HKeToll - how to apply for and install a vehicle tag and other Q&As

The Transport Department (TD) has announced that HKeToll, a tolling-without-stopping service, will be gradually implemented at all government tolled tunnels this year to replace the manual and automatic toll booths. Drivers can then pay tunnel tolls with ease using toll tags, without having to stop or queue at toll booths. All that they need to do is to attach a “vehicle tag” to the windscreen. But what if you are already using Autotoll? Will you need to switch to HKeToll? And how does one apply for a vehicle tag?

In this Kwiksure article, we will give a primer on HKeToll, answer the commonly asked questions, and more.

What is HKeToll anyway?

HKeToll is a free-flow tolling service based on the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Drivers only need to affix a label sticker (toll tag) on the inside of the windscreen. When the vehicle passes through a tolled tunnel of the government or the Tsing Sha Control Area, the system will automatically deduct the toll from an account designated by the vehicle owner. So, there will be no more need to stop and pay at a booth.

What is a toll tag?

“Toll tags” are of two types, and the first type is the “vehicle tag”. Vehicle owners must register an account and designate a payment method, such as a bank or credit card account, after which the tag will be mailed to the registered home address. The first vehicle tag will be free.

The other type is the "class tag". Vehicle owners will need to purchase the tag themselves based on their vehicle type, and regularly top it up at customer service centres, service outlets or 7-11 stores. There is no online or automatic topping-up for the class tag.

How do I get my free vehicle tag?

The first vehicle tag for every licensed vehicle will be provided free of charge by the TD. If a replacement tag is needed, a fee of HKD $51 will be charged for each subsequent tag. All 260,000 vehicle owners whose vehicles are already registered will soon receive their vehicle tags. Meanwhile, owners of vehicles yet to be registered can now apply for their vehicle tags, which will be mailed to the registered home address of the owner.

Unlike Autotoll, which charges a deposit of HKD $150 and a monthly fee of HKD $35, the vehicle tag of HKeToll does not charge any administrative or monthly fees.

Information and documents required for application

• Vehicle registration document
• Registered vehicle owner's name and electronic contact information
• Mobile phone number (that accepts SMS) or email address
• A letter of authorization from the registered owner of the vehicle is required if the application is handled by another person

How to apply:

• By electronic application

Use the HKeToll website or mobile application

• By written application

Complete the "HKeToll Service Application Form" and submit it by mail, fax, or email; you may also pre-register to apply for your vehicle tag when submitting your vehicle-related licence application at the TD.

• Apply in person

Apply at a designated customer service location of the toll service provider

If I am using Autotoll, do I need to switch to HKeToll?

The HKeToll service will be gradually rolled out at government tolled tunnels. Upon the implementation of HKeToll at a tolled tunnel, all manual toll booths and Autotoll traffic lanes will be decommissioned. From that time on, all vehicles will use HKeToll service for toll payment.

Autotoll and HKeToll will not be in service at the same time at a tolled tunnel. Therefore, there will be no duplicated toll payments. You can affix the HKeToll toll tag and Autotoll tag/device onto the vehicle’s windscreen at the same time.

What is a class tag?

In addition to vehicle tags, the TD has also launched 9 other "class tags" for owners of different types of vehicles to choose from. Each class tag costs from HKD $100 to $200.

Each class tag comes with an account card*. Drivers can activate the class tag, add value, and check transaction records with this card.

*This account card should be safely kept. If you wish to cancel the class tag at a later date and withdraw the account balance, this card must be presented and returned.

What happens if I apply for neither the vehicle tag nor the class tag?

If you drive through a toll tunnel with neither tag (or if the automatic tolling fails...this could happen very occasionally), the automatic licence plate recognition technology of the HKeToll system will be able to detect as your vehicle passes through the toll tunnel, and transmit the relevant data to HKeToll’s backend system. Afterwards, the toll service provider of HKeToll will issue an electronic notice for payment to the registered owner of the vehicle.

The registered owner must then pay the tunnel toll by one of the designated channels including FPS, customer service centres, and service outlets, or by cash at a 7-11 store, within 14 working days. Otherwise, a surcharge of HKD $175 will be imposed. If the driver fails to pay the toll plus surcharge within 21 days, the surcharge will be raised to HKD $350. Subsequent failure to pay can result in the driver being prosecuted, with a maximum fine of HKD $5,000.

How do I install a vehicle tag?

Vehicle tags are divided into the "inside" and "outside" types. The inside type is suitable for most vehicles, while the outside type is suitable for motorcycles and those vehicles having an entire windscreen with UV protection or a metallic coating.

After receiving your vehicle tag, you should affix it to the windscreen following the instructions provided, then open an account to link the tag to your vehicle, and set up a payment method. When installing the vehicle tag, make sure it is not close to the car cam or the existing Autotoll tag/device, so as to avoid interference.

"Tolling without stopping" tunnel coverage timetable

Schedule for the Implementation of e-toll in tunnels

1. Phase One
   Tsing Sha Control Area (Tate's Cairn Tunnel, Sha Tin Heights Tunnel, Tai Wai Tunnel): February 2023, delayed to May 7th, Implemented
   Lion Rock Tunnel: May 28th, 2023, Implemented
   Eagle's Nest Tunnel: May 21st, 2023, Implemented
   
   
2. Phase Two
   Aberdeen Tunnel: Expected to be implemented within this year
   Cross-Harbour Tunnel: July 23rd, 2023, Implemented
   Eastern Harbour Crossing: Expected to be implemented on 27th August 2023
   Tate's Cairn Tunnel: Expected to be implemented within this year
   
   
3. Phase Three
   Western Harbour Crossing: Expected to be implemented on 6th August 2023
   Tuen Mun Tunnel*: Expected to be implemented within this year
   *The non-stop toll payment service will be implemented after the government takes over the ownership of the respective tunnel.

Want to know more?

The toll service provider engaged by the TD has set up a customer service hotline at 3853 7333 to answer public enquiries from 9am to 9pm daily. A total of eight customer service centres and service outlets across Hong Kong will also commence operation from January 7.

Source:

Transport Department