Vehicle inspection for license renewal 2023–what you need to know
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Kwiksure Team
Created On:
2017-09-27
Edited On:
2023-03-31
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In Hong Kong, the Transport Department stipulates that all vehicles that have been licensed for six years must undergo annual inspections at designated testing centers before their license can be renewed. In this article, Kwiksure will explain the inspection fees, necessary documents, and important considerations when renewing your vehicle's license.
When do you need to get your vehicle inspected?
Hong Kong law requires all cars that have been licensed for more than six years to undergo an annual inspection before they can be legally operated. Vehicle owners do not need to wait until their vehicle license expires, and can have their vehicle inspected up to four months before that.
By contrast, new vehicles or vehicles that have been licensed for less than six years do not need to undergo annual inspections. For example, if you own a car produced in 2020, you do not need to have it inspected until 2026.
For a formal inspection, you must take your vehicle to one of the designated vehicle testing centers in Hong Kong, Kowloon, or New Territories. To accommodate the working population, testing centers also offer services in the evenings and on public holidays (except on Sundays).
Private car license renewal inspection fee
After making an appointment for the inspection, make sure you have the funds to pay the fee on the day of the inspection. The government charges a uniform fee for private cars and light goods vehicles (LGVs), and the first inspection will be more expensive. Please note that the re-inspection fee is applicable only if your vehicle is re-inspected within 14 days after it fails the first inspection. If your vehicle is re-inspected more than 14 days later, the fee for the first inspection will be charged.
The following is the price list for the government's annual vehicle inspection.
|
Type of vehicle |
Inspection fee (HKD) |
|
Private car (first inspection) |
$585 |
|
LGV (total vehicle weight not exceeding 1.9 tons) |
$695 |
|
Private car re-inspection (within 14 days after the first inspection) |
$180 |
|
LGV re-inspection (within 14 days after the first inspection) |
$230 |
|
Issuance of a duplicate of the Certificate of Roadworthiness for a private vehicle |
$180 |
|
Issuance of a duplicate of the Certificate of Roadworthiness for an LGV (total vehicle weight not exceeding 1.9 tons) |
$230 |
In order to pass the government inspection in one take, many car owners will have their vehicle inspected by a garage they know well. Although the fee is higher, and repairs or replacement of parts will cost extra, many drivers deem it worthwhile because if the vehicle fails the first inspection, having the car repaired at a garage and then re-inspected can cost even more.
|
Vehicle category |
Inspection fee (HKD) |
|
Private car annual inspection |
Ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 |
|
LGV annual inspection |
At least $2,000 |
|
Before-purchase inspection including vehicle’s underside |
Ranges from $700 to $1,000 |
Documents required for private car license renewal inspection
- Driving license
- Vehicle registration document (original or certified copy)
Private car license renewal inspection: items and procedure
Should you have a garage do it for you? How much will it cost if a garage does it for you?
Since vehicle inspections and re-inspections can be costly, many drivers prefer to have their vehicles inspected first by a familiar garage. The garage mechanics are highly experienced, and they may personally know the mechanics at the inspection centers, increasing their chances of passing.
Although most garages offer an "all-in-one guaranteed-pass inspection package," it's best to ask about the fees before using their service as the inspection fees and items can vary considerably between garages. Generally, the annual inspection fee charged by a garage for a private car (including government inspection center fees) ranges from HKD $1,000 to HKD $2,000, while for an LGV the annual inspection fee will be HKD $2,000 or more. This charge is two to three times higher than what an inspection center charges, and the costs of repairs and replacements are not included. Car owners should therefore carefully consider the time required for the inspection, the garage's inspection fee, and the risk of failing the inspection.
We suggest that vehicle owners who are having their vehicle inspected for the first time, used car owners, or owners of older vehicles have a garage handle the inspection on their behalf. This is especially since used cars may have modifications not known to the owner, and so there are risks if the owner takes the vehicle to the inspection by themselves (rather than via a garage). As for cars with no previous owners and drivers who are confident in their vehicles' condition, they can choose to take their vehicle to the inspection themselves.
Armed with a basic understanding of the vehicle inspection procedure and the importance of annual inspections, let's now look at the various items included in each of the four stages of a vehicle inspection:
|
Inspection stage |
Items |
|
Stage 1 |
Vehicle identification, fire extinguisher, speedometer, horn, internal controls, windshield wipers, windows, body (including interior fittings and seats), tires, wheels, and exhaust emissions |
|
Stage 2 |
Check chassis structure, brake system, steering system, front and rear suspensions, transmission system, exhaust system, fuel pipes and tank (including the fuel interruption device), electric circuits, and chassis condition |
|
Stage 3 |
All vehicle lights, including stop lights, taillights, turn signals, headlights, and brake lights |
|
Stage 4 |
Parking brake and brake pedal |
You should ensure that all the above items are in good working order before the vehicle inspection. In addition, if any part of the vehicle has been modified, you should restore it before the inspection if possible. For more information on vehicle modifications, please read the Transport Department's "Alterations and Modifications to Vehicles Do’s and Don’ts" or our featured article: Your guide to aftermarket vehicle modifications in Hong Kong
Follow-up after passing inspection
Although there appear to be many inspection items, it usually only takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete an inspection. After passing, you will receive the "Certificate of Fitness". You can then bring the required documents and fee to apply for a vehicle license renewal at the Transport Department. Please visit 2023 vehicle license fees, renewal documents, and methods (With EV License Fee Calculator!)
Follow-up after failing inspection: re-inspection
If your vehicle fails the inspection, you will receive a detailed repair notice, which lists all the problems found by the vehicle inspector. Experienced vehicle owners can purchase the needed parts and perform the repair themselves to save costs. Then, of course, they must take the risk of their vehicle failing the re-inspection.
On the other hand, if you are not sure you can handle it yourself, you can hand your car over to a garage for repair and parts replacement first, and make an appointment to have your vehicle re-inspect within 14 days (including Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays). Please note that a re-inspection fee must be paid, unless the failed item is listed as "no re-inspection fee required” and your vehicle is re-inspected within 14 days from the first inspection date.
If you disagree with the inspection results, you can request that the vehicle inspector or the person in charge of the center make further clarifications. If you still feel dissatisfied, you can also file a formal written appeal.
What should you pay attention to if I take my vehicle to the inspection myself?
- Check whether the headlights are ordinary bulbs, LED, or HID, and make sure they are consistent with the description on the Vehicle Registration Document.
- Do not apply window film that is insufficiently transparent.
- The government's exhaust emission standards are very stringent, which is a major hurdle in the inspection process. But the owner has no way of knowing whether their vehicle meets the relevant standards, so regularly maintaining their vehicle is necessary.
Government-designated vehicle inspection centers
The government has 40 designated inspection centers, which are located throughout Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories.
Hong Kong Island
|
Center |
Address |
Tel. |
Opening hours |
|
Crown Motors Ltd. |
Block B & C, G/F., Seaview Estate, 2-8 Watson Road, North Point, Hong Kong. |
2880 1525 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 18:00 Sat: 08:30 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Dah Chong Hong (Motor Service Centre) Ltd. |
G/F, DCH Motor Service Building, 111 Lee Nam Road, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. |
2808 6614 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 18:00 Sat: 08:30 - 17:30 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Dah Chong Hong (Motor Service Centre) Ltd. |
Unit B, G/F., Cheung Wah Industrial Building, Nos. 10-12 Shipyard Lane, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong. |
2562 9846 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 Sat: 08:30 - 17:30 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Universal Cars Ltd. |
2/F., Kailey Industrial Centre, 12 Fung Yip Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong. |
3913 8266 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 19:00 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Zung Fu Company Ltd. |
Zung Fu House, 60 Ka Yip Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong. |
2895 7323 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 18:00 Sat, Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Elite Motors |
Unit 3, G/F., Oceanic Industrial Centre, 2 Lee Lok Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. |
2711 0988 |
Mon - Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
Kowloon
|
Center |
Address |
Tel. |
Opening hours |
|
Cars Restoration (Hong Kong) Limited |
G/F, 16 - 18 Hing Yip St, Kwun Tong, Kowloon. |
2345 2810 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 18:30 Sat: 08:30 - 17:30 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Crown Motors Ltd. |
G/F, Jing Hin Industrial Building, 5 Wang Kee Street, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon. |
2825 5297 |
Mon - Sat: 08:30 - 17:30 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Dah Chong Hong (Motor Service Centre) Ltd. |
2/F, 20 Kai Cheung Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon. |
2768 2941 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 17:30 Sat: 08:30 - 17:30 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
German Motor Technology Service Centre |
Unit No. 8 - 9, Ground Floor, Po Lung Centre, No. 11 Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon. |
2111 0027 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 18:30 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Jebsen Motors Ltd. |
Unit 1, G/F, Tower 2, Harbour Centre, 8 Hok Cheung Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon. |
2179 7951 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 18:00 Sat, Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
KBIA Motor Services Centre Limited |
Flat /Rm 2 - 5, G/F, Sino Industrial Plaza, 9 Kai Cheung Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon. |
2922 2928 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 18:30 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Motormech Service Station Ltd. |
G/F, Tong Yuen Factory Building, 505 Castle Peak Road, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon. |
2411 1911 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 18:00 Sat: 09:00 - 17:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Sime Darby Motor Services Limited |
Unit A, G/F, Cheong Wah Factory Bldg., 39-41 Sheung Heung Road, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon. |
3913 8211 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 19:00 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
SSangyong (Hong Kong) Limited |
Ground Floor, 9 Mok Cheong Street, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon. |
2711 5165 |
Mon - Fri: 09:30 - 18:30 Sat: 10:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Zung Fu Company Ltd. |
G/F, Zung Fu Car Park Building, 50 Po Loi Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon. |
2363 9396 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 18:00 Sat, Sun & public holiday: Closed |
New Territories
|
Center |
Address |
Tel. |
Opening hours |
|
Action Motor Limited |
Room C, G/F, Winfield Industrial Building, 3 Kin Kwan Street, Tuen Mun, N.T. |
3692 4340 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 Sat: 08:30 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Ankor Motors Limited |
Blk A, G/F, Man Sun Logistics Centre, 3B Hung Cheung Rd, Tuen Mun, N.T. |
2711 3898 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 18:30 Sat: 08:30 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Auto Force Motor Services |
G/F & 1/F, Yau Cheong Centre, 15 On Kui Street, Fanling, N.T. |
2155 2793 |
Mon - Fri: 10:00 - 19:00 Sat: 10:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
China Inspection Co Ltd |
50 Fuk Hi Street, Industrial Estate, Yuen Long, N.T. |
2486 6802 |
Mon - Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Crown Motors Ltd. |
Lot 410, DD 127, Kiu Tau Wai, Ping Shan, Yuen Long, N.T. |
2880 4466 |
Mon - Sat: 08:30 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Dah Chong Hong (Motor Service Centre) Ltd. |
G/F, DCH Kiu Tau Wai Motor Centre, 30 Kiu Wong Street, Kiu Tau Wai, Ping Shan, Yuen Long, N.T. |
2479 0111 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 Sat: 08:30 - 17:30 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Fastwheel Automotive Service Limited |
Block A, 1/F, Sheung Shui Plaza, 3 Ka Fu Close, Sheung Shui, N.T. |
2161 9711 |
Mon - Sat: 08:45 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
GWM Services Limited |
Flat 4 G/F Wah Wai Centre, 38 - 40 Au Pui Wan Street, Fo Tan, Shatin, N.T. |
2868 9999 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 19:00 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Crown Motors Ltd. |
G/F, Mita Centre, 552 - 566 Castle Peak Road, Kwai Chung, N.T. |
2880 4913 |
Mon - Sat: 08:30 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Crown Motors Ltd. |
2/F, Topsail Plaza, 11 On Sum Street, Siu Lek Yuen, Shatin, N.T. |
2825 5228 |
Mon - Sat: 08:30 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Crown Motors Ltd. |
Lot 706, DD 124, Kiu Tau Wai, Ping Shan, Yuen Long, N.T. |
2841 8520 |
Mon - Sat: 08:30 - 17:30 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
IPMC Best Solution Limited |
Flat/Rm B, G/F, Grand Industrial Building, 159 - 165 Wo Yi Hop Road, Kwai Chung, N.T. |
3188 1018 |
Mon - Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Kam Lung Motor Group Limited |
G/F, 53 - 57 Chai Wan Kok Street, Tsuen Wan, N.T. |
2119 4899 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 18:30 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Kings Motor Service Centre |
Flat/Rm 1, G/F, Kar Wah Industrial Building, Nos. 7-11A Hi Yip Street, Yuen Long, N.T. |
2436 3868 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 18:30 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
M D Motors CTC-HK Limited |
Unit 5B, G/F, Mansfield Industrial Centre, 19 Hong Yip Street, Yuen Long, N.T. |
3594 6183 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 18:30 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
MMS Motor Testing Centre Limited |
Flat 20 & 20A, G/F, Po Yip Building, 62 - 70 Texaco Road, Tsuen Wan, N.T. |
2180 7434 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 19:00 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Ocean Express Motor Works Factory |
DD 77 LOT 566-568 Ping Che Road, Fanling, N.T. |
2674 4454 |
Mon - Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Power Moto |
2/F, Jing Ho Industrial Building, 78 - 84 Wang Lung St, Tsuen Wan, N.T. |
2111 2260 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 19:00 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Simple Motors Limited |
Flat/Rm 2, 1/F, Wah Wai Centre, Nos. 38 - 40 Au Pui Wan Street, Fo Tan, Shatin, N.T. |
2527 1577 |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 18:30 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Vang Iek Motors (Hong Kong) Limited |
LG/F, Wah Wing Industrial Building, 14 - 20 Wing Yip Street, Kwai Chung, N.T. |
3768 4998 |
Mon - Sat: 08:30 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Wallace Harper & Co. Ltd. |
Unit 6, G/F, Mansfield Industrial Centre,19 Hong Yip Street, YLTL 406, Wang Chau, Yuen Long, N.T. |
3913 8288 |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 Sat: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
|
Yau Wing Motors Co. |
Unit 2, G/F, Vanta Industrial Centre, 21 - 33 Tai Lin Pai Rd, Kwai Chung, NT. |
2426 1188 |
Mon - Fri: 09:15 - 18:45 Sat: 09:15 - 18:00 Sun & public holiday: Closed |
Tips for used car inspections
In addition to the annual inspection, if you purchase a used car from another owner, it will normally have undergone a thorough inspection (including its underside) before the transfer of registration to make sure there are no “hidden” alterations. Most garages offer this type of vehicle inspection (including the vehicle’s underside), with costs ranging from approximately HKD $700 to HKD $1,000.
If you are worried that the seller may have a garage operated by a friend perform the inspection and hide the car's problems or even temper with the odometer, you can contact a third-party inspection center. The best-known third-party vehicle inspection centers in Hong Kong include:
|
Center |
Services |
Fees (HKD) |
|
Garage inspection |
|
$700 - $1,000, depending on the vehicle type |
|
Hong Kong Motor Inspection (HKMI) |
|
$1,300 |
|
International Pro Motor-verify Centre (IPMC) |
|
Vehicle inspection: $1,300 Computer-aided inspection: $500 |
|
Hong Kong Automobile Association (HKAA) |
|
Before-purchase inspection: $1,450 True mileage test: $1,000 |
Vehicle inspection and car insurance
You may ask, "Does car insurance cover car inspections?" Unfortunately, the answer is no. However, there is an important relationship between the two - if you do not have a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness issued by a designated inspection center, in the event of an accident and a claim is made, your insurer may refuse to compensate.
Let’s say you collide with a fixed object while driving, causing damage to the car worth HKD $40,000 and you have comprehensive car insurance, not just third-party liability insurance (only comprehensive insurance will cover this type of damage).
When handling an insurance claim, your insurer will inspect the information and supporting documents provided by you. Once they find that your Certificate of Roadworthiness has expired, they will reject your claim, meaning that you will have to pay all repair costs yourself.
The reason your insurer can do this is that they expect you to comply with Hong Kong laws and regularly maintain your vehicle. If you fail to do so and an accident occurs, they will have reasons to believe that the accident was caused by a malfunction that would have been detected and fixed during the inspection. Furthermore, not having a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness means that you had been driving your car illegally, which is a big issue for your insurer.
