Chapter 7 : Advice to Motorists

Before departing for the Guangdong Province, motorists should pay attention to the operating hours and traffic arrangements at the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and Shenzhen Bay Port and plan their journeys well in advance. Since the road design and traffic regulations in Guangdong and Hong Kong are different, motorists should always drive with extra care to ensure safety.

7.1 Notice to motorists driving on the Shenzhen Bay Bridge

Motorists should follow the instructions below when driving on the Shenzhen Bay Bridge:

7.2 Traffic and crossing arrangements at the Shenzhen Bay Port

Operating hours

The Shenzhen Bay Port operates from 6:30 a.m. to midnight daily. Roads leading from Hong Kong to the Shenzhen Bay Port will be closed about 30 minutes before the Port ceases operation. Motorists should pay attention to the operating hours of the crossing point and the closing time of the approach roads. The Shenzhen Bay Bridge may be closed during inclement weather or serious traffic incidents (please see paragraph 7.3 for details). Motorists should pay attention to the announcements made by the Guangdong and Hong Kong authorities about the closure and re-opening of the Bridge. Motorists may also call the TD's hotline 2804 2600 to enquire the related arrangements.

Crossing arrangements

Private cars with ad hoc quotas should use the designated kiosk for clearance. Motorists should pay attention to the traffic signs installed along the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and select the passenger vehicle lane heading for the passenger clearance area when approaching the Shenzhen Bay Port. Motorists should also follow the instructions displayed on the overhead electronic displays above the kiosks and select the appropriate one for clearance. The TD has produced a short video showing how to proceed to the Shenzhen Bay Port and the crossing arrangements. Motorists may view the video via TD's or other websites using computers or smart phones.

Traffic Arrangements to/from the Shenzhen Bay Port

Traffic Arrangements near Shenzhen Bay Port Hong Kong Passenger Clearance Area

7.3 Traffic management measures at the Shenzhen Bay Bridge under inclement weather conditions

For the safety of motorists, the Shenzhen Bay Bridge is subject to closure during such inclement weather as strong wind and dense fog. The special traffic management measures to be implemented under strong wind conditions are as follows:

The following crossing arrangements will be implemented by the Guangdong Province and HKSAR when the Shenzhen Bay Bridge is fully closed due to inclement weather or serious incidents:

• If the Shenzhen Bay Bridge is fully closed at any time on the last day of the 5-day permitted entry period into Guangdong (i.e. the Quota Validity Period), the respective period will be automatically extended by one day or until the day on which the Bridge is re-opened, whichever is the later. Meanwhile, the deadline for departure from Guangdong will also be extended correspondingly so as to maintain the 7-day permitted stay period in Guangdong.

• If the Shenzhen Bay Bridge is fully closed at any time on the last day of the 7-day permitted stay period, the period permitted for staying in Guangdong will automatically be extended by one day or until the day on which the Bridge is re-opened, whichever is the later.

• Ad hoc quota private cars affected by the full closure of the Bridge can cross the boundary in the extended period without the need to apply for extension. However, the private cars concerned should have valid Hong Kong third party risks insurance and Mainland compulsory motor vehicle traffic accident insurance during the period of extension.

7.4 Points to note when driving in the Guangdong Province

Since the rules and regulations as well as the road design and traffic direction, etc. vary considerably between Guangdong and Hong Kong, to ensure driving safety, motorists should familiarise themselves with the local traffic regulations and relevant driving knowledge before departure. According to our understanding, some organisations in Hong Kong are offering training courses on driving in the Mainland. Applicants and/or drivers may consider enroling in these training courses according to their actual needs. Besides, motorists may browse the website of People's Government of Guangdong Province (The Charm of Guangdong) at www.gd.gov.cn/lygd/ to learn more about self-driving in the Guangdong Province.

Moreover, motorists should get hold of relevant information of traveling to and from their destinations, including maps, planned routes, and consider using global positioning system to facilitate driving, etc. If applicants or other persons joining the trip do not have previous self-driving experience in the Guangdong Province, they may consider inviting a few friends who have such experience to join in. It would be beneficial to have support among friends during the trip.

Before departure, applicants are advised to browse through the checklist at Appendix. Attention should be paid to the points to note before departure and documents to be carried on board the vehicle, so as to avoid missing out any of the required documents and personal belongings for the journey. In the Guangdong Province, motorists should always pay attention to the latest local traffic news.

Dial 110 for assistance of the local police in the unfortunate event of traffic incidents in the Guangdong Province. The applicant, vehicle and the driver/passengers concerned may be requested to remain in the Guangdong Province to assist the Mainland enforcement agencies with their investigation.

7.5 General enquiries

In case of emergency or when assistance is needed, call the following hotlines:

Source: The Government of the HKSAR

Source: Guangdong Public Security Department of Guangdong Province / Economic and Trade Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Guangdong