China Hong Kong
China 
Hong KongLast reviewed July 2026
Crossing the border
The Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang crossing links Shenzhen with Hong Kong's New Territories.
Driving rules in Hong Kong
- Drive on the left.
- Seatbelts mandatory front and rear.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Tunnels and bridges carry tolls.
What to see when you arrive in Hong Kong
- Victoria Peak
- the Tian Tan Big Buddha on Lantau
- the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour
- the Temple Street Night Market
- Hong Kong Disneyland
Once you're driving in Hong Kong
Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.
Driving on a foreign licence
Visitors may drive on a valid full foreign licence for up to 12 months from arrival; if the licence is not in English or Chinese it must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit or official translation. Some rental firms insist on an IDP regardless, so carry one.
Tolls & road charges
Hong Kong has numerous toll tunnels and roads (fees roughly HK$0-HK$75 depending on tunnel and vehicle) now moving to the cashless HKeToll system, where a vehicle tag is read automatically and billed. Rental cars are tag-equipped and tolls are charged back to the renter.
Parking in the cities
On-street metered bays (30 minutes to 2 hours) are paid by Octopus card or the app, and commercial car parks dominate, with busy-area hourly rates above HK$50. Illegal parking draws a fixed penalty (raised to HK$400 from 2026), wheel-clamping or towing.
Fines & camera enforcement
Fixed-penalty speeding fines run HK$320 (up to 15 km/h over) to HK$1,000 (over 45 km/h over), with demerit points and possible disqualification; phone use and no seatbelt are also penalised. Rental firms forward camera/fixed-penalty notices to the renter plus an admin fee.
If you have an accident
Dial 999 for emergencies; you must stop, exchange details, and report any accident to police within 24 hours (immediately if there is injury). A police report is needed for the rental company and any insurance claim.
Driving in the capital
Hong Kong drives on the left, and dense areas like Central and Causeway Bay have heavy congestion, scarce parking and a maze of tunnels and flyovers; renting a car is rare and costly, and the MTR is usually faster.
Sources: scmp.com · clic.org.hk · expatinfodesk.com · en.wikivoyage.org