Are Trucks Exempt from Toll Fees on Highways?
4 Answers
Highway trucks are not exempt from toll fees, even during toll-free periods. Non-commercial light trucks are also not eligible for toll exemptions. The vehicles that qualify for toll-free passage are passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer (including seven seats) traveling on toll roads, as well as motorcycles permitted on regular toll roads. Below is a brief overview of the toll-free periods: 1. Toll-Free Periods: Toll-free periods apply during four national statutory holidays—Spring Festival, Tomb-Sweeping Day, Labor Day, and National Day—as well as the consecutive holidays designated by the State Council for these statutory holidays. 2. Toll-Free Time Frame: The toll-free period starts at 00:00 on the first day of the holiday and ends at 24:00 on the last day of the holiday.
I remember when I drove long-haul trucks, I often had to run night shifts on the highway. Truck tolls were never free—even during holidays like National Day or Spring Festival when passenger cars got exemptions, I still had to obediently pay at the toll gate with my cargo. The fees were calculated based on the number of axles and load capacity—more axles meant higher charges. For instance, my six-axle truck cost several yuan per kilometer, and a few hundred kilometers added up to a significant expense. ETC did offer some discounts, helping save a bit. However, policies have remained stable lately with little change. I’d advise fellow drivers to plan routes ahead, leverage cost-saving channels, and keep expenses under control—after all, freight margins are tight, and tolls shouldn’t eat too much into the budget. During peak holiday logistics, it’s even more crucial to budget wisely and avoid unnecessary spending.
My little truck helps me deliver goods around the city, but every time I hit the highway, tolls are unavoidable. There's no such thing as free passage for trucks—holiday exemptions only apply to passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer, so I still have to pay when driving. The toll is based on vehicle classification, with light trucks charged less than heavy ones, but it's still not cheap. Last time I took a long trip without an ETC, I wasted time queuing to pay in cash. These costs affect my delivery expenses, so I always calculate the route budget carefully. After all, maintaining a vehicle isn't easy, and every penny saved counts. Policies generally don't change, so don't get your hopes up—just pay on time, that's the key.
I just started learning to drive, and my instructor repeatedly emphasized that trucks are charged on highways. Free passage only applies to small vehicles like sedans; trucks are never exempt. The fees are based on the size and weight class of the vehicle, with heavy-duty trucks having more axles being more expensive. ETC discounts can be applied. Keep this in mind when driving daily—don’t expect to save money during holidays.
