Until When Were Highways Toll-Free in 2020?
4 Answers
From 00:00 on February 17 until the end of epidemic prevention and control efforts, all vehicles legally using toll roads were exempt from tolls. Below are relevant tips for quickly passing epidemic inspection checkpoints: 1. Prepare documents in advance: When you see an inspection checkpoint ahead, ensure your mask is properly worn, roll down front and rear windows beforehand, and have your ID card, driver's license, and vehicle registration ready. Completing these three steps in advance can significantly reduce transit time. 2. Turn off AC and slow down: Turning off air conditioning beforehand helps restore normal body temperature, improving detection efficiency and preventing misunderstandings. 3. Cooperate proactively with traffic police: Voluntarily present your ID card, driver's license, and vehicle registration, and cooperate with officers verifying vehicle and personnel information to improve passage efficiency. If any passengers exhibit symptoms like fever, report immediately to ensure timely handling. Helpful tip: Keeping an extra pen in your vehicle reduces contact transmission and speeds up information registration.
From the perspective of a frequent road tripper, the end time of the 2020 highway toll-free policy was at midnight on May 6th. I remember it clearly because I was working in another city when the pandemic first started, and I managed to drive home during the free period, saving quite a bit—around 300 yuan in toll fees. After the free period ended, I made sure to check the toll times when I traveled in early May. I recommend using a mobile navigation app to monitor road conditions in real-time now to avoid unexpected toll charges. That policy was implemented to ease travel burdens, and it worked well, though it was short-lived. It taught me to plan my travel costs in advance and to install an ETC for automatic toll deductions, which is much more convenient. Don’t wait until the last minute to hit the road, or you might get caught paying tolls after they’re reinstated.
Based on my understanding of traffic policies, the end of the 2020 highway toll-free period was at midnight on May 6th. This policy was introduced due to the pandemic, temporarily reducing fees to help people through difficult times. I followed this change through news reports, and once the deadline passed, toll stations resumed normal operations. At that time, I allocated extra budget for a short road trip. I'd like to add that the year also saw a drop in fuel prices, making self-driving more affordable. However, it's advisable to check routes in advance before the deadline to avoid sudden toll charges disrupting plans. Drawing from experience, I've developed a habit of using WeChat traffic mini-programs to check real-time updates, ensuring smooth and cost-effective journeys. While policies are favorable, once the date passes, smart travel planning becomes essential.
A veteran driver recalls that the 2020 highway toll-free policy ended at midnight on May 6th. Having driven for decades, I benefited slightly from this short-lived policy. Just before it ended, I took a trip to a neighboring city for fun, and the tolls were reinstated upon my return. Since then, I've been teaching new drivers to install ETC for quick passage to avoid queues—don't wait for toll-free periods to travel. Free is nice, but it doesn't last. Remember the dates to stay safe.
