Can I enter the highway in advance during the October 1st toll-free period?
3 Answers
You can enter the highway in advance during the October 1st toll-free period. The toll-free policy is based on the time when the small passenger vehicle exits the toll station. As long as you exit the highway after 00:00 on October 1st, you won't need to pay the toll. The toll-free period is determined by the time the vehicle leaves the highway exit toll lane. This means that if you enter the highway during the toll period and exit during the toll-free period, you won't be charged. Conversely, if you enter during the toll-free period and exit during the toll period, you will be charged. For those traveling across provinces, please note that if you pass the provincial boundary toll station before 00:00 on the 1st, you will be charged. Therefore, it is recommended to plan your time carefully and wait until 00:00 to pass the toll station for a free journey.
I drive on the highway every National Day holiday, and based on experience, I can say it’s completely fine to enter the highway early as long as you exit during the free period. Last year, I got on the highway on the evening of the 28th and exited in the morning of the 29th without paying a single cent. The logic is simple: the highway toll system only checks the exit time, so an early entry time doesn’t matter. However, be aware that if you enter before the free period and exit after it, you might be charged, as the free window usually runs from midnight on the 30th to 24:00 on the 7th. I recommend avoiding peak hours if you enter early to prevent traffic jams and frustration. Also, a friendly reminder: traffic is heavy during the free period, so check your tires and lights—safety comes first. If driving at night, take breaks and avoid fatigue driving. Safety is far more important than saving money.
In my work, I often handle inquiries related to highways. It is feasible to enter the highway in advance; the key point is that as long as the exit time falls within the free period, you can enjoy the free passage. The system automatically calculates the fee based on the exit time, and the entry time does not affect the result. For example, entering the highway on the 28th and exiting on the 29th is free, but entering on the 28th and exiting on the 30th may incur charges based on mileage. There are restrictions on vehicle types, mainly small passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer that qualify for the exemption. During the National Day free period, road conditions are often congested, so it's best to travel during off-peak hours and bring emergency supplies like water and snacks. I've seen too many minor accidents caused by rushing to save money, which is not worth it. Remember to plan your trip in advance and avoid arriving at the last minute, as delays may increase costs.
