What are the latest regulations for free highway tolls in 2020?
2 Answers
2020 latest regulations for free highway tolls: In 2020, the free highway passage period for small passenger vehicles with 7 seats or fewer was extended from the usual 7 days to 8 days. The eligible vehicles for free tolls in 2020 are passenger vehicles with 7 seats or fewer (including 7 seats) traveling on toll highways. The free highway period is from 0:00 on October 1, 2020, to 24:00 on October 8, 2020. For ordinary roads, the free toll is determined by the time the vehicle passes through the toll booth, while for highways, it is determined by the time the vehicle exits the toll lane. The scope of toll highways eligible for free passage on airport highways must comply with the Highway Law of the People's Republic of China and the Regulations on the Administration of Toll Highways, including legally approved toll highways (including toll bridges and tunnels). The decision to implement free passage on airport highways is made by the provincial (regional or municipal) people's governments.
Speaking of the 2020 free expressway policy, I personally experienced that special period. Back then, the government implemented a policy where all toll expressways nationwide were completely free from 00:00 on February 17 to 00:00 on May 6, with no restrictions on vehicle types or frequency of use, even including trucks. This was mainly due to the pandemic, aiming to facilitate travel and boost economic recovery. As a long-haul driver who frequently uses the G60 Expressway, I saved thousands of yuan in toll fees during that time, which felt like a great deal. I remember that although ETC lanes operated as usual, no fees were charged, and the in-car APP didn’t show any deduction information. There was slightly more traffic, but everyone followed the rules. My advice for similar policies in the future is to plan trips in advance, avoid peak hours, and balance both safety and cost savings. Honestly, such temporary benefits are rare, so making the most of them is like earning extra.
