Is the free expressway based on the time of entering or exiting the expressway?
2 Answers
Free expressway is based on the time of exiting the expressway, while ordinary highways are based on the time when the vehicle passes through the toll lane of the toll station. According to relevant national regulations, passenger vehicles with 7 seats or less (including 7 seats), including motorcycles allowed to drive on ordinary toll roads, can enjoy the policy of free expressway toll only during the four statutory holidays: Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day. Expressways must meet the following four conditions: 1. Only for high-speed driving of vehicles; 2. Equipped with multiple lanes and a central divider to completely separate traffic in both directions; 3. Equipped with interchanges; 4. Fully enclosed with controlled entrances and exits, allowing vehicles to enter and exit only at designated interchanges.
I have also thought about this issue, as driving during the toll-free periods on highways is quite common. The key factor is the time when the vehicle exits the highway to determine whether it’s free. For example, if you enter the highway before the end of the holiday toll-free period but exit after the free time has ended, you will have to pay the normal fee. Conversely, if you exit within the toll-free period, it’s completely free. Once, I miscalculated the time—I entered during the free period but exited late and had to pay. Later, I confirmed this rule by consulting a friend. To avoid such misunderstandings, it’s advisable to check the highway toll announcements or real-time app information in advance and plan your trip accordingly. During holiday traffic jams, be extra careful not to speed just to make the toll-free cutoff—safety comes first.
