Hong Kong Introduces Online Same-day Queue Tickets for Driving License Applications Starting January 12

TD implements "Online Same-day Queue Ticket" arrangement for direct issue of Hong Kong Full Driving Licence

The Transport Department (TD) announced today (January 7) that,starting from next Monday (January 12), the Hong Kong Licensing Office (HKLO) at United Centre, Admiralty,will implementthe"Online Same-day Queue Ticket" arrangement for applications forthedirect issue oftheHong Kong Full Driving Licence ("direct issue"). This will fully replace the existing on-site ticketing arrangement, further streamlining application procedures, meeting increasing demand, and ensuring fair and orderly access to services forpersonsin need.

No on-site ticketing for direct issue in coming two days

Due totheabuse of the on-site ticketing arrangement, to prevent queuing for"direct issue"applications from affecting other licensing services while improving order management at the licensing office, the TD willcease theon-site ticketing for"direct issue"applications startingfromtomorrow (January 8). From January 12 onwards, applicants or their agents may obtain tickets online through the "Online Same-day Queue Ticket" service.In addition, the existing online appointment booking system for"direct issue"counter services remains unchanged, and applicants who have already booked appointments in advance may continue tovisitthe HKLO at their scheduled times to submit"direct issue"applications.

"Online Same-day Queue Ticket" arrangement

FromJanuary 12, the TD will open the system at 7amoneach working day to provide 300 same-day tickets. Each ticket allows submission of one"direct issue"application for the designated applicant. Applicants must access the "Online Same-day Queue Ticket" system via the designated webpage (www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/licences_and_permits/osqt/index.html) to obtain a ticket on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are required to input to thesystemwith information such as the first four digits/characters of the identification document number, English name, and mobile phone number (including numbers registered outside Hong Kong).

Successful applicants will receive SMS notifications sentby#cefs@govhk and have tovisitthe HKLO counter at the specified timeslot stated in the message to submit their applications. Late arrivals or absentees will need to re-apply for a ticket through thesystem. The TD will continue to monitortheapplication demand and adjust the number ofsame-daytickets as necessary.

The "Online Same-day Queue Ticket" arrangement is provided with the assistance of the Digital Policy Office (DPO), which aims to facilitate remote same-day ticket collectionby "direct issue"applicants, eliminating the need for physical queuing and simplifying the application process. The TD willworkcloselywiththeDPO to ensure smooth and stable system operation.

The HKLO willput up notices on the new "Online Same-day Queue Ticket" arrangement for "direct issue" applications and deploy additional staff to maintain order, answer public enquiries, and provide assistance. Ticketing and queuing arrangements for other driving licence-related counter services remain unchanged.

A TD spokesman stressed that the department has always processed and verified each"direct issue"application in a stringent manner. Applicants must submit sufficient, true and accurate documentary proof and fully meet the eligibility criteria stipulated under the law before approval will be granted.

Towards full online services for"direct issue"applications

Further, the TD is working closely withtheDPO to enhance the online appointment booking system for"direct issue"counter services, including the introduction of new authentication technologies and expansion of system capacity, with a view to fully implementing online appointment booking services as soon as possible and extending "direct issue" counter services to the other three Licensing Offices, namely the Kowloon Licensing Office at Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, the Kwun Tong Licensing Office at Kowloon East Government Offices, and the Sha Tin Licensing Office at Sha Tin Government Offices.

In the longer term, the TD is actively exploring the use of artificial intelligence technologies in"direct issue"application procedures. Applicants will be able to upload application documents for preliminary vetting online and only need to bring the original documents to the Licensing Office at their booked timeslot for verification. This will further reducetheneed for submission via agents. The TD will continue to promote digitalisation of licensing services and announce details of new initiatives in due course.

The Transport Department (TD), Photo by Bastille Post

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 9) detected a drug trafficking case involving passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 2.25 kilograms of suspected heroin, four tablets of suspected Viagra and 26 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette, with a total estimated market value of about $1.4 million. A man was arrested.

A 61-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a total of about 2.25 kg of suspected heroin in his check-in suitcase, and four tablets of suspected Viagra and 26 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette in his carry-on backpack. The man was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possession of Part 1 poison, one count of possession of dutiable goods and one count of failing to declare to a member of the Customs and Excise Service the possession of dutiable goods. The case will bebrought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 11).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, any person who imports, possesses, sells or buys dutiable commodities without a valid licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases