Police arrest 12 in white-plate car crackdown
HK01 · 5 SOURCESabout 9 hours ago7 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong police said a two-week operation across multiple districts led to the arrest of 12 male drivers suspected of using private cars for illegal paid passenger services, with 12 vehicles impounded for further investigation and inspection. Of the cars involved, all were locally registered and 10 carried both Hong Kong and mainland plates, indicating suspected cross-boundary illegal ride-hailing activity. Police said seven arrested mainland men travelling on exit-entry permits have been charged, including over alleged breaches of conditions of stay, and were remanded in custody, while five local men were released on bail pending further inquiries. Ahead of large-scale events this week, including BIGBANG’s Hong Kong concerts beginning on November 13, police said they would intensify controls and may pass suitable information to mainland authorities if evidence is sufficient.
Key Points
- Chief Superintendent of Traffic Management Lam Chi-hang (林知行) said officers used online patrols, intelligence analysis and undercover operations during the past two weeks.
- The 12 arrested men were aged 27 to 58, including five local men aged 33 to 58 and seven mainland men aged 27 to 52.
- Suspected offences included illegally driving a vehicle for hire or reward and driving without third-party risk insurance; the seven mainland men also allegedly breached stay conditions.
- Police said frontline officers would target black spots, especially suspected waiting and pickup-drop-off points, with traffic control, enforcement and intelligence gathering.
- Under Hong Kong’s Road Traffic Ordinance, a first conviction can bring a HK$10,000 fine and six months’ jail, rising to HK$25,000 and one year for repeat offenders
- Police also warned that if a private car is used for illegal hire or reward, its third-party insurance may become invalid, potentially affecting compensation and protection for passengers and other road users after a crash. They urged residents and visitors not to choose such services merely for price or convenience, saying legal transport options are available near major event venues.
Why It Matters
For concertgoers and other travellers heading to major events this weekend, the warning means enforcement is likely to be more visible around transport interchanges and venue pickup points. The case also underlines that cross-boundary “white-plate car” operations can carry not only criminal liability for drivers, but also insurance and compensation risks for passengers who use them.