Are the toll fees the same for 7-seater and 5-seater vehicles?
2 Answers
7-seater and 5-seater vehicles have the same toll fees, with no difference in charges. According to the 'Toll Road Vehicle Classification Standards,' both are uniformly classified as Class 1 small passenger vehicles. Therefore, the highway toll standards for these two types of vehicles are the same. More details are as follows: 1. During annual inspections: The annual inspection is likely where 5-seater and 7-seater vehicles differ the most. According to regulations, small passenger vehicles with 7 seats or more continue to follow the original policy of inspection every 2 years, while those with 6 seats or fewer can be inspected every 6 years. 2. Compulsory traffic insurance is mandatory for vehicle owners every year. For 5-seater vehicles, the annual fee is 950 yuan, while for 7-seaters, it is 1100 yuan. Additionally, the seat insurance for the two extra seats in a 7-seater naturally costs more than that for a 5-seater.
This issue is actually quite common. As a frequent highway traveler and self-driving enthusiast, I can share some experience. In China, under most regional expressway toll regulations, both 7-seater and 5-seater vehicles fall under the Class 1 category, meaning they're classified as small passenger vehicles, so toll fees are usually the same. For instance, whether you're driving a 5-seater sedan or 7-seater MPV on the highway, toll stations process vehicles based on classification standards rather than specific seating capacity, aiming to simplify operations and ensure fairness. I've personally taken 7-seaters on several out-of-town trips, like when traveling on the Jingha Expressway, where the toll was no different from 5-seaters; holiday free-pass policies also cover small passenger vehicles including 7-seaters and below. However, note that a few areas like mountainous regions or independent road sections might have minor adjustments, so it's advisable to check official information before departure or use ETC automatic deduction for convenience. Overall, choosing a 7-seater won't incur extra toll expenses, making it ideal for family trips.
