Car rental in Hong Kong

Drivers in China often do not adhere strictly to speed limits, largely because many roads are not covered by speed cameras. However, even the worst offenders in Hong Kong usually exceed the speed limit by no more than 10–20 km/h. If these limits are exceeded, the driver will have to pay a fine, which can be up to 2000 yuan, and may face disqualification from driving. Repeat offenders and those guilty of a serious accident may be disqualified and could be sentenced to imprisonment. Chinese law also provides for the following penalties and restrictions:

• A driver whose blood alcohol level is found to be more than 0.5 ‰ may be fined between 60 € and 230 €. In addition, they may be disqualified for a period from 3 to 6 months and detained for up to 15 days.
• Illegal parking will cost motorists 12 €.
• A fine of 240 € will be imposed for exceeding the speed limit by 60 km/h.
• If a driver ignores a traffic light signal, this will cost them 23 €.
• Not wearing a seat belt while the vehicle is in motion will cost the driver and passengers 6 €.

Drink-driving on roads in Hong Kong is strictly punished by law. A driver who allows themselves to drive while intoxicated will be fined about $ 1,000. They may also be detained for up to 15 days, and in the event of a serious incident they may face a prison term of up to 6 months.

If the fine remains unpaid for a month, the driver is automatically given 12 penalty points. The same applies if payment of the fine is delayed by more than 3 months. In addition, draft amendments to the laws of China propose fines of up to 5000 yuan and disqualification from driving for up to 10 years. Persons who are involved in an accident caused by alcohol intoxication may lose their licence for life.

Hong Kong is a major Chinese metropolis where parking is as much of a problem as in other large cities in the country. When renting a car, it is advisable to discuss this issue in advance and decide where you will park before the end of your trip. You can leave the car on the street, but this is fraught with unforeseen situations. It is better to find an hourly parking space, marked by a solid line along the kerb.

Some of the rules of the road in Hong Kong can leave European drivers quite bewildered.

• For example, in China it is not permitted to drive a car if you are wearing slippers or other unsuitable footwear.
• Large cities can also surprise European motorists with a large number of one-way streets. It is best to have a map in the car when driving around the city so that you can choose the best route.
• Pedestrians in China sometimes encounter a certain disregard from car owners. Many motorists will drive through a pedestrian crossing while people are crossing and often ignore red traffic lights.

As for the quality of the roads, the best are considered to be the national highways. They are long-distance routes with high-quality surfaces. On many roads you can travel at speeds of up to 110 km/h, but you should always pay attention to road signs indicating the speed limit and other rules.