Are the toll fees the same for 7-seater and 5-seater vehicles?
2 Answers
Automobile toll fees for 7-seater and 5-seater vehicles are the same, as both types are classified under the same category. According to the "Toll Road Vehicle Classification Standards," vehicles are uniformly divided into five categories: 1. Category 1: Cars and small passenger vehicles with 7 seats or fewer, and small trucks with a load capacity of 2 tons or less. 2. Category 2: Passenger vehicles with 8 to 19 seats, and trucks with a load capacity of more than 2 tons up to 5 tons. 3. Category 3: Passenger vehicles with 20 to 39 seats, trucks with a load capacity of more than 5 tons up to 10 tons, and 20-foot container trucks. 4. Category 4: Passenger vehicles with 40 seats or more, trucks with a load capacity of more than 10 tons up to 15 tons, and 40-foot container trucks. 5. Category 5: Trucks with a load capacity of more than 15 tons.
In China's highway system, the toll fees for 7-seater and 5-seater vehicles are basically the same. According to regulations from the Ministry of Transport, small passenger vehicles with fewer than 9 seats are classified as Category 1 vehicles for toll purposes. This means whether you're driving a compact car or a larger MPV, the toll rates are typically identical. I frequently travel by car and have driven 7-seaters many times—each time at toll stations, the fee has been the same as for 5-seaters. Some people worry that more seats might mean higher charges, but this is either psychological or a holdover from outdated policies, as most toll stations have now updated their systems. Of course, occasional regional differences exist, such as special cases at remote scenic spots, but checking your route in advance with a mobile map app can prevent surprises. In short, buying a 7-seater gives you more space without affecting toll costs—it's a great deal.
