When are highways free of charge?
2 Answers
Highway toll policies are as follows: 1. Section-based differential tolling: Further optimize and improve the section-based differential tolling model, and steadily expand the scope of differential toll implementation. Focus on implementing flexible and diverse differential tolls on sections of ordinary national and provincial trunk roads or urban roads with severe congestion but low traffic volume on parallel highways, sections with significant traffic volume differences between parallel highways, and sections where traffic volume is significantly lower than design capacity. 2. Vehicle type (category)-based differential tolling: Continue to deepen preferential policies based on vehicle type (category). Strengthen technological and management innovation, and implement differential tolls for different types of vehicles, such as ordinary trucks or specialized transport vehicles like international standard container transport vehicles and dangerous goods transport tank vehicles, according to actual conditions. This aims to improve professional transport efficiency, support the transformation and upgrading of logistics and transportation, and promote the development of the real economy. 3. Time-based differential tolling: For example, implement differential toll standards at different times for highway sections with obvious peak and off-peak traffic volumes and those serving significant commuter functions. This guides passenger and freight vehicles to travel during off-peak hours, alleviates traffic congestion during peak hours, balances the temporal and spatial distribution of the road network, and enhances overall road network efficiency.
The free highway toll period usually falls on statutory holidays, such as the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day. To make it easier for people to reunite with their families or travel, the government opens free passage during these major holidays. I remember last year during the National Day holiday, the highway was toll-free for a whole week, and I saved a lot on toll fees when driving my family on a trip. However, it's worth noting that the free period typically lasts only a few days to a week, and the exact start and end times depend on the government's annual announcement. If you miss these free periods, tolls are charged as usual on highways. I recommend keeping an eye on the Ministry of Transport's website or app for real-time updates to avoid unnecessary trips. Also, highways get extremely congested during free periods, so it's best to leave early to avoid peak hours—safe driving is the top priority.
