Can you not get on the highway for free during holidays without ETC?

[MacLandon]

It is fake news that you cannot get on the highway for free during holidays without ETC. The toll-free periods for small passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer on expressways throughout the year are as follows: 1. Spring Festival: According to the lunar calendar, it starts at 00:00 on New Year's Eve and ends at 24:00 on the sixth day of the first lunar month, lasting for 7 days. 2. Qingming Festival: Starts at 00:00 on April 5th and ends at 24:00 on April 7th, lasting for 3 days. 3. Labor Day: Starts at 00:00 on April 29th and ends at 24:00 on May 1st, lasting for 3 days. 4. National Day: Starts at 00:00 on October 1st and ends at 24:00 on October 7th, lasting for 7 days.

[Londyn]

I often drive on the highway during holidays to return to my hometown, and I can tell you that cars without ETC can still enjoy toll-free highways during the free period. The policy states that vehicles with fewer than 7 seats are eligible for free passage, regardless of whether they have ETC or not. I have driven a car without ETC, simply taking the manual lane at the entrance where the staff gives you a pass card, and you don’t have to pay a penny when exiting. However, free doesn’t mean unrestricted—it’s advisable to depart early to avoid peak hours, otherwise, waiting in line at manual toll booths can waste a lot of time. Cars with ETC can pass quickly through dedicated lanes, saving time. If you frequently use highways, it’s best to install one. The holiday policy is designed for public convenience, so don’t worry about not having ETC—the rules are clear, and everyone enjoys equal benefits. Additionally, ETC offers discounts during regular periods, making it a win-win. In short, feel free to hit the highway!

[AmaraMarie]

As an experienced driver with a decade of highway driving, I clearly know the free policy covers all vehicles including those without ETC. You just need to find the manual lane at the entrance to get a temporary card and exit directly for free. I've done this several times, it's convenient with no extra cost. However, compared to ETC vehicles, manual lanes often have long queues wasting time, and heavy traffic during free periods can easily cause congestion affecting safety. I recommend installing an ETC during spare time, it automatically recognizes free periods saving effort. The policy doesn't discriminate, but ETC improves overall efficiency, avoiding mistaken payments delaying trips. In short, install it if possible to ensure a more comfortable journey.

[SanRose]

When I first got my driver's license, I was confused about this. Simply put, vehicles without ETC can also enjoy free passage during highway toll-free periods. Just take a card at the manual lane entrance—no charges apply. I've tried it several times without issues, though sometimes the queues are slower. Having ETC makes it faster, but the free policy applies to all small vehicles. Remember, the policy is uniformly fair—don't end up paying unnecessarily. Checking announcements before holiday trips gives extra peace of mind.

[DelJayden]

From a cost-saving perspective, the free highway policy applies whether you have ETC or not. I often use the highway during holidays, and even without ETC, I can still enjoy free access by getting a temporary card at the manual entrance. The policy aims to benefit everyone and reduce travel expenses. However, having ETC installed offers more long-term savings with significant toll discounts. It's advisable to install an ETC device for free annual fee to maximize benefits. The rules are fair; the key is to avoid misinformation that could lead to unnecessary trouble.

[SanIsaac]

As a car enthusiast, I love delving into system details: During toll-free periods on highways, you can still pass for free without an ETC, because ETC is just an automatic toll collection tool, not a restriction for free passage. You can take the manual lane, get a card, and be let through—the mechanism ensures your rights. I have an ETC installed, but when it malfunctions, I still get to go for free. I recommend everyone install an ETC to avoid queues and improve efficiency, especially during peak hours. The policy is designed to be inclusive, so don’t worry—it’s simple to operate and ensures smooth travel.