When Does the Free Highway Access Start During Mid-Autumn Festival?
3 Answers
Highway tolls are not waived during Mid-Autumn Festival. Below is relevant information about holiday highway toll policies: Introduction to Holiday Highway Toll Policies: According to the "National Annual Holidays and Memorial Days Regulations," as stipulated by the government, toll-free access on highways is only available for passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer (including seven seats) during the official holiday periods of Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day each year. Holidays Without Toll-Free Highway Access: New Year's Day, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival are not included in the toll-free periods. Therefore, highways were not toll-free during the 2018 Mid-Autumn Festival. The toll-free period starts at 00:00 on the first day of the holiday and ends at 24:00 on the last day (for ordinary roads, the toll is determined by the time the vehicle passes the toll booth; for highways, it is determined by the time the vehicle exits the toll lane).
The free expressway policy during the Mid-Autumn Festival depends on specific circumstances. According to national regulations in China, expressway tolls are waived only during four major holidays: Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day. Normally, the Mid-Autumn Festival isn't included. However, if it coincides with the National Day holiday (like in 2023 when Mid-Autumn Festival fell within the National Day holiday period), the free period follows the National Day schedule, starting from midnight on the first day of the holiday. The exact dates should be verified against the annual holiday arrangement announced by the State Council. It's recommended to check the Ministry of Transport's official website or the 12123 app before departure. The toll-free status is determined by the time when vehicles exit the expressway, so avoid rushing to exit before the free period ends to prevent traffic congestion. Additionally, drivers should note that traffic volume surges during free periods – remember to check tire pressure and lights before setting off.
I drive on the expressway every Mid-Autumn Festival, and I can tell you it depends on the year. Generally, the Mid-Autumn Festival does not enjoy expressway toll-free benefits because it is not among the national statutory free holidays. However, in special years when the Mid-Autumn Festival coincides with the National Day holiday, the toll-free policy will cover the Mid-Autumn Festival, with the free period starting at midnight on the first day of the holiday, synchronized with the National Day holiday. For example, this was the case in 2017 and 2020. It is recommended to check real-time policies using map apps or look at toll station notice boards before traveling. Remember, the toll-free period is determined by the exit time from the expressway, so even if you enter the expressway two hours earlier, it doesn't matter. In recent years, it's common for the Mid-Autumn Festival to be connected with the National Day holiday, which can save a lot on toll fees in such cases.
