| 3. |
Examination of Vehicles other than Buses |
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3.1 |
Type Approval of Vehicles other than Buses
The purpose of Type Approval is to approve a sample vehicle whose specifications, design and construction will serve as the reference of all new vehicles of the identical make and model imported for sale by an authorized agent / distributor. |
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3.1.1 |
Vehicles required to be Type Approved
Only the first of a new make and model of the vehicle imported for sale by the authorized agent / distributor. |
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3.1.2 |
Vehicles not required to be Type Approved
| 3.1.2.1. |
Private cars imported by individuals for self-use or sale. |
| 3.1.2.2. |
Private cars imported for self-use or sale by any firm / organization which is not the authorized agent / distributor. |
| 3.1.2.3. |
All vehicles not required to be type approved are required to be presented for a Pre-registration Examination | |
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3.1.3 |
Application for Type Approval
| 3.1.3.1. |
Application in letter should be made to Engineer/Vehicle Approval & Planning, Motor Vehicle Safety and Standards Division, Transport Department. |
| 3.1.3.2. |
The application letter should be accompanied with :
| 3.1.3.2.1. |
A copy of engine noise compliance letter from Environmental Protection Department. |
| 3.1.3.2.2. |
A copy of engine emission compliance letter from Environmental Protection Department. (Enquiries to Environmental Protection Department - Tel. (852) 2594 6240) |
| 3.1.3.2.3. |
A brake circuit diagram. |
| 3.1.3.2.4. |
A drawing to show length, width, height, and wheel span of the vehicle. |
| 3.1.3.2.5. |
An illustration to show how to read the Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.) and identify the make and model. |
| 3.1.3.2.6. |
Complete set of Vehicle Specifications | | |
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3.1.4 |
Type Approval Examination
| 3.1.4.1. |
When the application is found in order, the approving officer will advise the applicant to present a sample vehicle to Kowloon Bay Vehicle Examination Centre for an examination to confirm the compliance with the details provided in the application. |
| 3.1.4.2. |
A Type Approval Certificate will be issued if the vehicle passes the examination. | |
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3.1.5 |
Pre-registration Examination
| 3.1.5.1. |
A pre-registration examination is required of:
| 3.1.5.1.1 |
Vehicles imported by individual for self-use or sale. |
| 3.1.5.1.2 |
Vehicles imported by any firm / organization which is not the authorized agent / distributor. |
| 3.1.5.1.3. |
All imported used vehicles. |
| 3.1.5.1.4. |
Vehicles with bodies which have not been type-approved, e.g. locally built/modified bodies. | |
| 3.1.5.2. |
The vehicle owner is first required to apply to Environmental Protection Department for an Engine Noise Compliance Letter and an Engine Emission Compliance Letter. The application is required to be supported by an engine noise test report and an engine emission test report issued by an approved laboratory. (Enquiries to Environmental Protection Department - Tel. (852) 2594 6240) |
| 3.1.5.3. |
Application for pre-registration examination and booking of the examination appointment may be made at To Kwa Wan Vehicle Examination Centre (Link to section 2.2.). This application may be made while applying for the Engine Noise Compliance Letter and the Engine Emission Compliance Letter, but.copies of the engine noise and engine emission test reports are required to support the application. |
| 3.1.5.4. |
The vehicle owner is required to show both the original Engine Noise Compliance Letter and Engine Emission Compliance Letter when the vehicle is presented for the Pre-registration Examination. Failure to show these letters will render the Examination failed. |
| 3.1.5.5. |
A Certificate of Roadworthiness will be issued if the vehicle passes the examination. | |
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3.2 |
Examination of Vehicles for the Renewal of Licence (Other than Cars)
| 3.2.1. |
Some vehicles are required to pass certain mandatory examinations for the renewal of licence : |
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| Vehicle Class |
Period of Examination |
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Goods vehicles |
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Light buses |
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Trailers |
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Special purpose vehicles |
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Taxis |
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Taxi meters |
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Private Cars | |
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Yearly |
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Yearly |
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Yearly |
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Yearly |
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Yearly |
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Half yearly |
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Yearly after 6 years from year of manufacture | |
| 3.2.2. |
Application for examination and booking of the examination appointment may be made at the following specified Vehicle Examination Centres: |
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| 3.2.3 |
Appointment may be made up to 4 months before the licence expiry date. |
| 3.2.4 |
For vehicles other than private cars, complete the form 'Application for an Annual Examination of a Motor Vehicle, Trailer or Semi-trailer', and indicate the first and second choices of the examination dates in the form. If neither of these choices could be allocated, the nearest date and time to the indicated choices will be given. |
| 3.2.5 |
Pay the appropriate Examination Fee at the Centre. The examination time, date and examination lane will be printed in the "Vehicle Examination Appointment" letter, which will also serve as an official receipt of the payment of the examination fee. |
| 3.2.6 |
Alternatively, visit GovHK to make appointment on-line. | |
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3.3 |
What to do before the Examination |
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3.3.1 |
Ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy in all respects. If it fails any of the requirements of the examination, it will have to be resubmitted for examination. |
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3.3.2 |
Ensure that the chassis number/VIN shown in the registration document is legible and stamped onto the chassis or main structure. |
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3.3.3 |
Clean the vehicle to enable the examination to be carried out thoroughly. Ensure that the hidden components/units can be easily exposed for examination. |
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3.4 |
What to do on the day of the Examination |
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3.4.1 |
Bring along the 'Vehicle Examination Appointment' and the original Vehicle Registration Document (or certified photocopy) and report to the vehicle examination centre not less than 30 minutes before the appointment time. |
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3.4.2 |
The vehicle shall be supplied with sufficient fuel and oil for use during examination. |
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3.4.3 |
Report to the officer in charge of the vehicle examination lane as stated in the 'Vehicle Examination Appointment'. |
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3.4.4 |
The driver is required to stay in the vehicle to operate the vehicle controls as guided by the Motor Vehicle Examiner during the various stage of the examination. |
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3.4.5 |
If the examination is passed, a Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR) or a Certificate of Fitness (COF) whichever is appropriate will be issued. |
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3.5 |
What to do if the vehicle fails the Examination |
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3.5.1 |
A Vehicle Repair Order stating all defects found in the examination will be issued. |
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3.5.2 |
You will need to book an appointment for a re-examination at the Centre. You are required to present the Vehicle Repair Order to book the appointment. |
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3.5.3 |
This re-examination will be a full examination as per the first examination. Hence, apart from properly repairing all the defects listed in Vehicle Repair Order, the vehicle must also be free of other defects. |
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3.5.4 |
An Examination Fee will be charged for this re-examination. If the failed item is any 'free re-examination item' as marked in the Inspection Card, no examination fee will be charged for the re-examination. |
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3.6 |
Working Arrangement During Tropical Cyclone and Rainstorm Warning  (15KB) |
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3.7 |
Appeals against the Examination Results
If you have any dissatisfaction regarding the examination results of your vehicle, please contact the officer-in- charge immediately. No complaint about a vehicle examination will be entertained after your vehicle has left the vehicle examination centre. |
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3.8 |
Examination of Private Cars for the Renewal of Licence |
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3.8.1 |
General |
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3.8.1.1. |
According to the requirements under section 88B(1) and (2) of the Road Traffic Ordinance (Chapter 374), all private cars of the age of 6 years or older are required to receive annual vehicle examination and be issued a Certificate of Roadworthiness for the renewal of licence (For example, a registered owner of any private car manufactured in 2001 or before who wishes to apply for a licence with effect from 1 January 2008 or after, must submit his or her private car for examination at a Designated Car Testing Centre). |
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3.8.1.2. |
The examination appointment may be made at the Designated Car Testing Centres all over the territory. |
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3.8.1.3. |
Certain Designated Car Testing Centres offer evening services and services on Sundays and public holidays. Car owners are advised to contact various Designated Car Testing Centres to make a suitable appointment. |
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3.8.1.4. |
An Examination Fee will be charged for the examination. |
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3.8.1.5. |
You are required to show the original or a certified copy of the Vehicle Registration Document when you present your car to the centre for the examination. |
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3.8.1.6. |
The examination will be to determine the roadworthiness of the private car. The examination will be thorough. For avoiding unnecessary inconvenience, car owners are advised to properly prepare and repair their cars before taking them to the examination. |
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3.8.1.7. |
If the car passes the examination, a Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR) will be issued. |
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3.8.2 |
What happens if your Car fails the Examination |
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3.8.2.1. |
You may make an appointment at the same centre for a re-examination within 14 days. |
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3.8.2.2. |
A Re-check Fee will be levied. If the failed item is classified as "Defect will not be subject to re-examination fee", then no recheck fee will be levied if the re-examination is carried out within 14 days from the day of the first examination. |
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3.8.2.3. |
If the re-examination is not carried out within 14 days of the first examination, a full examination fee will be levied. |
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3.8.3 |
Appeals against the Examination Results |
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3.8.3.1. |
If you do not agree with the examination results, you may seek clarification from the tester or the responsible person of the centre. |
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3.8.3.2. |
If you are still not satisfied, you may make an official appeal and complete an Appeal Application (form VE17), submit it to the centre and pay an Appeal Fee which is the same as the first examination fee before removing your car from the centre. |
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3.8.3.3. |
Upon launching the official appeal, you will be informed in writing of the time and date for the car to be re-examined by a Government Motor Vehicle Examiner at a Government Vehicle Examination Centre. |
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3.8.3.4. |
If your appeal is successful, the examination fee paid to the Car Testing Centre will be refunded to you. The appeal fee will not be refunded. |
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3.8.3.5. |
If your appeal is unsuccessful, there will not be a refund of any fees paid. |
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3.8.4 |
Designated Car (and Light Goods Vehicle) Testing Centres (23KB)
Working Arrangement during Tropical Cyclone And Rainstorm Warning (TCARW)
All DCTCs will continue the vehicle examination service when the Tropical Cyclone Signal No.1 or No.3 is hoisted.
Limited vehicle examination service will be provided by DCTCs when the Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 8 or above, or Black Rainstorm warning signal is hoisted. The DCTCs will be operated according to the following criteria:
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If the TCARW signal is remained hoisted before 9:00 am, all DCTCs service will be suspended in the morning. |
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If the TCARW signal is cancelled before 1:00 pm, most of the DCTCs service will resume operation in the afternoon. |
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If the TCARW signal is cancelled between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm, most of the DCTCs service will be closed on that day. |
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If the TCARW signal is cancelled after 3:00 pm, all DCTCs service will be closed on that day. | Please confirm the above arrangement with the individual DCTC by telephone on the time to resume operation. |
4. |
Examination of Buses |
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4.1. |
Type Approval of New Buses: |
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Type Approval shall be required in the following cases before registration : |
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4.1.1 |
A new bus body built on a chassis, irrespective of whether the chassis has been type approved or not. |
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4.1.2 |
There has been a change in the seating layout of a registered bus. |
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4.1.3 |
There has been major modification to the body of a registered bus. |
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4.2. |
Application for Type Approval of New Buses |
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4.2.1 |
Application in writing shall be made to the Engineer/Bus Safety at Vehicle Safety and Standards Division, Transport Department. |
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4.2.2 |
The application letter shall be accompanied with the followings: |
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4.2.2.1. |
Two (2) copies of the specifications of the bus chassis, engine, transmission, brake, steering, tyre, suspension and body. |
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4.2.2.2. |
Two (2) copies of the Make and Model or Vehicle Identification Number/Coding System (Not required for buses for change of seating layout or after major re- body). |
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4.2.2.3. |
Two (2) copies of the brake circuit diagram of not less than A3 size with the details of its operation. |
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4.2.2.4. |
Two (2) copies of drawing of not less than A2 size of the driver seatbelt anchorage with the dimensions showing the relative positions of the anchorage mounting. The drawing shall be certified by the vehicle manufacturer or a registered mechanical engineer. The anchorage shall be in compliance with one of the standards contained in the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations. |
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4.2.2.5. |
Two (2) copies of the engine emission control certificate and engine noise certificate or approval letters from the Environmental Protection Department, if the engine is a new model or of a new engine rating. Original certificate or approval letter will be required for checking at the time of the type approval examination. |
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4.2.2.6. |
Vehicle service manuals if the bus is a new type. |
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4.2.2.7. |
Three (3) copies of drawing of not less than A2 size with the dimensions showing the plan, front and rear elevations, nearside and offside elevations, seating arrangement and spaces available for standing passengers of the bus. |
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4.2.3 |
Upon the issue of the provisional approval, applicant may apply for an appointment for the Type Approval Examination by a telephone booking on 2189 7082. |
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4.3. |
Type Approval of Buses after Major Body Reconstruction and/or Changing Seating Layout |
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4.3.1 |
Application in writing shall be made to the Engineer/Bus Safety at Vehicle Safety Standards Division (Link to section 2.2.), Transport Department. |
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4.3.2 |
The application letter shall be accompanied with the followings: |
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4.3.2.1. |
Two (2) copies of drawing of not less than A2 size of the driver seatbelt anchorage with the dimensions showing the relative positions of the anchorage mounting. The drawing shall be certified by the vehicle manufacturer or a registered mechanical engineer. The anchorage shall be in compliance with any of the standards contained in the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations. |
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4.3.2.2. |
Three (3) copies of drawing of not less than A2 size with the dimensions showing the plan, front and rear elevations, near side and offside elevations, seating arrangement and spaces available for standing passengers of the bus. |
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4.3.2.3. |
Upon the issue of the provisional approval, applicant may apply for an appointment for the Type Approval Examination by a telephone booking on 2829 5530 or by fax to 2802 7533. |
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4.4. |
Type Approval Examination |
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4.4.1 |
The Type Approval Examination will normally be carried out in two stages in two days : |
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4.4.1.1. |
Day 1 - The bus presented shall be in the unladen condition with full fuel tank for examination and weighing. |
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4.4.1.2. |
Day 2 - The bus presented shall be in laden condition (54 kg for each passenger capacity) for weighing and brake testing. It will then be subject to a tilt-test (Single-decked bus will be loaded with 57 kg on each passenger seat and the driver seat, and 57 kg at a height of 920 mm above the deck floor for each standing passenger. Double-decked bus will be loaded with 57 kg on every passenger seat on the upper deck only and 57 kg on the driver seat). |
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4.5. |
Pre-registration Examination of Buses |
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4.5.1 |
After the type approval examination, all new buses will have to be subject to a Pre-registration Examination and be issued a Certificate of Fitness for registration purpose. |
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4.5.2 |
Appointment for Pre-registration Examination may be made at To Kwa Wan Vehicle Examination Centre. |
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4.5.3 |
An Examination Fee will have to be paid to confirm the appointment. |
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4.6. |
Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR) Examination of Buses |
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4.6.1 |
The Certificate of Roadworthiness Examination (COR) shall be required of every bus annually. |
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4.6.2 |
All buses are required to pass the Certificate of Roadworthiness Examination and be issued a Certificate of Roadworthiness for renewing the licence. |
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4.6.3 |
For non-franchised buses, the Certificate of Roadworthiness Examination shall be conducted at To Kwa Wan Vehicle Examination Centre. An Examination Fee will be charged for the examination. The examination fee shall be paid at the Centre. |
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4.6.4 |
When the Motor Vehicle Examiner is satisfied with the conditions of the bus, he will issue a Certificate of Roadworthiness to that bus. This Certificate of Roadworthiness is valid for 4 months from the date of the examination. |
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4.7. |
Certificate of Fitness Examination (COF) of Buses (Non-franchised) |
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4.7.1 |
A Certificate of Fitness Examination (COF) is required of all non- franchised and private buses once every 3 years starting from the 13th year after the year of manufacture of the bus chassis. For details please make enquiry to To Kwa Wan Vehicle Examination Centre. |
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4.7.2 |
The Certificate of Fitness Examination (COF) is to be carried out at To Kwa Wan Bus Examination Centre in two stages. |
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4.7.3 |
The Stage One Examination will be a comprehensive mechanical/ bodywork inspection for which the vehicle should be presented in the following condition:- |
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4.7.3.1. |
All mechanical and body repairs completed. |
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4.7.3.2. |
All the braking systems are overhauled. Repair records, and replacement parts voucher etc. shall be submitted at time of examination. |
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4.7.3.3. |
No new paint work or filler applied to the bodywork, in particular the structural members. |
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4.7.3.4. |
Ceiling panels, interior side panels, and passenger seats removed. |
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4.7.3.5. |
Floor is also required to be removed if it conceals any frame structure. |
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4.7.3.6. |
In case of double deck buses, exterior side panels up to the windowsill of upper deck are to be removed instead of interior side panels. Ceiling panels of lower deck are also required to be removed. |
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4.7.4 |
In case of double deck buses, the Stage One Examination may be carried out at bus operator garage. |
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4.7.5 |
Upon satisfactory completion of the Stage One Examination, the bus operator will receive a free appointment for the Stage Two Examination, during which the bus will be required to have the ceiling panels, seats, side panels, floor etc., properly re-fitted and any necessary painting carried out. |
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4.7.6 |
Buses not presented in accordance with the above requirements may be refused examination. |
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4.7.7 |
A Certificate of Fitness will be issued upon the satisfactory completion of both examinations of the bus. This certificate will be valid for 4 months from the date of the examination for licence renewal purposes. |
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4.7.8 |
An examination fee will be charged for the examination. The Examination Fee shall be paid at To Kwa Wan Vehicle Examination Centre. |
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4.8. |
Called-up Examination of Buses (Non-Franchised) |
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4.8.1 |
Called-up Examinations are conducted to check whether a bus operator has adequately maintained his bus to ensure its roadworthiness at all times. |
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4.8.2 |
Buses are selected for the called-up examination based on the past examination results of the fleet of the owner/bus operator. The examination results of the Certificate of Fitness Examination, Certificate of Roadworthiness Examination and Called-up Examinations are recorded. Bus fleets with a higher failure record and more safety defects found during the examinations are liable to be called up more frequently. |
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4.9. |
Re-check of Examined Buses (Non-Franchised) |
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4.9.1 |
If a bus fails the Certificate of fitness Examination (COF) or the Certificate of Roadworthiness Examination (COR), the bus operator is required to rectify the defects and bring back the bus for a re-check. An Examination Fee will be charged for every re- check. |
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4.9.2 |
A bus operator may make appointment for the re-check at To Kwa Wan Vehicle Examination Centre. |
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4.9.3 |
If a bus fails the Called-up Examination, the Motor Vehicle Examiner normally require the bus operator to bring back the bus for a re-check within 14 days during which the bus operator must rectify all defects found on the bus. No Examination Fee will be charged for the first re -check. If a bus fails the first re-check, an Examination Fee will be charged for every subsequent re-check thereafter. |
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4.10. |
How to book an Appointment for Certificate of Fitness Examination (COF) or Certificate of Roadworthiness Examination (COR) |
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4.10.1 |
For non-franchised buses, the examination appointment shall be made at the Booking Office at To Kwa Wan Vehicle Examination Centre. |
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4.10.2 |
The examination fee shall be paid at the Centre. |
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4.10.3 |
The Certificate of Fitness Examination (COF) appointment may be made 4 months in advance of the licence expiry date. |
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4.10.4 |
The Certificate of Roadworthiness Examination (COR) appointment may be made not more than 4 months in advance of the licence expiry date. |
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4.10.5 |
Both the Certificate of Fitness and Certificate of Roadworthiness are only valid for 4 months from the date of the examination. |
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4.10.6 |
Alternatively, visit GovHK to make appointment for COR only on -line. |
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4.11. |
What if you are unable to keep your Examination Appointment |
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4.11.1 |
You are not allowed to change to another Centre for carrying out the examination after having booked the appointment at a specific Centre. |
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4.11.2 |
If you anticipate that you cannot make the bus available for the examination on the appointment date, notify the Centre to cancel the appointment as soon as possible. If the notification is made not less than 14 days in advance of appointment date, you can apply for a refund of the paid examination fee. |
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4.11.3 |
A new appointment will need to be made and a full examination fee will need to be paid first. |
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4.11.4 |
You will need to apply in writing for the refund of the cancelled appointment. Please note that no refund will be allowed if the notice for cancellation of the appointment is made in less than 14 days prior to the appointment date. |
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4.12. |
Failure to present your Bus for the Examination |
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4.12.1 |
Failure to turn up for the Certificate of Roadworthiness Examination (COR) or the Certificate of Fitness Examination (COF) at the appointment time and date will render the examination fee to be forfeited. |
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4.12.2 |
Failure to turn up for the Called-up Examination may render the bus licence to be cancelled. |
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4.12.3 |
Failure to turn up for the Re-check may render the bus licence to be cancelled. |
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4.13. |
Examination of Franchised Buses |
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4.13.1 |
In addition to the annual Certificate of Roadworthiness Examination (COR), all franchised buses are also subject to a Certificate of Fitness Examination (COF) which is designed to ensure that the safety related components and body structures are kept in a satisfactory condition through programmed overhauls. |
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4.13.2 |
Certificates of Fitness may be issued for periods of either 10, 6, 5, 4, or 3 years depending on the age and body construction type of the bus. |
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4.13.3 |
Franchised buses are also subject to random spot checks and other examinations as necessary. |
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4.14. |
Working Arrangement During Tropical Cyclone and Rainstorm Warning |
5. |
Examination Fees |
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5.1 |
For Examinations at Government Vehicle Examination Centres |
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| Class of Vehicle |
Fee (HK$) |
| Motor cycle or motor tricycle |
320.00 |
| Private car |
530.00 |
| Taxi |
530.00 |
| Goods vehicle or special purpose vehicle not exceeding 5.5 tonnes permitted gross vehicle weight |
630.00 |
| Goods vehicle or special purpose vehicle exceeding 5.5 tonnes permitted gross vehicle weight |
850.00 |
| Light bus |
630.00 |
| Single-deck bus |
850.00 |
| Double deck bus |
950.00 |
| Trailer (other than a trailer towed by a private car) |
530.00 |
| Issue of duplicate copy of Certificate of Roadworthiness |
140.00 | |
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5.2 |
For Examinations at Transport Department's Designated Car Testing Centres |
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|
| Class of Vehicle |
Fee (HK$) |
| Private car - initial examination |
530.00 |
| Light goods vehicle not exceeding 1.9 tonnes permitted gross vehicle weight - initial examination |
630.00 |
| Private car re-check within 14 calendar days of initial examination |
165.00 |
| Light goods vehicle (not exceeding 1.9 tonnes) re-check within 14 calendar days of initial examination |
210.00 |
| Issue of a duplicate copy of Certificate of Roadworthiness for Private Car |
165.00 |
| Issue of a duplicate copy of Certificate of Roadworthiness for Light Goods Vehicle (not exceeding 1.9 tonnes) |
210.00 | |
