Yue-Z License Plates: Latest Policies and Application Procedures

        The claim that "Hong Kong car owners can apply for a permanent Guangdong-Hong Kong (粤Z) license plate as individuals without registering a company or paying taxes" has been clarified by the Hong Kong Transport Department. The Department has stated that this information is false and has forwarded it to law enforcement for follow-up . Applicants for the regular quota of Guangdong-Hong Kong dual-license plates must meet certain conditions and submit designated application documents to the mainland authorities. Only after obtaining approval can they apply to the Transport Department for a road closure permit.


Yue-Z License Plates: Latest Policies and Application Procedures(pic1)


        Some intermediaries claim they can arrange for Hong Kong residents to apply for vehicle license plates through "investment in mainland companies," but legal professionals point out that this could make the individual a company director and subject them to corresponding legal liabilities, posing significant risks. For information regarding Guangdong Z license plates, please refer to official channels such as the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department Traffic Management Bureau .

          I. Main Application Channels and Eligibility Requirements

        The core applicants for Guangdong Z license plates are Hong Kong and Macao enterprises investing in Guangdong Province, and there are also several special channels available.

        Investment tax payment channel

        The applicant must be a wholly-owned or joint-venture enterprise established in Guangdong Province by a Hong Kong or Macao business, holding a Guangdong Province business license and actually conducting business activities; shell companies will not be approved. Tax thresholds vary by port of entry.

        Talent Advantage Card Channel

        Hong Kong, Macao and foreign nationals holding Guangdong Talent Card (Card A or Card B).

        High-tech Enterprise Channel

        Foreign-invested state-owned high-tech enterprises with valid certificates can directly apply for Guangdong Z license plates without paying taxes , and these plates are valid indefinitely. These enterprises can also enjoy annual tax exemption extensions.

          Note: In the 2026 application process, investment projects in high-tech, green and environmentally friendly industries, and other industries encouraged by the Greater Bay Area, will enjoy priority review.

          II. Mandatory Requirements for Vehicles and Drivers

          Vehicle requirements: Must be a right-hand drive vehicle registered in Hong Kong or Macau (steering wheel cannot be modified), with a length not exceeding 6 meters. The vehicle must pass mainland safety technical inspection and hold a Hong Kong vehicle registration certificate (VR certificate) and a Hong Kong local license plate.

          Driver requirements: Must be a permanent resident of Hong Kong/Macau and hold a valid Hong Kong/Macau driving license, a mainland driving license (which can be exchanged without a test), and a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents (Home Return Permit) .

        III. Application Process (Five Steps)

          Step 1: Qualification pre-screening and document notarization.

          Step 2: Online application and preliminary review.

          Step 3: Offline verification and number selection.

          Step 4: Vehicle inspection and insurance purchase.

          Step 5: Obtain the approval document and register with customs.

        IV. Key Points for Subsequent Maintenance and Compliance

        After obtaining the license plate, the following matters require continued attention:

          Travel Scope: Guangdong Z license plates are only valid for driving within Guangdong Province . Driving outside Guangdong Province will be considered as driving without a license plate and will result in demerit points and fines.

          Return to port requirements: Vehicles must return to port once every 180 days; otherwise, a deposit will be required.

          Driver Change: Starting November 15, 2024, the restriction that "drivers can only be changed after one year of the license card being issued" will be lifted, and changes can be applied for at any time.

          Compliance Reminder: Any traffic violations or misuse will affect the renewal of subsequent permits. Please be sure to comply with the traffic regulations of both locations.

         

        

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