VISITORS living outside the mainland will enjoy more convenient services when driving their cars on the mainland after Sept. 20 with the implementation of new measures issued by the Ministry of Public Security, a report published by the Shenzhen traffic police bureau said.

Drivers of small vehicles and motorcycles can directly apply for a driving permit using their driver’s license, a Chinese translation of the driver’s license and ID card. No physical examination or other materials are required.

For a short stay, drivers can apply for a temporary driver’s license that is valid for three months, while for longer stays, the period can be extended to one year, according to the new rules.

Small vehicles (with less than seven seats) and motorcycles that are not for business use and registered outside the Chinese mainland in the past six years can be exempted from technical safety inspections when applying for temporary license plates.

Applications for both temporary license plates and driver’s licenses will be submitted to county-level administrations. Traffic service stations will be established in places like busy airports, ports, stations and free trade pilot zones to provide insurance, inspection and education services, and to distribute licenses.

Temporary digital license plates are available for cars being driven from Hong Kong and Macao over Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and those that are driven from Macao to Henqing and from Taiwan to Pingtan. The digital license plates will be valid for one year.

The age limit for those from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan applying for a mainland driver’s license for large and medium-sized passenger coaches and trucks will be increased from 50 years old to 60.  (Wang Jingli)