The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and the SAR government have signed an agreement to enable mutual recognition and exchanges of driving licenses between the Chinese mainland and the city.
Under the deal, which will take effect on May 16, the mainland and Macau will allow individuals holding valid driving licenses issued by authorities from each side to drive directly or obtain driving permits on the other side without an additional test, according to the MPS.
Lam Hin San, head of the Transport Bureau (DSAT), confirmed that no mainland driver will enjoy special privileges and bypass the law while driving in Macau.
Yesterday, the bureau organized a press conference to announce the driving license mutual recognition mechanism with mainland China.
From May 16, Macau drivers will not need to take driving exams in order to drive in mainland China. If they want to convert their Macau license into a mainland license, they can also do so without exams. This will apply to valid Macau driver license holders with permanent Macau residency.
The same arrangement will reciprocally apply to mainland drivers.
On how much the license conversion will cost, Lam said that mainland authorities will announce the relevant charges and details in due course. Macau drivers will be able to get their licenses converted at authorized management offices across mainland China.
When questioned if mainland drivers will enjoy certain “special privilege,” Lam reiterated that all violators of local traffic laws will be subjected to the same punishments.
He was also asked if the new mechanism will exacerbate illegal employment in driving – colloquially referred to as “cross-boundary drivers” – to which he stated that tackling illegal employment is part and parcel of the government’s agenda. “‘Cross-boundary drivers’ will not be tolerated,” the transport official emphasized.
Lam cited freedom of expression when questioned as to whether this provision is sincerely desired as its proposal had triggered objections and dissenting opinions, and emphasized that about 200,000 local drivers will immediately benefit from the scheme when it is enacted. Adding to that number is 2,500 current driving students.
About the load for the local road network, Lam said he did not see a strong demand for mainland drivers to drive in Macau. For the time being, there are 130 cars for rent in the city, but Lam found mainland Chinese tourists preferring free hotel shuttle bus and public bus services.
