Are commercial vehicles exempt from highway tolls?
2 Answers
Commercial vehicles are not exempt from highway tolls. All commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles with eight or more seats (including eight seats), and all trucks are not included in the toll-free vehicle categories and must pay tolls. Requirements for toll-free highway access: Vehicle type: There are specific requirements for toll-free vehicles on highways. Passenger vehicles with seven or fewer seats are exempt from tolls when using highways; Toll-free period: During holidays, the toll-free period starts at 00:00 on the first day and ends at 24:00 on the last day. Toll-free holidays: Highways are toll-free during major holidays: Currently, toll-free access is only applicable during significant holidays; for example, the most important ones include the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day on May 1st, and National Day on October 1st, among other nationally significant holidays.
Hey, old drivers, let's talk about this topic. After all these years of driving commercial vehicles, I've never seen toll-free highways for them. Those who think the holiday free-pass policy for passenger cars applies to all vehicles are completely mistaken. Toll charges are based on vehicle type and mileage—trucks and buses have to pay every single day, with holidays only exempting private cars. Back when I drove long-haul, I once miscalculated fees believing rumors and lost hundreds in a month. The money-saving trick is getting an ETC card—it gives about a 15% discount and lets you skip queues. Also, toll rates vary by province, so check route planners for cross-province trips. Bottom line: commercial vehicle owners should accept this expense—no free shortcuts exist. Safe driving is what truly matters; don't break traffic rules to save a few bucks.
