Sanya, a tropical city in South China's Hainan province, issued the island province's first foreigner temporary driver's license to an Italian tourist on Aug 1.
"This is the first temporary driving permit I received in Hainan," said Mettia Melillo. It took him about five minutes to get the permit, which has a one-year validity period, offering great convenience for Melillo's stay in Hainan.
Starting on Aug 1, the traffic police department of the Sanya public security bureau began to offer police services for expats at Sanya Phoenix International Airport, and foreigners meeting certain requirements can apply for temporary driving permits.
In July this year, the Ministry of Public Security launched three pilot policies to offer convenience for foreigners and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents who want to drive in Hainan. The pilot policies were officially implemented on Aug 1.
The applicants will be free from physical condition examinations, and only need to provide entry and exit identification documents, overseas driver's licenses and related translations, as well as two one-inch color photos to obtain a temporary driving permit in Hainan.
According to officials from Sanya's traffic police department, more police service stations will be set up at ports, checkpoints, as well as other entry and exit spots across Sanya in the future. The department will also actively promote a new model of online appointments and online education, preparing multi-language driving manuals and reminders for temporary driver's license holders.
Mettia Melillo, an Italian national in Hainan, shows off his temporary driving permit. [Photo/Hainan Daily]
Overview
Haikou 
Sanya 
