Is the highway free on New Year's Day?

[SanGabriella]

Highway tolls are not waived on New Year's Day. The toll-free periods on Chinese highways are limited to four national statutory holidays: Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day, as well as any consecutive holidays officially designated by the State Council. The free period starts at 0:00 on the first day of the holiday and ends at 24:00 on the last day. For ordinary roads, the toll-free status is determined by the time when the vehicle passes through the toll gate, while for highways, it is determined by the time when the vehicle exits the toll gate. The toll-free policy applies to passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer, including motorcycles that are permitted to travel on ordinary toll roads. China implements a vehicle registration system, and motor vehicles must be registered with the traffic management department of the public security authorities before they can be driven on the road. For unregistered vehicles that need temporary road access, a temporary pass must be obtained.

[McArya]

I often help my friends check the free highway policy, and New Year's Day is usually not free. According to regulations, toll-free passage is only applicable during major holidays like the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day. Although New Year's Day is a statutory holiday, the vacation period is relatively short, and the traffic volume isn't as overwhelming as during those major holidays, so it's generally not included. The reason is that the policy is designed to alleviate peak congestion, but highways often become even more crowded during toll-free holidays, which poses greater risks. Before traveling, I recommend checking the Ministry of Transport's website or the Gaode Map APP for the latest updates. Safety comes first—don’t skimp on those toll fees; if you end up stuck in traffic, it’s wiser to bring some snacks and an emergency kit. Normally, highway tolls aren’t expensive, but the key is to plan your time well to avoid peak hours, such as setting off before 7 AM for a smoother ride.

[IkerMarie]

As a veteran driver with over a decade of highway experience, I've never enjoyed toll-free expressways during New Year's Day. Last year, I took my wife and kids on a trip hoping to save some fuel costs, only to be reminded at the toll booth that payment was required. Actually, the toll-free policy only applies to major holidays like Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day - officially intended to distribute traffic flow. Ironically, I avoid driving during those free holiday periods because the congestion wastes too much time. For regular trips, I recommend not chasing those small savings - safety is far more important than saving money. If you must travel during free holidays, prepare emergency water and gasoline supplies in advance, and try to avoid the peak congestion hours between 9-11 AM. While holiday toll exemptions are beneficial, remember they're only available on specific dates - don't be misled.

[Hope]

During my New Year's Day road trip, I noticed that highway tolls were still in effect, as the free policy doesn't cover this period. Only major traditional holidays like Labor Day or National Day offer toll-free travel, and you need to depart early to avoid congestion. The reason is simple: the holiday is too short to cause a dramatic surge in traffic. When traveling, I prioritize trip safety over saving money—holiday free-toll periods often come with poor road conditions and higher accident risks. I make it a habit to check official apps for accurate information. For cross-province travel during holidays, high-speed rail proves more cost-effective and hassle-free.

[Silas]

I've been paying attention to the highway toll-free rules for several years, and New Year's Day has never been included in the free list. The policy focuses on holidays like the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day, which are prone to congestion during the free periods. Charging on New Year's Day is actually more worry-free, with fewer crowds. Before traveling, be sure to check the traffic department's notifications, which can be found in real-time on Baidu Maps or WeChat mini-programs. Avoid peak hours by leaving early, drive safely, and don't be misled by rumors. Toll-free highways during holidays are indeed convenient, but they are only suitable for long holiday planning.