What time does the free highway policy start on October 1st?
2 Answers
On October 1st, the highway toll-free policy starts at 0:00 (midnight). The free period begins at 0:00 on the first day of the holiday and ends at 24:00 on the last day of the holiday (for ordinary roads, the toll is calculated based on the time when the vehicle passes through the toll lane of the toll station, while for highways, it is based on the time when the vehicle exits the toll lane at the exit). The scope of toll-free highways includes those that comply with the Highway Law of the People's Republic of China and the Regulations on Toll Highways, and have been legally approved (including toll bridges and tunnels). Whether airport highways are toll-free is determined by the provincial (municipal or autonomous region) governments. However, it is important to note that if you enter the highway before the toll-free period begins (before 0:00 on October 1st) and exit the province before the toll-free time arrives, you will still be charged for the previous section of the highway when passing through the provincial boundary toll station. It is recommended to calculate your departure time in advance or rest at a nearby service area before exiting the province, waiting until the toll-free time begins to pass through the provincial boundary toll station, thus avoiding any toll charges.
The National Day free expressway period starts at exactly 00:00 on October 1st, meaning the free period begins right after midnight on September 30th. I'm planning a family trip this time and checked the policy in advance, knowing the exemption applies to passenger vehicles with fewer than 7 seats, lasting until 24:00 on October 7th. To avoid heavy traffic, I intend to depart around 5-6 am on October 1st, as the midnight rush often causes congestion when many people scramble onto the expressway. I recommend checking your vehicle's condition before departure, such as tire pressure and fuel level, to ensure a smooth journey. Last year, I made the mistake of not leaving early and got stuck at the entrance for over an hour – a lesson learned. This year, I've pre-planned my route using a navigation app, choosing a less crowded path, and reminded friends to note the free period to avoid missing it.
