The policy enables eligible private cars registered in Guangdong province to drive directly into Hong Kong via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, after completing immigration and vehicle inspection procedures. Several vehicles bearing Hong Kong “FT” licence plates were seen arriving in the city during the early hours, with border clearance reported to be smooth.
According to Xinhua News Agency, a car owner from Zhuhai said the new arrangement significantly reduces travel time, as previous trips to Hong Kong often required multiple transfers. Although driving a left-hand-drive vehicle in Hong Kong for the first time, the driver said the adjustment was manageable. Another applicant described the process as straightforward and said the family planned to stay in Hong Kong for two days, visiting popular attractions including Victoria Peak and the harbour area.
Under the scheme, 100 vehicles per day are permitted to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas by reservation, with each visit limited to a maximum stay of three days. All applicants must complete vehicle inspections at designated mainland inspection centres, covering requirements such as windscreen light transmission and tyre conditions. Approval from Hong Kong’s Transport Department is also required, and applicants must complete electronic payment arrangements in advance.
The Transport Department previously said demand during the initial rollout had been encouraging, with reservations for the first day nearly fully booked. Border authorities at the bridge added that more than 380 Guangdong private cars have completed the necessary registration procedures so far, and cross-border traffic is expected to rise as the scheme progresses. Officials warned that vehicles involved in serious violations may have their eligibility to enter Hong Kong revoked.
The “Guangdong cars southbound” scheme is widely viewed as part of broader regional integration efforts, alongside earlier measures that allow vehicles from Hong Kong and Macau to travel north into mainland China without obtaining local licence plates.
