Motor insurance requirements for crossing the HZMB

Covering a distance of 55 kilometers, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) comprises the 12 kilometer Hong Kong Link Road, 29.6 kilometer Main Bridge, and 13.4 kilometer Zhuhai Link Road - making it the longest bridge-cum-tunnel sea crossing in the world.

Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the HZMB makes it possible to commute from Hong Kong to the main cities in the Pearl River Delta within three hours. In fact, it takes just 40 minutes to travel the approximate 42-kilometer distance from Hong Kong to Macao Port and Zhuhai Port. In this Kwiksure article, we’ll take a look at what drivers need to know about, and motor insurance requirements for, crossing the HZMB, as well as HZMB motor insurance details. 

Driving across the HZMB from Hong Kong

It is recommended that motorists traveling to Hong Kong Port use the North Lantau Highway and Shun Lon Road (Tuen Mun - Chek Lap Kok Link or Southern Connection). When arriving at Hong Kong Port, motorists may drive to one of the three places below:

1. Drop Off Area outside PCB

Only drop-offs are permitted in this area. 

2. Hong Kong Domestic Car Parks

Drivers can park their vehicles at the domestic car parks, complete the PCB’s clearance procedures, and travel to the Zhuhai/Macao Port via shuttle buses. With an online pre-booking service available for the car parks, pre-booking is highly recommended.

3. VCP 

Drivers with the right permits can drive to VCP for clearance before driving to Zhuhai/Macao via the HZMR. 

Toll levels of the HZMB Main Bridge

The toll plaza is located in the Mainland, along with the HZMB Main Bridge, which is situated in Mainland waters. The HZMB Authority, which is in charge of operating the Main Bridge, collects tolls from vehicles using the Main Bridge in accordance with Mainland laws. The HZMB Main Bridge toll levels range from RMB ¥60-300, depending on the type of vehicle. 

Additionally, the toll plaza consists of free-flow electronic and manual toll lanes. For free-flow electronic toll lanes, motorists can use smartcards (such as Hong Kong Autotoll) for non-stop payment. Manual toll lanes require motorists to pay in cash, credit/bank card, or electronic payment, such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. 

Cross-boundary vehicles driving direction

On the HZMB Bridge Hong Kong Link Road, along with the Scenic Hill Tunnel, vehicles drive on the right. Motorists should stay on the rightmost lane unless road markings or traffic signs state otherwise, or when motorists intend to turn left, overtake, or pass stationary vehicles. 

Since the HZMB Main Bridge is situated within Mainland waters, vehicles must also drive on the right, which is different from Hong Kong’s left-driving arrangement. There are clear traffic signs at Hong Kong Link Road and Hong Kong Port so motorists know that they are on a right-driving road. 

Facilities on the HZMB

The distance from Hong Kong Port to Macao Port and Zhuhai Port of the HZMB is around 42 kilometers. There is no turnaround facility, fuel/LPG filling station, or washroom provided along the bridge. If drivers need to refill the fuel/LPG before leaving Hong Kong, drivers can go to the fuel/LPG filling stations in Tung Chung or Hong Kong International Airport. These filling stations are about 7 to 15 minutes away from Hong Kong Port.

Hong Kong Port Vehicle Kiosks

Vehicles leaving or entering Hong Kong via the HZMB have to pass customs clearance at Hong Kong Port’s vehicular kiosks. 

Tips for getting HZMB motor insurance

Vehicles traveling between Hong Kong and Guangdong via the HZMB must have a motor insurance policy in Hong Kong and the Mainland. Since the HZMB Main Bridge is situated in Mainland waters, vehicle owners traveling between Hong Kong and Macao must buy a motor insurance policy in Hong Kong, Macao, and the Mainland. 

The coverage limits also vary between Hong Kong, Macao, and the Mainland. The minimum legal limit for third party insurance is HKD $100 million in Hong Kong, MOP$ 1.5 million in Macao, and RMB ¥122,000 in Mainland China. 

Since each jurisdiction’s minimum requirements are different, it is crucial to check each plan’s limits to ensure they sufficiently protect you in case of an accident. If they do not offer enough cover, you can pay a higher premium to increase their limits. 

For more information on crossing the HZMB

To find out even more about the HZMB insurance, check out our handy infographic called “A Hong Kong Driver’s Guide to Crossing the HZMB.” In the infographic, we talk about the three options that are available to private car owners in Hong Kong who are thinking about cross the HZMB, along with the different jurisdictional requirements. 

At Kwiksure, our goal is to simplify insurance, and we aim to do that by creating weekly blogs and infographics that make tricky insurance terminologies and concepts easier to understand. Contact us today to learn more about how Kwiksure can simplify motor insurance for you.