How to Enter and Exit Toll Stations on Highways?
2 Answers
Open tolling and closed tolling. Below is more information about highway tolls: Related information: According to the 2021 "National Highway Toll Standards," there are two types of highway tolls: open tolling and closed tolling. Open tolling involves receiving an IC card at the entrance toll station of the highway and presenting it to the toll collector at the exit toll station, who then charges the displayed fee. This method is generally used for longer highway routes, and most intercity highways in China adopt this tolling method. Free periods: Exiting the highway during the free time window will not incur toll charges. The free periods include the four national statutory holidays: Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day, as well as the consecutive holidays determined by the State Council of China for these statutory holidays in the current year.
I've been driving on highways for decades and have extensive experience entering and exiting toll stations. I slow down to the required speed in advance and carefully read the signs: manual lanes often have long queues where you need to take a ticket and hand over payment; ETC lanes allow direct passage with automatic fee deduction, saving time and effort. I always prepare some cash or a payment card to avoid awkward situations. When exiting, I similarly slow down and queue up, taking my time to pay the toll. Peak-hour congestion is common, so I make it a habit to avoid rush hours in the morning and evening, turning on my headlights to ensure visibility for staff. Safety is paramount—I maintain a safe distance when stopping to prevent collisions. Remembering the rules and signals and developing good habits make for smoother travels. During holidays when it's crowded, extra caution and patience are essential. The whole process becomes simple after a few tries, but attention to detail determines efficiency and avoids mistakes that could delay the trip. My personal recommendation for frequent highway drivers is to install an ETC—it's the most practical solution.
