All the secrets of "Yue Z" license plates
In Guangdong, especially the Pearl River Delta region, vehicles with black "粤Z" license plates often carry an air of mystery. Where exactly does "粤Z" come from? Can ordinary people obtain it? This article will reveal all the secrets of "粤Z" license plates based on the latest policies and practical experience.
This article combines the latest 2026 cross-border vehicle license plate policy of the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department Traffic Management Bureau with years of practical experience in handling port vehicle license plates, explaining the ownership, application conditions, port clearance time, and cycle of the Guangdong Z license plate in a simple and easy-to-understand way. It is recommended to save this article.
I. What is a Guangdong Z license plate? Where does it belong ?
The Guangdong Z license plate is a special license plate issued by the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department for vehicles entering and leaving the mainland from Hong Kong and Macao. It is affixed to the rear of Hong Kong and Macao vehicles (the vehicles must also display local Hong Kong and Macao license plates).
Location Analysis:
The issuing authority is the Traffic Management Bureau of the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department, not a specific city.
License plate style : "粤Z·XXXX港" or "粤Z·XXXX澳" (black background with white characters, commonly known as "black plate").
Registration location concept : It does not have a traditional city code like "粤B (Shenzhen)". The vehicle's "roots" are in Hong Kong and Macau, and its business relies on the registered location of the mainland-invested enterprise, but the driving range is limited by the permit, not by city.
II. Driving range is linked to the port of entry.
Default driving range : Guangdong Province (some permits may extend to the whole country, but this is extremely rare, and the permit shall prevail).
Port linkage : According to the new policy implemented on August 26, 2025 , vehicles with Guangdong-Hong Kong dual license plates can now pass through multiple ports. During designated port closure periods, vehicles can pass through other ports without additional permits.
For example:
Vehicles from Shenzhen Bay Port can transfer to Huanggang Port late at night.
Vehicles from Liantang Port can also transfer to Huanggang Port during late-night hours.
III. Customs Clearance Time
Port Name | Vehicle clearance time | Remark |
Huanggang Port | 24 hours | The rebuilt Huanggang Port will be transformed into a passenger-only port on July 31, 2026, and will no longer allow trucks to pass through. |
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Port | 24 hours | Both the Zhuhai and Hong Kong ports of the bridge are open 24 hours a day, which is very convenient. |
Shenzhen Bay Port | 06:30 to 24:00 | Commonly known as the "Western Passage," it is closed from midnight to 6:30 a.m. and cannot be used. |
Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Port | 07:00 — 22:00 | At newer ports, the clearance time for both passenger and freight vehicles is uniformly set for this time period. |
Wenjindu Port | 07:00 — 22:00 | Note: Passenger and cargo inspections at Man Kam To are conducted at this time. |
Sha Tau Kok Port | 07:00 — 22:00 | Special reminder : The Shatoujiao Port is undergoing reconstruction. Its opening status and hours may be subject to temporary adjustments. Please confirm with official channels before traveling. |
Several key points:
"Permit binding" is a prerequisite : you can only enter and exit through the port specified on your Guangdong Z license plate permit. For example, if the permit is for Shenzhen Bay Port, you cannot use Huanggang 24-hour customs clearance.
The times for freight trucks are basically the same : The above times apply to both passenger cars and freight trucks, and the closing times for passenger and freight trucks at each port are synchronized.
IV. Detailed Explanation of the Entire Process
1. Qualification Confirmation and Document Preparation
2. Submit application online
3. Original document verification at the window: Verification location : Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department in Guangzhou.
4. Purchase insurance in mainland China
5. Vehicle customs inspection
6. Obtain and install license plates
Overall Cycle Overview
Processing steps | Can it be sped up? / Precautions |
Submit materials | After the materials are submitted, it takes approximately 7 business days for the materials to be reviewed and approved/rejected and resubmitted (this may take longer for high-tech industries, and the timeframe is not fixed). |
Window verification and obtaining approval | The application materials have passed review and are awaiting shortlisting. If the tax payment is sufficient, and the application is approved by the end of this month, you will receive shortlisting notification the following month. For high-tech enterprises, it takes 2-3 months to be shortlisted. After receiving the shortlisting notification, you can prepare the materials for on-site verification/tax checking. No appointment is needed, and it can be completed on the same day. (Insurance can be purchased simultaneously with the vehicle inspection). |
Vehicle verification and inspection | After passing the on-site verification, you will need to wait one month before being notified to schedule another vehicle inspection. |
Obtain the permit card to apply for Hong Kong road service | (For high-tech zones, notification is typically received within 7-20 working days, slightly faster than tax payment. After vehicle inspection, wait 5 working days to collect the permit card and other documents.) Once the permit card is obtained, arrangements will be made for the Hong Kong road service, which is expected to be completed within 10-15 working days. |
Total (from the date of application submission) | This is the best-case scenario, where everything goes very smoothly and seamlessly. |
Actual Reserved Period | In practice, the processing time may be longer due to factors such as queuing and approval. Allow sufficient time to handle supplementary materials, waiting in line, or port inspection. |
V. Summary and Recommendations
The "粤Z" license plate is exclusive to Hong Kong and Macau residents in Guangdong Province; it is not a regular city license plate like "粤A" or "粤B".
Choose your port of entry carefully: Shenzhen Bay Port offers 24-hour customs clearance but is the most expensive; Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Port has less traffic and is more cost-effective but less convenient.
Find a reliable intermediary (or us): The process involves legal documents from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. We recommend finding a professional dual-license plate service agency with a physical office and more than 5 years of establishment. Be sure to verify their past successful cases.
24-hour service hotline