Are pickup trucks charged the same as sedans on highways?
3 Answers
Pickup trucks and sedans are charged the same on highways. Pickup trucks generally have a nominal load capacity of around 0.5 tons, with some models reaching up to 0.75 tons (<2 tons), so they fall under the category of Class 1 trucks (under 2 tons) and are charged the same as sedans. Additional information: 1. Pickup trucks are not exempt from tolls during major holidays: During free highway periods on major holidays, pickup trucks are not included in the toll-free vehicle category because they are classified as dual-purpose passenger and cargo vehicles. The four national statutory holidays—Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day—only exempt tolls for passenger vehicles with 7 seats or fewer (including 7 seats), as well as motorcycles allowed on regular toll roads. 2. Pickup trucks can be exempt from tolls under certain conditions: According to national regulations, vehicles transporting fresh agricultural products can use the 'green channel,' which exempts them from tolls and grants priority passage. Since pickup trucks can be used as cargo vehicles, they qualify for toll-free highway access when transporting fresh agricultural products. Fresh agricultural products mainly include fresh vegetables, fruits, live aquatic products, live livestock and poultry, and fresh meat, eggs, and milk.
Driving a pickup truck on the highway is really different from driving a sedan. From my experience, the center of gravity of a pickup is noticeably much higher, and the truck tends to sway when hit by wind, making it feel less stable. Especially on windy or rainy days, crosswinds have a significant impact on handling, unlike sedans that feel more planted. The braking distance is also longer, so you need more buffer space when slamming on the brakes to avoid losing control. Additionally, tires and suspension systems wear out faster, requiring frequent checks on tire pressure and shock absorbers. From a safety perspective, I always recommend maintaining a safe following distance to reduce the risk of accidents.
As someone who frequently drives long distances, I've noticed that pickup trucks consume significantly more fuel on highways, with the engine under heavy load making refueling more strenuous. Daily commuting costs double, and despite having larger fuel tanks, the mileage is lower, with more expensive maintenance like frequent oil changes. Compared to sedans, they're less economical, but pickups offer much greater practicality for hauling goods. I've also observed a higher risk of engine overheating when carrying heavy loads, making regular maintenance of the cooling system crucial.
