Hong Kong’s Transport Department issued an urgent alert on 19 December after social-media posts claimed that residents could obtain permanent Guangdong–Hong Kong Regular Quotas for their private cars simply by presenting their Home Return Permits. The department stressed that quota allocation remains subject to strict Mainland criteria—such as valid business registrations in both Guangdong and Hong Kong—and requires separate approval by authorities on both sides of the border.
Officials cautioned that false claims were luring motorists into paying intermediaries for “guaranteed” slots that do not exist. Any person found disseminating fraudulent information will be referred to the Hong Kong Police for follow-up investigations under anti-fraud legislation. The Regular Quota system, which predates the popular “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” scheme, allows a limited number of Hong Kong-registered cars to use mainland highways freely; demand far exceeds supply.
![Hong Kong warns drivers over fake Guangdong-Hong Kong quota scam]()
For organizations needing assistance with the broader spectrum of Chinese entry permits—whether business visas for accompanying passengers or supporting paperwork to complement vehicle quotas—VisaHQ can simplify the process. The firm’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/china/) provides up-to-date requirements, digital application tools, and concierge guidance, helping travelers avoid misinformation and costly delays.
The incident highlights the grey market that has sprung up around cross-border driving permits since pandemic restrictions were lifted. Mobility teams moving executives between Hong Kong and Guangdong should remind staff that only official notices from the Hong Kong Transport Department or China’s Public Security authorities are reliable and that applications involve multi-step vetting.
Practically, companies should review their fleet-management policies, verify that any service provider is properly licensed, and explore alternatives such as chauffeur services or high-speed rail when quotas are unavailable.
Officials cautioned that false claims were luring motorists into paying intermediaries for “guaranteed” slots that do not exist. Any person found disseminating fraudulent information will be referred to the Hong Kong Police for follow-up investigations under anti-fraud legislation. The Regular Quota system, which predates the popular “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” scheme, allows a limited number of Hong Kong-registered cars to use mainland highways freely; demand far exceeds supply.
For organizations needing assistance with the broader spectrum of Chinese entry permits—whether business visas for accompanying passengers or supporting paperwork to complement vehicle quotas—VisaHQ can simplify the process. The firm’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/china/) provides up-to-date requirements, digital application tools, and concierge guidance, helping travelers avoid misinformation and costly delays.
The incident highlights the grey market that has sprung up around cross-border driving permits since pandemic restrictions were lifted. Mobility teams moving executives between Hong Kong and Guangdong should remind staff that only official notices from the Hong Kong Transport Department or China’s Public Security authorities are reliable and that applications involve multi-step vetting.
Practically, companies should review their fleet-management policies, verify that any service provider is properly licensed, and explore alternatives such as chauffeur services or high-speed rail when quotas are unavailable.
