Are the toll fees the same for 5-seater and 7-seater vehicles?
3 Answers
According to regulations, the toll fees for 7-seater and 5-seater vehicles are the same, as both types are classified as Class 1 vehicles. According to the "Classification of Toll Road Vehicle Types," vehicles are uniformly divided into five categories: Class 1: Sedans and small passenger vehicles with 7 seats (inclusive) or less, and small trucks with a load capacity of 2 tons (inclusive) or less; Class 2: Passenger vehicles with 8 to 19 seats, and trucks with a load capacity of more than 2 tons up to 5 tons (inclusive); Class 3: Passenger vehicles with 20 to 39 seats, trucks with a load capacity of more than 5 tons up to 10 tons (inclusive), and 20-foot container trucks; Class 4: Passenger vehicles with 40 seats (inclusive) or more, trucks with a load capacity of more than 10 tons up to 15 tons (inclusive), and 40-foot container trucks; Class 5: Trucks with a load capacity of more than 15 tons. Advantages and disadvantages of 7-seater vehicles: Advantages: Higher passenger capacity, larger space in MPV versions. Disadvantages: The third-row space in non-MPV versions is very small, making it uncomfortable for passengers. Choosing a 7-seater vehicle requires paying higher compulsory insurance annually and no longer qualifies for the 6-year exemption from vehicle inspection policy available for 6-seater models.
I just researched this issue recently. The toll fees for 5-seater and 7-seater vehicles mainly depend on the vehicle classification standards at toll stations. Currently, most expressways categorize vehicles based on seating capacity. Regular family 5-seaters are uniformly classified as Class 1 passenger vehicles, while 7-seaters depend on the approved passenger capacity shown on the vehicle registration certificate. For example, my 7-seater Odyssey belongs to the small passenger vehicle category (7 seats or below), and in many provinces it's charged the same as 5-seaters under Class 1, about 0.4 yuan per kilometer. However, some regions make distinctions, especially at older toll stations shared with trucks - it's advisable to check local regulations beforehand. Last time when I drove a GL8 across provincial expressways, it was charged as Class 2, which was one-third more expensive than the 5-seater vehicles in our convoy.
I've been in long-distance transportation for over a decade and know toll stations like the back of my hand. Toll fees aren't absolute—it boils down to three things: the accuracy of toll station equipment, provincial toll regulations, and your vehicle's registration. Five-seaters are definitely Class 1, while seven-seaters depend on tire count and vehicle height. For instance, seven-seater vans often get classified as Class 2, but seven-seater SUVs usually cost the same as five-seaters. Here's a tip: ETC is cheaper than manual lanes because the automated system is more accurate. Last year in Henan, my seven-seater Song MAX was charged Class 2 at a manual lane, but on the return trip via ETC, it counted as Class 1—pretty wild, right?
