How Many Days Are Free on the Highway?

[DelAnna]

Highway toll-free periods are applicable during four national statutory holidays: the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day. 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. For ordinary roads, the toll-free status is determined by the time when the vehicle passes through the toll lane of the toll station, while for highways, it is determined by the time when the vehicle exits the toll lane at the highway exit. Waiving tolls for small passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer during major holidays is an important measure to adjust and improve the toll road policy. It plays a significant role in enhancing road capacity and service levels during major holidays and reducing the public's holiday travel costs.

[Antonio]

Free expressway passage is mainly concentrated during several major holidays stipulated by the state. During the Spring Festival, it usually starts at 0:00 on the first day of the lunar new year and lasts until 24:00 on the seventh day, offering a full seven days of free travel. However, it's important to note that the actual number of days may be slightly adjusted, so it's best to check the government announcement for that year. The National Day holiday also offers a standard seven-day free passage, from October 1st to 7th, with free access all day. Additionally, the Qingming Festival and Labor Day usually have a three-day free period, such as one day before and after the Qingming Festival day. These policies have been implemented since 2012 to alleviate holiday travel burdens, allowing people to happily return home for family visits or travel. Every time I talk about this topic, I remind my friends not to rush too early, as toll stations can easily become congested when the free period starts, so planning ahead is crucial. The free passage mainly applies to small passenger vehicles, including private cars with seven seats or fewer, but excludes trucks or commercial vehicles. It's recommended to check the official app before traveling to confirm and avoid a wasted trip. Overall, this benefit saves several hundred yuan, but during peak congestion, it's still necessary to have some patience.

[DePreston]

As a long-distance driver, I remember saving a lot on fuel costs during last year's National Day holiday thanks to the free expressway policy. My trip was planned from Beijing to Hangzhou, and I checked the announcement in advance: the free period lasted for seven days, starting at midnight on October 1st and ending at midnight on the 7th. The timing was strict—once the deadline passed, tolls would apply. While the free expressway was great, the roads were packed with cars, and my navigation showed heavy traffic. I learned my lesson and chose to leave at 2 a.m. to avoid the rush. A friendly reminder: the free policy only applies to small passenger vehicles. My five-seat SUV was fine, but my friend driving a pickup truck got stopped and had to pay. During holidays, safety comes first—congestion and accidents are more common during free periods. I always carry emergency lights for nighttime driving. This habit has saved me unnecessary expenses and added peace of mind to my journeys. Try checking real-time updates on the app—it’s a surefire way to stay informed.

[SilasRose]

If you want to drive on highways for free, remember to travel during major holidays like the Spring Festival and National Day. The free period usually lasts for about 7 days, often extended around the Spring Festival. When I travel, I use "Travel Apps" to check updates to avoid missing the timing. The free policy applies to vehicles with 7 seats or fewer, making family trips really cost-effective! But avoid peak hours to prevent congestion at toll stations.

[VonLeonardo]

The toll-free periods on highways are concentrated during the Spring Festival and National Day holidays, totaling about seven days, with occasional additional days due to adjusted work schedules. My driving experience suggests avoiding the first day at midnight and the last day in the afternoon when the toll-free period ends—otherwise, the queues at toll booths can be a headache. It's advisable to depart one or two hours earlier or later, saving both time and ensuring safety. Toll-free vehicles are limited to small passenger cars, so check official announcements on your phone before departure, such as real-time updates on WeChat mini-programs. Holiday travel requires emergency tools due to increased traffic and higher accident risks. I always carry a rechargeable road light. Planning like this makes the journey smoother.