Gov't eyes simplified permitting process for car travel

Four amendments seek to facilitate and simplify arrangements for cross-border vehicles.

Cross-boundary vehicles would have greater convenience as arrangements for Closed Road Permit (CRP) and the International Circulation Permit (ICP) will be simplified, according to the government gazette on 18 July.

Four amendment regulations include extending CRP’s maximum validity period to 60 months from 12 months and deducting the fee levels for the CRP to cost-recovery levels.

In addition, qualified vehicles completing designated driving schemes will be exempt from applying for a CRP, leading to a reduction of CRP fees payable by users.

Another major amendment is the introduction of electronic ICPs (e-ICPs), allowing applicants to submit applications and supporting documents online and collect the e-ICP with self-printing.

After being gazetted, the four amendment regulations will be tabled at the Legislative Council on 23 July for negative vetting.

After LegCo’s deliberation, exemption arrangement for the CRP and the streamlining measures for the ICP will be effective on 1 October, while extending the CRP’s validity period and fees adjustment will come into force on 1 January 2026.