The Transport Department (TD) reminded the public on Sunday that a new vehicle registration and licensing regime will take effect on December 22, requiring unlicensed vehicles to remain registered under their owners, who will continue to bear legal responsibility for them.
The department said the measure aims to strengthen regulation of unlicensed vehicles and curb improper abandonment.
A TD spokesman said registered owners of vehicles that have been unlicensed for two years or more will receive a notice requiring them to take action within three months of the notification date.
Owners must either renew the vehicle license or submit relevant documents to the department to cancel the registration after the vehicle has been scrapped or permanently removed from Hong Kong.
Vehicle owners were urged to act promptly, as failure to take the required action within the three-month period will constitute an offense.
First-time offenders may face a fine of up to HK$10,000 and imprisonment for up to three months. Subsequent convictions may result in a maximum fine of HK$25,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
The spokesman added that individual vehicle owners with legitimate reasons for not licensing their vehicles may apply to TD for an exemption. General exemption cases include vehicles awaiting spare parts for maintenance or inspection, vehicles manufactured 30 years or more ago that are kept as collections, and vehicles stored by dealers for sale.
He stressed that even if an exemption is granted, vehicle owners remain legally responsible for their vehicles. Members of the public can check their vehicle licensing status and handle related matters through the TD’s e-Licensing Portal.
