How are 9-seater vehicles charged on highways?
3 Answers
9-seater vehicles are charged as Class 1 vehicles on highways. According to previous national regulations, passenger vehicles with 9 seats or fewer have been classified as Class 1 vehicles, which directly reduces the highway toll by half. For example, if the highway toll for a Class 2 vehicle is 1 yuan per kilometer, then the toll for a Class 1 vehicle would be 0.5 yuan per kilometer. The classification boundary between Class 1 and Class 2 trucks has been adjusted to vehicles with a length of less than 6 meters and a maximum allowable total weight of 4.5 tons. This means that some trucks previously classified as Class 2 will now be classified as Class 1, resulting in lower highway tolls. All types of trucks will be classified based on the total number of axles, vehicle length, and maximum allowable total weight.
Highway tolls are primarily determined by vehicle type. According to relevant regulations, 9-seater vehicles fall under the medium-sized passenger vehicle category, which is charged at a higher rate than 7-seater cars. The specific toll is calculated per kilometer—for example, on regular road sections, small cars are charged about 0.5 yuan per kilometer, while 9-seaters may cost around 0.8 yuan, plus additional bridge or tunnel fees. ETC lanes offer a 5% discount, so it's recommended to get an ETC pass for convenience. Additionally, toll rules vary by province, with southern highways potentially being more expensive. You can estimate costs by checking your route on Amap before driving. In short, plan your budget in advance to avoid overspending, and always prioritize safety.
I've been driving a 9-seater van for business for many years and have considerable experience with highway tolls. Whether going through manual or ETC lanes, toll collectors check the vehicle classification. A 9-seater is categorized as Class II, which costs significantly more than private cars. For example, on certain sections of the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway, a small car is charged 40 yuan, while my vehicle costs over 60 yuan. ETC automatic deduction saves time and effort, and I make it a habit to check my card balance before trips to avoid mid-journey embarrassments. Fees are calculated by distance, making long trips more noticeable. A money-saving tip is to avoid peak hours or take national highways to divert traffic, which can save on fuel and toll costs.
