Revised categorisation of first registration vehicle status to be implemented from January 2, 2019
​The Transport Department (TD) announced today (October 29) that with effect from January 2, 2019, the revised categorisation of First Registration Vehicle Status (vehicle status) on vehicle registration documents will be implemented to provide more objective information in respect of the status of vehicles upon first registration for reference by vehicle owners and potential vehicle buyers.
A spokesman for the TD said that after considering the views from stakeholders and taking reference of the practices adopted in some overseas jurisdictions, the revised categorisation of vehicle status upon first registration is as follows:
A – Prior to importation into Hong Kong for sale, the vehicle has either never been registered outside Hong Kong, or was registered outside Hong Kong but in a manner that the vehicle was not permitted to be used on roads, with documentary proof.
B – Prior to importation into Hong Kong for sale, the vehicle has never been registered outside Hong Kong as declared by the vehicle importer.
C1 – The vehicle has been registered outside Hong Kong prior to importation to Hong Kong for sale. The length of the period of such registration is shorter than 15 days as proved by supporting documents.
C2 – The vehicle has been registered outside Hong Kong prior to importation to Hong Kong for sale, other than vehicles categorised as C1.
D – The vehicle was imported by the registered owner into Hong Kong for own use.
E – The vehicle was assembled in Hong Kong with specified additions to the imported chassis/cab and chassis.
F – The vehicle was acquired through auction from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.
"The revised vehicle status will provide factual description on the vehicles upon first registration prior to importation to Hong Kong, e.g. whether the vehicle had been registered outside Hong Kong. It will neither indicate nor imply the condition of use of the vehicle or its level of wear and tear. This objective information will assist the public, in particular the vehicle owners and potential vehicle buyers, in realising the actual status of the vehicles on their first registration and making an informed decision on vehicle purchase," the spokesman said.
For vehicles registered before the introduction of the revised vehicle status, their statuses shown on the vehicle registration document will remain unchanged.
To complement the introduction of the revised categorisation of vehicle status, the TD will strengthen the verification process of the registration history of vehicles overseas so as to ensure proper categorisation.
For enquiries, please visit the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/licences_and_permits/vehicle_first_registration/index.html) or call the TD's Hong Kong Licensing Office at 2804 2634 or the enquiry hotline at 2804 2600.