Practical travelling: Owning a car in Hong Kong

Characterised by exceptional connectivity and efficiency, Hong Kong’s urban mobility ranks amongst the world’s best. While residents enjoy access to a diverse public transport system, private cars also provide flexibility and convenience for daily navigation. 

By taking note of the following prerequisites, procedures, and precautions for car ownership, you can enjoy safe and seamless travelling in the city at all times:

Before driving on public roads: Registering and licensing a new, imported, or used cars

In Hong Kong, all vehicles must be registered and licensed to be driven or used on a road:

• New cars: Typically, local motor distributors or vehicle agents will apply for registration on behalf of clients. 
• Imported cars: Owners should personally register their vehicle at the Transport Department’s Hong Kong Licensing Office. Before your visit, be sure to prepare a completed TD 22 application form and other prescribed supporting documents.
• Used cars: A notice of transfer on form TD 25 must be lodged with the licensing office within 72 hours on the change of ownership. 

Depending on the type of vehicle, additional declarations may also be required for registration. Relevant forms can be downloaded from the Transport Department’s Vehicle Registration & Licence page.

Following successful registration, a licence will be issued to the registered owner and must be displayed on the left side of the vehicle windscreen. Note that owners are required to renew their vehicle licence within four months before expiry. To avoid queues at the licensing office, use the digital signing function on “iAM Smart+” to complete your application.

Ensuring vehicle compliance: Car tax, insurance, and maintenance 

Upon first registration of all motor vehicles, a first registration tax is charged to owners. The payable amount is derived from your vehicle’s taxable value times the appropriate tax rate. Generally, this amount is included in the price when you purchase a new vehicle. Additionally, valid third-party risk insurance is mandatory for vehicle licensing. Failure to comply may result in a fine and temporary disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving licence. Once you have purchased motor insurance, either comprehensive or third-party insurance, you can use the Motor Insurance DLT-based Authentication System (MIDAS) to authenticate policies and cover notes.

Prior to re-licensing, private cars that have reached the age of six must undergo annual vehicle examinations at Designated Car Testing Centres (DCTCs). Online bookings for DCTCs are available through GovHK within 4 months before the expiry of your vehicle licence.

On the road: Handling traffic emergencies and accidents

Alongside standard driving rules and road etiquette, car owners should have a clear understanding of safety protocols in the event of traffic emergencies:

• If your vehicle breaks down: Think first of your own safety. Switch on your hazard warning lights immediately. Get your vehicle off the roadway, if possible, such as onto a lay-by, hard shoulder or hard strip. Leave your vehicle only if you are sure you and your passengers can safely clear the roadway and have a safe place to wait for help, e.g. behind crash barriers. Otherwise, wear seat belts and remain in the vehicle until emergency services arrive. Do not stay at the carriageway, in front or behind the vehicle. Never forget the danger of passing traffic. Call for assistance as soon as possible. If you are on the expressway, you can identify your location by making reference to the nearest chainage marker, which includes the route number, travel direction, and chainage.
• If your vehicle breaks down inside the tunnel: Switch off the engine. Switch on the hazard warning lights immediately and seek help from the tunnel operator or the police. Stay in the car wearing a seat belt and wait for assistance. Follow the instructions of tunnel officers or police officers. If there is smoke coming out or in the event of a fire, you and your passengers should leave the vehicle and move to a safe location as soon as possible but do not forget to watch out for moving traffic. Walk away from the direction of the smoke.
• If you are involved in a traffic accident: Stop your vehicle. Do the same as if your vehicle breaks down. However, in case the accident involves death or serious injury, or serious damage to any vehicle or property, you should not move or interfere with any vehicle involved without the permission of a police officer, except in the case of life-saving, fire extinguishing or other emergency handling. Make an emergency call 999 for the police and request fire and ambulance services immediately.

Note that if you suffer bodily injury due to the negligence of a motorist, you have the right to claim compensation. Check the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Hong Kong website for additional details.

From essential registration procedures to insurance requirements and safety protocols, car ownership in Hong Kong comes with clear responsibilities. Understanding these allows you to navigate the city's roadways while enjoying personal transportation safely.