A specialized enforcement operation targeting illegal cross-border passenger services (commonly known as "white van" operations) was initiated by the New Territories North Traffic Bureau on October 10. Police officers conducted sting operations, posing as passengers and booking a ride from Tuen Mun to Dongguan in a vehicle with Hong Kong and mainland China plates through social media platforms, at a price of 1,600 RMB. The 52-year-old mainland Chinese driver was apprehended on the spot and faces charges of "unlicensed fee-for-service transportation," "violation of stay conditions," and "driving without third-party insurance." The involved vehicle and driver have been detained for further investigation. The operation involved police closely monitoring a mainland China-based online platform, where intermediaries advertised luxury private car services for point-to-point cross-border travel. Upon receiving information, undercover officers arranged a ride from Tuen Mun to Dongguan via WeChat, paying 1,600 RMB for the single journey and met the vehicle at the designated location in Tuen Mun. Upon starting the journey, the undercover officer revealed his identity to the mainland Chinese driver, who was then arrested, facing multiple charges. The driver's vehicle was registered under a company, which was lawfully impounded and kept for further examination. Senior Inspector Wun Jie warned that unlicensed fee-for-service transportation is a serious offense. According to Chapter 374 of the Road Transport Ordinance of Hong Kong, the maximum penalty for a first offense includes a fine of up to HK$10,000 and six months in prison; for a second offense, the maximum penalty can be a fine of up to HK$25,000 and 12 months in prison. The driver's driving license will be suspended for at least 12 months and could be revoked for up to three years upon conviction. Transport Department would also suspend the vehicle's license for six months for a first offense and 12 months for a second offense. The "Tong Closed Road Permit" (i.e., the Hong Kong and China vehicle license) will be revoked, serving as a deterrent.
Star Headline
Published: 2026-11-10 15:04:40
Police Conduct Operation to Crack Down on Cross-Border White-Cab Vehicles in NW New Territories; Driver Fined RMB1,600 to Face Multiple Charges
The NW New Territories Traffic Section of the New Territories North Police Division launched a crackdown today on illegal cross-border white-cab rides. By posing as a passenger, officers booked a private vehicle with a Hong Kong-Macau license plate traveling from Tuen Mun to Dongguan and apprehended a 52-year-old male driver with a double crossing permit, suspected of operating without licensing charges, violating residency conditions, and driving without third-party insurance. The involved vehicle has been seized for further inspection.
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