
In 2021, passenger vehicles can enjoy toll-free highway access for a total of 22 days, which are during the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day. The first toll-free holiday in 2021 is the Spring Festival, from February 11 to February 17. Below are the specific toll-free periods for highways: 1. Spring Festival: February 11, 0:00 - February 17, 24:00, totaling 7 days. 2. Qingming Festival: April 3, 0:00 - April 5, 24:00, totaling 3 days. 3. Labor Day: May 1, 0:00 - May 5, 24:00, totaling 5 days. 4. National Day: October 1, 0:00 - October 7, 24:00, totaling 7 days.

I've driven home several times during the highway toll-free periods, which usually occur during major holidays like Spring Festival and National Day. The free period ends precisely at midnight on the last day of the holiday. For example, the National Day holiday typically runs from October 1st to 7th, with the toll-free period ending at 24:00 on October 7th. Once the time passes, the toll stations automatically charge, and the system won't wait for anyone. I once got greedy and pushed my luck by exceeding the time limit, ending up paying for nothing. I recommend checking official announcements or using navigation apps to confirm the exact times to avoid losses. Traffic tends to be heavy around the cutoff time, leading to congestion, so it's best to depart a few hours early—safety first. Before the free period ends, it's advisable to fill up your tank and check your vehicle's condition to avoid last-minute rushes that could lead to accidents. From experience, proper trip planning can save both time and money, but don't prioritize savings over safety.

Free highway toll passage is a national holiday welfare policy, with the free period strictly aligned with the holiday schedule, starting at 00:00 on the first day of the holiday and ending at 24:00 on the last day. The end time is critical, as the system switches back to toll collection immediately. For example, the National Day free period lasts 7 days, ending at 24:00 on October 7th. After this, tolls are reinstated at the original rates. The policy may undergo minor adjustments; for the latest updates, I check the Ministry of Transport's website or official social media accounts. The end point often sees concentrated traffic flow, leading to congestion or even accidents. I advise drivers to avoid the peak end time and consider returning earlier. Personally, I use real-time mobile maps to monitor traffic, ensuring I pass through toll gates within the free period. Safe driving is more important than saving a few bucks on tolls—don’t risk rushing when the free period ends. Remember, compliance with the law is the golden rule.

Drive carefully when the free highway period ends. The free period usually ends at 24:00 on the last day of the holiday, and tolls resume immediately after. The ending point tends to have heavy traffic and poor road conditions, increasing the risk of accidents. I once drove overnight to return before the free period ended and witnessed many drivers rushing to beat the deadline—extremely dangerous. It's advisable to plan your trip in advance and avoid the last-minute rush. While the free policy is beneficial, safety comes first. Use apps to check the time and set reminders, and stay focused. Get enough rest before the deadline to avoid fatigue driving. This way, your journey will be safer and more worry-free.


