in recent years. Although northbound travel for Hong Kong vehicles is now a growing trend, the traffic environment on the mainland differs significantly from that in Hong Kong, leading to occasional accidents. For example, last year, a driver in Zhuhai crashed into a congee shop, destroying the storefront.
Some believe that the differences in driving culture between the two regions contribute to frequent accidents, and the distinction between left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles may also be a major factor. In light of this, this article will address common questions about driving on the mainland under the 'Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles' scheme and provide practical advice to help drivers stay safe and confident while travelling north.
Pre-trip preparations for 'Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles'
Before learning how to handle accidents, it’s equally important to understand the necessary preparations before your trip. Proper planning before departure is the first step to ensuring your safety.
For detailed guidance and application procedures for the 'Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles' scheme, you can visit the Transport Department’s website or check out [Smart Living@Kenneth] Detailed tutorial on the latest insurance arrangements and application process of ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ and 3 key mainland driving tips (2025 update)!
Four key tips for driving under the 'Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles' scheme
While having adequate insurance and proper preparations in place is essential, it is equally our responsibility to familiarise ourselves with local traffic regulations and mainland road conditions. Understanding these differences in advance helps prevent traffic violations or accidents caused by unfamiliarity—a crucial step in ensuring a safe journey.
Differences in driving culture between Hong Kong and Mainland China
In mainland China, drivers must comply with the 'Road Traffic Safety Law' and its implementing regulations. Key rules include strict prohibitions on drink-driving, speeding, and fatigued driving.
However, there are significant differences between mainland and Hong Kong traffic regulations:
Hong Kong | Mainland China | |
Driving direction | ||
Driving direction | • Drive on the left, with the steering wheel on the right. The right lane is the fast lane, and the left lane is the slow lane. | • Drive on the right, with the steering wheel on the left. The left lane is the fast lane, and the right lane is the slow lane. Oncoming traffic will approach from your left, and roundabouts move counter clockwise. When turning, left turns require crossing lanes, while right turns should hug the curb. |
Road signs | ||
Road signs | • Signs are in English and Traditional Chinese. | • Signs are primarily in Simplified Chinese, with some including English or pinyin. |
Traffic rules | ||
Traffic rules | • Pedestrians have strong right of way, especially at zebra crossings. | • Pedestrian priority is less consistently enforced; drivers should watch for vehicles cutting in. |
Road design | ||
Road design | • Narrower roads, more one-way streets, and hilly/urban terrain. | • Wider roads, larger urban expressways, and extensive elevated highways. Fewer roundabouts; complex interchanges and flyovers dominate. |
Highways & tolls | ||
Highways & tolls | • Mostly free (e.g., Tsing Ma Bridge, Tuen Mun Road), with selected toll tunnels (e.g., Western Harbour Crossing and Eastern Harbour Crossing). | • Tolled by distance (via ETC or manual lanes), though some holidays offer exemptions. |
HZMB Hong Kong Cross Border Motor Vehicle Insurance
Your highway to a smooth drive in Guangdong.
Common road signs and markings
In mainland China, road signs and traffic markings follow specific design conventions. Common signage includes speed limit signs, prohibition signs, and directional indicators. For instance, maximum speed limit signs are displayed as red circles with black numerals indicating the permitted top speed for that road section. Prohibition signs - such as 'no left turn' or 'no right turn' - typically feature red diagonal slashes over simple graphical representations. Familiarising yourself with these signs helps drivers avoid inadvertent violations.
Mainland road conditions
Driving conditions vary significantly across mainland China, from bustling urban streets to expansive motorways. In city centres like Shenzhen, expect fast-moving traffic with heavy congestion being commonplace - drivers should remain particularly alert to traffic condition and real-time traffic updates. On expressways, be prepared for variable speed restrictions and traffic control measures. Notably, some rural and mountainous routes may feature poorer road surfaces with frequent potholes, requiring extra caution from motorists.
Additional differences
- Driving habits and etiquette: In mainland China, some regions may exhibit practices such as indiscriminate lane changes, queue jumping, or frequent horn use to signal impatience.
- Parking: Parking space markings are less clearly defined than in Hong Kong, particularly in city centres where spaces are often limited. Drivers can use mobile apps to locate and reserve nearby parking.
- Motorway service areas: Mainland expressways feature well-equipped rest stops, typically including restaurants, convenience stores, and petrol stations, allowing drivers to recharge and replenish essentials.
- Fuel stations: Petrol prices are comparatively lower, and stations are widely distributed in mainland China. However, remote areas may require advance route planning for refuelling.
- EV charging: Mainland China’s EV charging network has expanded significantly. Major cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) offer extensive charging point coverage, accessible via dedicated apps. Remote areas, however, have fewer options.
In addition, electric vehicles (EVs) in Hong Kong typically use the IEC 62196 Type 2 (commonly referred to as 'Type 2') standard for alternating current (AC) charging, while the CCS2 standard is adopted for direct current (DC) charging. However, in mainland China, the national GB/T 20234 standard is used for both AC and DC charging. As a result, EVs using the Type 2 or CCS2 standards in Hong Kong are not compatible with GB/T 20234 charging facilities in mainland China.
If your EV uses the Type 2 standard for AC charging in Hong Kong, you will need a 'GB/T to Type 2' AC adapter when charging in mainland China. Additionally, ensure that the adapter and its accessories (including the flexible cable connecting to the socket) are suitable for outdoor use to ensure a safe and smooth charging process.
HZMB Hong Kong Cross Border Motor Vehicle Insurance
Your highway to a smooth drive in Guangdong.
Accident response guide
Should you be involved in a traffic accident while travelling northbound with your Hong Kong vehicle, remain calm and follow these procedures:
Immediate actions at the scene
- Maintain composure: Keeping a clear head is crucial for effective accident management and prevents emotional reactions from complicating proceedings. After ensuring your own safety, promptly check for injuries and administer first aid if required.
- Document the scene: Thorough photographic evidence is essential. Capture images of vehicle damage, the overall accident context, road markings, and other relevant details. Multiple angles will support subsequent claims processing.
- Notify authorities and insurers: Contact mainland police via 110 (emergency) or 122 (traffic accident hotline) to file a report. After the accident is settled, inform your insurer using the policy's designated mainland contact number. AXA’s policyholders with 'Compulsory Insurance' (or 'Unilateral Recognition' policy for motor insurance) and 'Supplementary Insurance' may contact AXA Tianping P&C Insurance Co., Ltd. (a wholly-owned AXA entity) for dedicated claims assistance.
Key contact information
- Local police/Emergency services: In Greater Bay Area cities (e.g. Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai), dial:
- 122 (Traffic accident hotline)
- 120 (Medical emergency)
- 110 (Police) - Hong Kong Government's Guangdong Office 24-hour Hotline: Emergency support for Hong Kong residents in distress in mainland China: (852) 1868
- Traffic management 12123 app: This official app provides accident reporting, traffic violation queries and related services. You can use this app to report accidents, handle accidents and query related information.
- AXA Customer Hotlines: For policyholders with AXA's 'Compulsory Insurance' (or 'Unilateral Recognition' policy for motor insurance) and 'Supplementary Insurance', claims are handled by Tianping P&C Insurance Co., Ltd. (AXA's mainland claims service provider). If you need relevant services, please call the AXA Tianping P&C Insurance Co., Ltd claims hotlines:
- International callers: +86 28 95550
- Mainland callers: 95550
For comprehensive plan of AXA Hong Kong motor insurance policyholders with optional 'Car damage in Guangdong Province', AXA will continue to cover your insured vehicle for damage in Guangdong Province. For claims enquiries on related coverage, please call the AXA Claims Hotline : +852 3070 5003
Accident reporting and claims process
- Required documentation for accident reports:
- Date, time and location of incident
- Personal and driving licence details of all involved parties
- Photographic/video evidence of the scene
- Vehicle repair quotations
- Medical reports (if injuries occurred) - Claims procedure:
1. Report submission: Submit accident details via AXA customer hotline or online platform with all required documentation and information.
2. Document review: AXA will assess submitted materials and may request additional information.
3. Claims decision: The insurer will determine claim eligibility and notify you of the approved settlement amount.
4. Settlement payment: Approved claims will be disbursed to your nominated account or directly to the repair provider.
Insurance requirements and recommendations for 'Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles'
Minimum requirement: 'Compulsory Insurance' or 'Unilateral Recognition' policy for motor insurance
Applicants for the 'Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles' scheme must purchase either 'Compulsory Insurance' or a 'Unilateral Recognition' policy for motor insurance from a Hong Kong insurer. These are primarily designed to provide basic third-party coverage in the event of an accident, including compensation for bodily injury and property damage. AXA’s 'Unilateral Recognition' policy for motor insurance offers third-party liability cover of up to RMB 200,000 per incident, which meets the statutory requirements in mainland China. This level of protection is generally sufficient to cover basic losses in most traffic accidents, ensuring you are legally compliant with the required insurance coverage.
In the past, when purchasing the 'Unilateral Recognition' policy for motor insurance, the vehicle owner must add Mainland motor insurance to the Hong Kong motor insurance policy as a top-up policy, and the entire insurance policy is issued by a Hong Kong insurer.
According to the latest 2025 arrangements, vehicle owners are no longer required to bundle their existing Hong Kong motor insurance with the 'Unilateral Recognition' policy for motor insurance. It can now be purchased as a standalone policy, offering greater flexibility and autonomy for customers. AXA now offers an independent 'Northbound Travel' insurance product, allowing vehicle owners to purchase it online without bundling it with an AXA motor insurance policy. Customers can freely choose their coverage period, whether for short business trips, family visits, tourism, or full-year protection.
Recommended coverage beyond compulsory insurance: 'Supplementary Insurance'
In addition to 'Supplementary Insurance', drivers are advised to purchase supplementary insurance to enhance protection for both the driver and passengers. AXA’s supplementary insurance provides third-party liability cover of up to RMB 2,000,000, which helps cover higher-value third-party losses and ensures adequate compensation in more serious accidents. AXA also offers driver and passenger liability cover, covering up to RMB 10,000 per driver or passenger. 'Supplementary Insurance' is an add-on to the 'Compulsory Insurance' and cannot be purchased separately. Although not legally required, it provides additional protection for all occupants in the vehicle, offering peace of mind in the event of injury.
Enrol online before your trip in three simple steps:
1. Visit AXA 'HZMB Hong Kong Cross Border Motor Vehicle Insurance' website: https://www.axa.com.hk/en/guangdong-motor-insurance
2. Select policy details including policy start/end Date, number of car seats, and plan
3. Complete the application form
4. Finalise your payment to activate coverage
Prepare ahead for hassle-free driving
To travel northbound with peace of mind, thorough preparation remains key to a smooth journey. From completing essential paperwork to understanding mainland traffic regulations and preparing for emergencies, these steps ensure a safer and more enjoyable trip. Before departure, conduct a thorough vehicle inspection, verify all insurance documents are in order, and plan your route in advance. With these preparations complete, you're ready to set off in your vehicle and enjoy your mainland journey.
Insurance plans vary in coverage and are subject to their respective terms and conditions. For detailed terms and conditions of the plan, please refer to the relevant product brochure and policy contract.
No warranty or responsibility is assumed by AXA Hong Kong and our related or holding companies regarding non-infringement, security, accuracy, completeness, adequacy, reasonableness, fitness for a purpose or free from computer viruses in connection with the information and materials provided. AXA Hong Kong and our related companies and holding companies do not accept any liability for any loss, damage, cost or other expense, whether wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, arising from any error, inaccuracy or omission of the information and materials to the extent that such liability is not excluded by law.
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