Transport Department - Frequently Asked Questions

　　Application Eligibility

Can an applicant apply for the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles ("STGV") (entry into urban area) with a company-owned vehicle?
No. Vehicles participating in the STGV (entry into urban area) must be private cars registered under an individual's name.
If I own more than one eligible vehicle, can I apply for the STGV with multiple vehicles at the same time?
No. An applicant may apply for STGV using only one vehicle, even if he owns multiple eligible vehicles.
Must the applicant also be one of the designated drivers?
No. The applicant may designate any two eligible persons (including himself) as designated drivers.
Must the applicant (vehicle owner) hold a Hong Kong Full Driving Licence?
If the vehicle owner is one of the designated drivers, he must hold a Hong Kong Full Driving Licence. If the vehicle owner is not a designated driver, holding a Hong Kong full driving licence is not required. For details regarding application for Direct Issue of Hong Kong Full Driving Licence, please click here.
Can vehicles granted with "Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular Quotas" be used for applying for the STGV?
No. Vehicles with "Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular Quotas" cannot be used to join the STGV.

Vehicle Inspection
Where can I get my vehicle inspected? Do I need to make an appointment?
Applicants must make an appointment to have their vehicles inspected at a designated vehicle inspection centre ("VIC"). After receiving the application information and supporting documents forwarded by the Mainland authorities, the Transport Department ("TD") will notify the applicants by email to complete the vehicle inspection within the specified inspection period. The list of vehicle inspection centres and their online booking platforms can be found on the TD's website.
What are the fees at the VIC? Do I need to pay online in advance?
The inspection service fee for STGV is capped at RMB 450 to prevent overcharging. Operators may set the vehicle inspection fees for each VIC within this cap. The information on inspection fees is provided on their respective online booking platforms.

Throughout the entire STGV application process, the TD will not request applicants to pay any fees in any way. Applicants can pay the vehicle inspection fee electronically or in cash to the VIC on the day of the vehicle inspection. Some VICs' booking platforms also accept prepayment of inspection fees.
If my application is cancelled due to ineligibility, can I get a refund of the fees I paid during the application process (such as vehicle inspection fees)?
Vehicle owners must pay the appropriate fee before the vehicle is inspected. If a vehicle fails to meet the inspection requirements or fails to successfully apply for the STGV application, the VIC will not refund any fees.
If my application for STGV was cancelled recently, and I am now reapplying for STGV with the same vehicle, do I need to have the vehicle inspected again?
If applicants apply for the STGV again within the validity period of their vehicle inspection certificates of conformity, re-inspection is not required for their vehicles.

Application Procedure & Document
What constitutes acceptable Hong Kong address proof? Why is it required?
The submission of Hong Kong address proof is a statutory requirement for applying for an International Circulation Permit ("ICP"). Applicants must submit a valid Hong Kong address proof issued within the past three months, as per TD's instructions, for vetting purposes. Failure to provide the required information and relevant supporting documents will result in the application not being processed. For detailed requirements of the Hong Kong address proof, please click here.
What should I do if the ICP applicant does not have a Hong Kong address?
Under the laws of Hong Kong, when applying for an ICP, the applicant must either provide the address in Hong Kong of the person to whom the ICP is to be granted or an address in Hong Kong of some other person through whom he may be contacted while in Hong Kong. Therefore, if the ICP applicant does not possess a Hong Kong address, he must provide the Hong Kong address proof of another person residing in Hong Kong or a Hong Kong-registered company, along with an authorisation letter.
What is "e-Contact Means"?
Registered vehicle owners, holders of driving licences, and holders of various licences and permits (collectively referred to as "applicants"; for ICP application under the STGV, this refers to "Designated Driver 1") must provide a Hong Kong mobile phone number capable of receiving SMS, or an email address, as their "e-Contact Means" when submitting applications.

The "e-Contact Means" must be verified through the STGV Application System at the time of submission; otherwise, the application cannot proceed. If both a Hong Kong mobile phone number and an email address are provided, the system will adopt the last successfully verified "e-Contact Means" as the official record.

Where necessary, the TD, the Hong Kong Police Force, other government departments, bureaux, and toll service providers may send electronic notifications to applicants via SMS or email using the provided "e-Contact Means". These notifications may include matters relating to the payment of tunnel tolls and electronic traffic enforcement.
Why is it necessary to verify "e-Contact Means"?
To facilitate the implementation of Electronic Traffic Enforcement by the Hong Kong Police Force, with effect from November 18, 2024, the TD collects and verifies the "e-Contact Means" from the registered vehicle owners, and holders of driving licences, various types of licences and permits.

The Hong Kong Police Force uses "e-Contact Means" to execute the matters related to traffic ordinance and regulation including but not limited to issuance of Electronic Fixed Penalty Notice, Electronic Demand Notice and Notice Requiring Identification of Driver.
What should I do if I do not have a Hong Kong mobile phone number when verifying my "e-Contact Means"?
An applicant may use an email address as his "e-Contact Means" and complete the verification process through the STGV (Entry into Urban Area) Application System. For details, please click here.
Why must I provide an email address when submitting an application through the Mainland application system?
The governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong will send notifications regarding application procedures, progress, results and notifications about traffic arrangements, etc. by email. Furthermore, after the Mainland authorities have completed the preliminary vetting of the application data and supporting documents, the information will be forwarded to the TD for processing. The TD will use the email address provided by the applicant during the Mainland application process to notify the applicant of the vetting status and the time frame for required procedures to be completed in coming stages. To avoid missing notifications, the applicant should check his mailboxes regularly (including spam, bulk and junk mailboxes).
Why is Hong Kong motor vehicle third party risks insurance required? What are the requirements?
Pursuant to Cap. 272 Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance, any person using a motor vehicle on a road in Hong Kong is required to maintain an insurance policy issued by an authorised Hong Kong insurance company to cover their liability for bodily injury or death to third parties caused by the use of the motor vehicle. The minimum statutory coverage requirement for third-party bodily injury or death is HK$100 million per accident. Therefore, STGV applicants/ drivers must obtain valid Hong Kong motor vehicle third party risks insurance before driving in Hong Kong.
How long must the Hong Kong motor vehicle third party risks be valid? Must I take out a 12-month policy?
Under the laws of Hong Kong, an applicant for the ICP must produce a proof of a policy of insurance that is valid in respect of the vehicle on the date the permit takes effect.

The TD will notify the applicants by email to submit the proof of Hong Kong motor vehicle third party risks insurance before the deadline. The applicants must follow the instructions in the email, take out a Hong Kong motor vehicle third party risks insurance that is in force for the specified period stated in the email, and upload a full copy of the insurance policy via the STGV Application System. Upon approval, the TD will issue an ICP for a period of no more than 12 months. Applicants may choose insurance with a suitable validity period based on their own needs.
How does an STGV vehicle owner take out Hong Kong motor vehicle third party risks insurance?
Guangdong vehicle owners/drivers may take out the STGV insurance products online from authorised Hong Kong insurers. For a list of participating insurers, please refer to the website of The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers.

Application Fee
Is there an application fee for the ICP?
No. If applicants meet the eligibility criteria under the laws of Hong Kong and pass the vetting process by the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong, the TD will issue the electronic ICP free of charge.

Regulations of Vehicle Registration Mark and Number Plate in Hong Kong
How should Hong Kong vehicle registration numbers be displayed on vehicles?
Please click here (Traditional Chinese version only) to learn about the installation requirements and specifications for Hong Kong-registered vehicle licence plates to participate in the STGV. Applicants can either create their own compliant Hong Kong licence plates or order these plates from a VIC.

Please click here to view the list and contact information of reflex-reflecting number plates manufacturers, who obtained the certificates of compliance issued by the TD.
How can we ensure that Hong Kong vehicle registration number plates comply with Hong Kong legal requirements?
After receiving their vehicle registration numbers, applicants can directly contact the plate manufacturer holding a certificate of compliance issued by the TD to order Hong Kong vehicle registration number plates. Please click here to find the latest manufacturers.

Plan for the Trip
How do I cancel a booking?
The cancellation must be made through the STGV Booking System before 12.00 noon on the calendar day prior to the Travel Date.
Can I change my booked Travel Date?
Applicants must first cancel their existing successful booking, and then proceed to re-book and reserve a quota for a new Travel Date through the STGV Booking System.

HKeToll
What is "HKeToll"?
HKeToll is a free-flow tolling system implemented at all government toll tunnels and the Tsing Sha Control Area in Hong Kong. It replaces all traditional manual toll booths and other electronic toll lanes. When a vehicle passes through a toll tunnel, the system automatically detects the HKeToll Vehicle Tag installed on the windscreen and deducts the toll from the applicant's HKeToll account.
How do I use HKeToll to pay tolls?
When a Guangdong vehicle passes the vehicle inspection under the STGV, the VIC staff will pre-install an HKeToll Vehicle Tag on the vehicle. The first tag for each vehicle is free of charge. Applicants will receive an email from the Toll Service Provider or an SMS from #HKeToll within 3 days of being issued the ICP, containing login credentials (account number and default password). Applicants can simply log in to the official website or app of HKeToll, and top up the account to pay tolls. For details, please refer to the promotional leaflet (Simplified Chinese version only).
Is there a fee for the HKeToll Vehicle Tag?
The first HKeToll Vehicle Tag for each vehicle is free. Applicants do not need to remove the tag after leaving Hong Kong, so it can be reused for future visits. If the tag is lost or damaged, please contact the HKeToll Toll Service Provider for a purchase.
Is there a fee to open an HKeToll account?
No. It is free to open an HKeToll account.
What are the consequences if I forget to pay the toll?
According to Hong Kong law, the legal responsibility for paying tolls rests with the ICP applicant (Designated Driver 1). The applicant must pay the toll within 14 business days after passing through a tolled tunnel.

If the toll remains unpaid after the 14-day limit, the Toll Service Provider will issue a notice for the initial surcharge of HK$175, which must be paid along with the toll within 21 days of the notice delivery. Reminders will also be sent to the applicant via the mobile application and e-Contact Means.

If payment is still not made within that 21-day period, the Toll Service Provider will issue a further surcharge notice, requiring the applicant to pay the unpaid toll, initial surcharge and a further surcharge of HK$350. Reminders will also be sent to the applicant via the mobile application and e-Contact Means.

Failure to pay on time may affect the next Southbound trip. Applicants should top up their accounts immediately upon receiving login credentials and check for any outstanding tolls before leaving Hong Kong.
How can I contact the HKeToll Toll Service Provider?
Please visit the HKeToll official website, email enquiry@hketoll.gov.hk, or call the hotline at (852) 3853 7333.