Mutual Recognition of Vehicle Licenses Across the Strait Proposed to Follow Guangdong–Hong Kong Model

The Fujian Provincial Department of Transportation has announced that in 2010, Fujian will accelerate the promotion of new developments in the “Three Links” between Taiwan and Fujian. This year, after establishing the West Coast Economic Zone to attract Taiwanese investment in Fujian, efforts will also be made to speed up the creation of a comprehensive channel for direct cross-strait exchanges, promote economic and trade cooperation between Taiwan and Fujian, and advance new developments in the “Three Links.” Fujian will also strive to be the first to allow Taiwanese vehicles to be licensed and driven on the mainland.

On the 4th, major mainland websites reported this news, and some netizens asked, “Is this real or fake? Can Taiwanese vehicles come to the mainland, and can mainland vehicles drive to Taiwan?”

Favorable for Cross-Strait Self-Drive Tourism

According to reports, under the Fujian authorities’ proposal, the mutual passage of vehicles between Taiwan and Fujian will draw on the model of vehicle operations between Guangdong and Hong Kong, implementing mutual recognition of vehicle licenses. That is, similar to the “dual-plate” vehicles that operate between Guangdong and Hong Kong.

The main reason behind the push for mutual vehicle passage between Taiwan and Fujian is that the opening of direct air and sea links between the two sides has further boosted the development of tourism. In addition to group tourists, many visitors also hope to explore the scenic beauty of both regions through self-drive tours. However, currently, vehicle licenses and driver’s licenses are not mutually recognized between Taiwan and Fujian, making it difficult for self-drive enthusiasts to realize their wishes. Therefore, initial implementation may only occur between Kinmen and Xiamen, gradually expanding from individual car travel to include buses and trucks.

Establishment of an Automatic Identification System for Implementation

Previously, the Fuzhou Taiwan Affairs Office had already formulated a plan to address this issue. The Fujian authorities are accelerating efforts to work with Taiwan to implement special measures such as mutual recognition of vehicle license plates for roll-on/roll-off vehicles between the two sides, following the Hong Kong–Macao model, or adopting specially designated cross-strait vehicle plates recognized by both sides. They are also working on establishing common technical standards for direct shipping vessels and reducing or exempting business and income taxes for direct shipping companies.

In terms of management, Fuzhou plans to draw on the model of vehicle exchanges between Guangdong and Hong Kong, using methods such as annual passes and the establishment of an automatic recognition system for mutually recognized vehicle plates to implement mutual recognition of vehicle licenses between the two sides.

Back in 2006, Taiwanese business figures conducted their first self-drive tour from Taiwan to the mainland for inspection and travel purposes, with the departure point located in Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province. A group of ten people drove five Taiwanese vehicles from Fuzhou, beginning their first self-drive tour of the mainland. After a week of activities in Fujian, they returned to Taiwan. This marked the first time Taiwanese vehicles drove on the mainland with cross-strait dual license plates, and also the first time Taiwanese individuals drove Taiwanese vehicles on the mainland with mainland driver’s licenses.

PASION (Note: Likely a brand or nickname, retained as-is per instruction 4 if it's a proper name; otherwise could be "Little Smart" if referring to a PHS phone, but context unclear—kept as-is)

Guangdong–Hong Kong Dual-License Direct Shuttle Buses

The so-called “Guangdong–Hong Kong Dual-License Direct Shuttle Buses,” referred to in Hong Kong as dual-license vehicles, include trucks, direct shuttle buses, official vehicles, and private cars. These vehicles carry both Hong Kong and Guangdong license plates and are permitted to operate in both locations. Although the authorities have not disclosed the exact number of dual-license vehicles, it is generally estimated to exceed 50,000.

To apply for such plates, one must submit applications to the transportation and public security traffic management departments in both Hong Kong and Guangdong. There is an annual quota, and applicants must meet certain criteria to be approved. For example, one condition for applying for a private dual-license plate is having an investment of over 4 million USD in Guangdong. Currently, the black market price for a set of private dual-license plates is around 500,000 HKD. There is no black market price for buses and trucks, but the quotas are limited and the application process is more difficult.

Previously, in response to the Pan-Pearl River Delta Nine-plus-Two regional agreement, discussions had already begun regarding logistics cooperation, including arrangements for direct shuttle services. However, the main services currently approved between Hong Kong, Macao, and the nine mainland provinces and regions are passenger direct shuttle buses.

According to the Changsha Customs office in Hunan, the expanded dual-license vehicles mainly refer to trucks, and these dual-license trucks are referred to as a model for rapid customs transit between Guangdong and Hong Kong. The ability of Hunan to expand direct truck transport is due to the approval by China’s Ministry of Commerce for the establishment of industrial relocation bases in four areas—Chenzhou, Yiyang, Yongzhou, and Hengyang in Hunan. A number of Hong Kong and Taiwan-funded enterprises have begun relocating from the Pearl River Delta to Hunan, creating the need for direct freight transport arrangements.

According to the Changsha Customs Office in Hunan, the expanded cross-boundary vehicle permits mainly refer to freight trucks, and these cross-boundary freight trucks are part of a model known as the Guangdong-Hong Kong rapid customs transit system. The reason Hunan can extend direct freight truck access is that the mainland’s Ministry of Commerce has approved the establishment of industrial relocation bases in four cities—Chenzhou, Yiyang, Yongzhou, and Hengyang—in Hunan. As a result, a number of Hong Kong- and Taiwan-funded enterprises have begun relocating from the Pearl River Delta to Hunan, creating the need for direct freight transport arrangements.