
Highways are free from 00:00 on October 1st to 24:00 on October 8th. For ordinary roads, the free period is determined by the time when the vehicle passes through the toll lane of the toll station, while for highways, it is based on the time of exiting the highway. For example, if you enter the highway at 21:00 on September 30th and exit at 01:00 on October 1st, the entire journey is free. If you enter the highway at 23:00 on October 8th and exit at 00:05 on October 9th, exceeding 24:00, the entire journey will be charged. The free passage on highways applies to passenger vehicles with 7 seats or fewer (including 7 seats) traveling on toll roads, including motorcycles allowed on ordinary toll roads.

I've been driving for over twenty years, and every National Day holiday, I drive home to visit relatives. The toll-free period on highways usually lasts for 7 days, roughly from October 1st to October 7th. This is implemented by the government to facilitate holiday travel and save people a significant amount on road tolls. However, traffic congestion during peak hours can be severe. I usually avoid traveling on the first and last days, opting to leave early and drive overnight instead. Some older road sections experience heavy traffic, so safety should always come first—don’t speed just to save time. It’s advisable to bring some water and snacks for emergencies, ensuring a more relaxed and worry-free journey. If the roads are crowded, choosing to depart in the morning tends to be smoother, avoiding the afternoon rush. In recent years, the holiday arrangements haven’t changed much, with the toll-free period remaining stable at 7 days.

As someone who frequently goes on self-driving trips, the National Day holiday's free expressway is a key opportunity for me to plan long-distance travel. The free period is usually fixed at around 7 days, from the 1st to the 7th. I remember last year when I drove to Yunnan for a trip, the waived toll fees saved me hundreds of yuan, allowing me to budget more for attractions and dining. Avoiding peak congestion is crucial, so I check apps for traffic predictions and choose to depart around the 3rd when there are fewer travelers. However, it's important to check the vehicle's tires and fuel before the trip to avoid breakdowns that could ruin the mood. The free expressway policy only applies to small passenger vehicles, not trucks, so self-driving friends shouldn't get confused. Just plan the route in advance to avoid toll periods. This policy makes family trips much more cost-effective.

Going back to my hometown with the kids for the holiday, the 7-day free highway access in October saved me a lot of hassle. The toll-free period from the 1st to the 7th made it easier for me to leave the city. In previous years, stuck in traffic jams on the highway with kids crying, I learned to prepare snacks, toys, and a car charger, and to avoid the morning rush by setting off in the afternoon for a quicker trip. The free highway access is only valid for 7 days, so it's crucial to plan the itinerary carefully to avoid delays. Also, a reminder to parents to keep an eye on weather changes—rain and fog make the roads slippery, so safety comes first. A quick car check-up is advisable; a flat tire would be troublesome. After all, during the long holiday, stability is key, and enjoying family time is what matters most.

I work in the city and take advantage of the 7-day toll-free expressway during National Day to return home for family visits, which is cost-effective and convenient. The main period is from the 1st to the 7th. However, severe traffic congestion during peak hours can be time-consuming. I check traffic apps in advance and choose to travel late at night or early in the morning to avoid crowds. Sometimes, setting off at 3 a.m. allows me to catch a short nap. Saving money is good, but don’t drive too fast to avoid accidents. Vehicle condition checks are essential, such as brakes and lights. The toll-free applies only to private cars; buses and trucks still pay fees—don’t confuse the policy. If the holiday is extended, officials will announce it, but the 7-day period is generally reliable. For short trips, I recommend choosing less popular routes to save time, making the return journey smoother.

For us young people, the top choice for a National Day holiday drive is the 7-day toll-free expressway, running freely from the 1st to the 7th to save money. Last year, my friends and I drove to the seaside, saved on toll fees, bought more barbecue supplies, and had a blast. Avoiding peak congestion is the trick—we checked traffic on the app and chose the 4th and 5th when there were fewer people, making the trip even more enjoyable. Don’t overlook safety details; checking tires and adjusting lights are key—don’t speed recklessly and ruin the holiday. The toll-free only applies to small vehicles; even electric cars must follow the rules to enjoy the benefits. Plan routes to bypass toll points, and spend the saved gas money on fun for more joy. This season offers great weather and beautiful scenery for travel.


