Scan → Northbound → Inspection
Wait for both governments before you book. This page follows the TD application page and the Guangdong inspection notes. The inspection body decides the result.
When to inspect
- Book the inspection only after both governments ask. Do not turn up before that notice.
- The check is at a designated Hong Kong site. The same car does not take a second inspection on the Mainland.
- A C5 Mainland licence on a disability automatic needs the required driving aids fitted before this check. Ask the two bodies below.
Where to book
- Two bodies are authorised: China Inspection Company, and the CTS Northbound vehicle inspection centre.
- Book a slot on their site first. Address and opening hours follow that site.
- The inspection body films the check and decides the result. The Guangdong notes are guidance only.
What they check
- VIN / factory number must match the HK registration and must not look ground, welded or re-stamped.
- Engine or drive-motor model and serial must match the logbook and be a permanent mark.
- The front exterior needs a permanent brand mark. Body colour must match the logbook. Multi-colour cars count up to three larger areas.
- Seat count including the driver must match the approved number, with seatbelts fitted. Carry a warning triangle.
- External lamps and signals must be complete, paired, working and the right colour. Do not cover them or refit them yourself.
- Visible-light transmittance of the windscreen and the driver view glass should be at least 70%.
- Tyres on the same axle need the same spec and tread. No illegal spoiler or modified exhaust.
What must stay the same
- After the first filing, do not change exterior shape, external lighting and signals, tyre spec or exhaust structure.
- The notes allow a compliant roof rack, entry steps, a grille and/or bumper swap, and a change of wheel style. The inspection body still decides.
- Before a renewal inspection, the owner and drivers must clear that car open traffic offences and accidents.
- On renewal, tyre spec must match the spec captured the first time.
Two-year exemption
- From 1 Mar 2024, a new Northbound application within two years of a pass can skip inspection only if every point below is true.
- The Mainland temporary electronic plate is still valid.
- The applicant is the same person.
- The vehicle is unchanged: HK registration number, chassis / VIN, engine number and body colour.
- Nominated drivers are unchanged: same count and same HKID numbers.
The 6-year certificate is different
A car registered or built six or more years ago must also submit a motor-vehicle safety certificate from an HK designated testing centre when you apply. For a 2026 application, that means built in 2019 or earlier. That paper is not the CIC / CTS Northbound inspection. You may need both.
Fees
- Joining Northbound Travel is free.
- The RFID card and the Mainland-standard inspection are charged by the inspection body. The booking site quote is the price.
- TD and Mainland departments will not ask you to pay online or to submit credit-card details.
Before you go
- Book a slot and bring the HK registration document.
- Every lamp works, shows the right colour, and is clean and uncovered.
- Tyres on the same axle match in spec and tread.
- Carry a warning triangle. Do not tint the windscreen below 70% transmittance.
- Colour, seats, spoiler and exhaust must match the logbook. Do not modify them for the visit.
- For a renewal, clear that car open Mainland offences and accidents first.