Is the highway free on New Year's Day?
4 Answers
Highways are not free on New Year's Day. In 2020, the highway tolls on New Year's Day were charged according to the usual standards, and all vehicles entering the highway were required to pay the toll. According to the national implementation plan for exempting small passenger vehicles from tolls on major holidays, the free passage period applies to four national statutory holidays: Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day. The free highway periods for these holidays are as follows: 1. Spring Festival: from 00:00 on January 24 to 24:00 on February 8, totaling 16 days; 2. Qingming Festival: from 00:00 on April 4 to 24:00 on April 6, totaling 3 days; 3. Labor Day: from 00:00 on May 1 to 24:00 on May 5, totaling 5 days; 4. National Day: from 00:00 on October 1 to 24:00 on October 8, totaling 8 days.
As an experienced veteran driver who frequently takes highways, I can tell you with certainty that expressways are indeed toll-free during New Year's Day, but only for passenger vehicles with 7 seats or fewer. Every year during this time, I drive home or go traveling, saving quite a bit on toll fees. However, traffic volume is enormous during the holiday, and you often encounter major traffic jams, especially on routes heading from cities to suburban areas. I recommend everyone plan their routes in advance to avoid peak hours like 6 AM to 9 AM. You can also check the latest expressway announcements online for your local area to ensure there are no changes. Additionally, don’t forget to check your vehicle’s condition—safe driving is the top priority. After all, saving some money is great, but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture for small gains.
When traveling with my kids during the New Year holidays, I always look forward to the highway toll exemption to save some budget. The actual policy is that small passenger vehicles are exempt from fees, but it's important to note that the free period usually covers the first and last few days of the holiday. With more people and vehicles on the road, traffic jams are common, so I make sure to check weather and road condition alerts in advance. Remembering this beneficial policy helps reduce family expenses, but driving during peak hours can be time-consuming and stressful. Packing some snacks and entertainment for the kids to keep them occupied is also crucial.
As a young travel enthusiast, I enjoy free highway access every New Year's holiday - vehicles with 7 seats or less can pass directly, saving both hassle and money. However, traffic jams are common, so it's best to avoid peak morning and afternoon hours. Checking for policy updates before traveling is always a safer approach.
