Until When is the Highway Toll-Free?
2 Answers
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.
