Are 8-seater vehicles exempt from highway tolls during holidays?
2 Answers
8-seater vehicles are not exempt from highway tolls during holidays. During holiday periods, only small passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer (including seven seats) are eligible for toll-free highway travel. Passenger vehicles with eight seats or more (including eight seats), as well as all trucks and special vehicles, are still required to pay tolls when using highways. Highway regulations vary across different countries and regions, historical periods, and scientific research fields. Highways are multi-lane roads exclusively designed for directional and lane-specific vehicle travel, with full access control. The average annual daily traffic volume for such roads should ideally exceed 15,000 passenger car units, with a design speed ranging from 80 to 120 kilometers per hour.
As a seasoned driver who frequently takes highways during holidays, I must say that 8-seater vehicles are indeed not toll-free. National policy stipulates that only vehicles with seven seats or fewer are exempt from tolls during statutory holidays like Spring Festival or National Day. Eight-seaters are classified as Category II passenger vehicles due to their extra seating capacity and must pay regular tolls. Last year, I drove a friend's 8-seater for a family trip, thinking we could save some money, but after waiting in line at the toll booth for ages, we still had to pay—what a waste of effort. During free periods, traffic is heavy and congestion is common, so extra caution is needed when driving. It's wise to check your brakes and tire pressure beforehand. I recommend downloading a traffic app to check specific policies or calling the 12328 hotline before your trip to avoid disappointment. If you have a large family, renting a 7-seater might be more practical and cost-effective.
