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Drivers given online option for permits

Members of the public can now apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) through an online service launched today by the Transport Department.   Users of “iAM Smart+” or eligible applicants holding a valid personal digital certificate may apply online via the GovHK website and receive their IDP by post, without the need to visit a licensing office in person.   If the submitted documents and photograph are in order, the department will normally send successful applicants their IDP by registered post within 10 working days of the online application being made.   The department reminded those who plan to drive outside of Hong Kong to allow sufficient time for the IDP applications to be processed.   Citizens may continue to submit IDP applications by visiting licensing offices in person. Appointments can be booked online or by calling 3763 8080 to save queuing time.   Drivers may also send in their IDP applications by post or via the drop-in boxes placed at licensi

Car phase-out aid deadline extended

    The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today announced that the deadline for applying for the ex-gratia payment for phasing out Euro IV diesel commercial vehicles (DCVs) will be extended to December 31, 2023.   To improve roadside air quality and better safeguard public health, the EPD launched an ex-gratia payment scheme in 2020 to progressively phase out about 40,000 Euro IV DCVs including goods vehicles, non-franchised buses and light buses by the end of 2027.   Eligible vehicle owners should, during the implementation of the scheme, scrap their Euro IV DCVs through vehicle scrapping companies registered under the scheme. They should then de-register their DCVs with the Transport Department before the deadline. Once the deregistration process is completed, they can apply for the ex-gratia payment within three months.   The EPD explained that it introduced the special arrangement in view of the current economic situation, the operational difficulties faced by transport trades and the fact that some owners of Euro IV DCVs first registered in 2007 might not be able to complete the procedures for applying for the ex-gratia payment by the original deadline on December 31 this year.   Nonetheless, the approval for the ex-gratia payment is still subject to the applicant meeting all other prevailing eligibility criteria, completing all necessary procedures and submitting the application no later than December 31, 2023, the EPD stressed.   Moreover, after December 31, the Government will stop issuing and renewing vehicle licences for owners of Euro IV DCVs first registered in 2007 in accordance with the Air Pollution Control (Air Pollutant Emission)(Controlled Vehicles) Regulation. From 2023, owners of such vehicles who need to apply for a vehicle licence renewal shall seek the EPD’s exemption for extending the deadline.   Call 2651 1100 or email the EPD for details.
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