
Highways are free for 8 days during National Day, with the free period running from 00:00 on October 1st to 24:00 on October 8th. The exemption of toll fees is determined by the time when the vehicle exits the highway toll lane. If you enter the highway during the toll period and exit during the free period, you will not be charged; conversely, if you enter during the free period and exit during the toll period, you will be charged. For drivers traveling across provinces, please note that if you pass through the provincial boundary toll station before 00:00 on the 1st, you will be charged. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your schedule accordingly. If that's not possible, you can rest at a nearby service area and wait until 00:00 to pass through the toll station for free.

I remember that the National Day holiday highway toll-free policy usually lasts for a full 7 days, starting from 00:00 on October 1st and ending at 24:00 on October 7th. This policy has been implemented for several years, with the main beneficiaries being small passenger vehicles with fewer than 7 seats, while trucks and buses still have to pay. During the toll-free period, there are especially many cars on the road. Last year, I drove for a trip and got stuck in traffic for several hours. I recommend planning your route in advance and using a navigation app to avoid peak hours. Traveling during holidays is more convenient and saves money, but safety comes first—don’t drive too fast, especially at night, and make sure to take breaks. From an economic perspective, this policy encourages consumption and stimulates tourism, allowing more people to enjoy the fun of self-driving trips, and in the long run, it promotes transportation development.

As a long-distance driver who frequently travels on highways, the National Day toll-free policy is a tremendous benefit. The free period is fixed for 7 days, starting from midnight on October 1st and ending late at night on the 7th, saving me hundreds of yuan in toll fees when driving my own car. The peak periods are usually particularly congested on the first and last days, so I have the experience to choose to depart on the middle days for a smoother journey, bringing emergency tools to avoid breakdowns. The policy aims to alleviate traffic pressure, but it also brings the minor issue of a surge in vehicle flow. Relevant departments will strengthen traffic management, and individuals need to cooperate and follow the rules. Checking the weather in advance to adjust the itinerary and ensuring a safe arrival at the destination is key.

The National Day free expressway policy originated from the 2012 policy adjustment, now offering a standard 7-day free period covering October 1st to 7th. Applicable to passenger vehicles, it reduces toll burdens and boosts public travel willingness. Compared to other holidays with one or two free days, the longer National Day period better suits long-distance trips, easing traffic while stimulating consumption growth. Peak hours may cause congestion, so individuals should choose low-traffic periods like early morning departures. The overall design balances public welfare with economic considerations—check official websites before trips to avoid misunderstandings.


