Driving in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is densely populated, has heavy traffic, a complex road network, and rare and expensive parking spaces, making driving very unappealing for most visitors. Furthermore, it is well-connected by public transportation, so a car may not be necessary. However, there are parts of the New Territories, Lantau Island and southern Hong Kong Island that are poorly served by public transport. For travel by public transportation, see Hong Kong#Get around.

Understand

A map of Routes of Hong Kong. The map doesn't include the Tuen Mun–Chek Lap Kok Link and Heung Yuen Wai Highway

Traffic in Hong Kong moves on the left (the steering wheel is on the right-hand side), same as the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Thailand and Singapore, but opposite to mainland China.

Licences

The legal age for driving passenger cars in Hong Kong is 18, the same as the mainland. Hong Kong allows most foreigners to drive with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 12 months. Anyone who drives for more than 12 months is required to get a Hong Kong licence issued by the Department of Transport. A licence can be issued "directly" (without a test), to holders of driving licences from certain countries.

Laws

Hong Kong uses traffic rules and signs similar to the United Kingdom (i.e. more or less according to the Vienna convention, although not a signatory). Directional signs are generally bilingual in traditional Chinese and English. The majority of Hongkongers will exceed the speed limit by around 10 km/h which is the tolerated threshold. There are many speed cameras on most major highways. Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for every passenger who has a seatbelt provided. Many drivers will not signal before changing lanes.

Expressways and tunnels

Expressways are not tolled, but most road tunnels, including the 3 cross-harbour tunnels, are tolled. The Hong Kong Government is gradually implementing a new ETC system in tunnels named HKeToll. Vehicles must be equipped with a vehicle tag or class tag with sufficient value when driving through tunnels. They are most likely to be dealt by your car rental agency. Vehicles without a tag will be recognized, and driver must pay their toll within 14 days through Faster Payment System, at a 7-11 convenience store or at one of HKeToll's service centre. Failure to pay results in a maximum surcharge up to $525 along with the original tunnel toll.

Renting a car

Renting a car is almost unheard of and can be as expensive as over $600/day even for a small car. Renting a car should not be ruled out if you intend to spend a significant amount of time hiking and camping in the countryside, particularly if you are staying in a suburban hotel. As a visitor to Hong Kong, you cannot drive to southern Lantau Island south of Shek Mun Kap (石門甲), eastern Sai Kung beyond Northeast of Pak Tam Chung (北潭涌) and some border areas. These boundaries are generally well-marked with warning signs and existing roadblocks.

Driving across the border

It is unlikely that you will be able to drive across the border to mainland China. If you wish to drive into mainland China then your vehicle must have both Hong Kong and Guangdong registration plates. These are issued in limited numbers to people investing in the mainland, and the price for a second hand plate can be as high as $300,000.

Apart from the previous mechanism, a pilot scheme will allow car owners holding a Hong Kong Identity Card and a valid Home Return Permit to drive across the border to Guangdong via Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge for at most 30 days per each journey. Quotas are limited and randomly allocated by computer, so applications could depend on your luck.

For both cases, you will also need to acquire a mainland Chinese driving licence. Hong Kong, Macau or foreign licences will not be accepted. You will also need to apply for a Closed Road Permit from Hong Kong's Transport Department, and change sides of the road at the border.