Until When Are Highway Tolls Free?

[StAnnie]

In 2021, small vehicles can enjoy free highway access for a total of 22 days, which include the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day holidays. The first free highway access period in 2021 is during the Spring Festival, from February 11 to February 17. Below are the specific free highway access periods: 1. Spring Festival: From 00:00 on February 11 to 24:00 on February 17, totaling 7 days. 2. Qingming Festival: From 00:00 on April 3 to 24:00 on April 5, 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 7, totaling 7 days.

[OSienna]

The last time I drove home was during the National Day holiday, when the highway toll-free period typically starts at 0:00 on October 1st and ends at 24:00 on October 7th. However, the specific dates may vary each year. For instance, this year's dates haven't been officially announced yet, so we'll have to wait for the Ministry of Transport's notice to confirm. This policy is designed to help people save money on travel during the holiday, but the roads get extremely crowded, especially on the first and last days of the long holiday. I've been stuck in traffic on the highway before, which wasted a lot of time. It's advisable to avoid peak hours, like starting your trip at 4 or 5 in the morning, otherwise, it's just a huge waste of time and increases the risk of accidents. Of course, the toll-free policy only applies to passenger vehicles with 7 seats or fewer. Using ETC makes it convenient for automatic toll-free entry and exit, but your entry must be within the toll-free period.

[KevinRose]

As a frequent driver, I've noticed that the free highway periods mainly occur during major holidays like the Spring Festival, Tomb-Sweeping Day, and National Day, typically starting at midnight on the first day of the holiday and ending at midnight on the last day. After reviewing policy history, the rule is that you must enter the highway on the same day to enjoy the benefit, and the ETC system will automatically recognize and reduce the toll. But I'd remind everyone to check the official government website announcements – last Spring Festival, for example, the free period was from 00:00 on New Year's Eve to 24:00 on the sixth day. Don't arrive too early or late, or you might have to pay out of pocket. Holiday traffic is heavy, and ETC lanes are much faster than manual ones. Always check your tires and lights beforehand – safety first is always the more economical choice.

[DelKatherine]

The toll-free periods on highways mainly occur during holidays, such as the seven-day Spring Festival, with both the start and end times following a 24-hour format. I once experienced the hassle of queuing to exit the station on the last night of the toll-free period, which not only wasted time but also nearly caused me to miss an important event. Driving safety is paramount—don't rush just because it's free. Holiday road conditions are complex, making novice drivers more prone to accidents. Plan your route in advance using navigation apps to avoid congested areas, and ensure your tank is full and brakes are checked before departure. This way, you save time and travel with peace of mind!