
Normally, the highway toll-free periods are during four national statutory holidays: Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day, as well as other statutory holidays or consecutive rest days determined by the State Council in the current year. Some key points about highway toll-free policies: 1. Eligible vehicles: Microbuses, sedans, minibuses, and small off-road vehicles with 7 seats or fewer. 2. Motorcycles: Motorcycles permitted to travel on ordinary toll roads. 3. Toll-free timing criteria: The time when a vehicle exits the highway toll lane. If the exit time falls within the toll-free period, the vehicle is exempt from highway tolls.

Highway toll exemptions are mainly available during four statutory holidays each year. I remember the Spring Festival usually falls around February, with about a week of free tolls; the Qingming Festival around April 4th or 5th, offering a few days of exemption; Labor Day starting on May 1st, typically lasting three days; and the National Day from October 1st to 7th, with a full seven days of free tolls. As a seasoned highway driver, I find the free periods cost-effective, but the increased traffic often leads to congestion. Once during a National Day trip, I was stuck in traffic for five hours, spending more on fuel. I recommend planning ahead or avoiding peak travel times, such as traveling during non-peak hours at the beginning or end of the holiday. Vehicles with seven seats or fewer all enjoy this benefit. It's safest to check the official website before heading out, as dates may slightly adjust each year—don't miss the chance to save thousands.

The toll-free periods mainly focus on the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day. I love road trips, and the toll savings during these periods are entirely spent on attraction tickets and delicious food. The Spring Festival, around February, offers seven to eight toll-free days; Qingming Festival in early April provides a few days; Labor Day on May 1st gives three days; and National Day from October 1st to 7th offers seven days. The toll-free policy applies to small passenger vehicles, and it's advisable to use navigation to avoid congested routes before traveling. Last Labor Day, I drove to Xiamen, saving over 300 yuan on tolls, which was spent on a seafood feast, but the surge in traffic required extra parking time. Related tips: Accommodations in popular scenic spots get fully booked early, so booking before the toll-free period is wise. Always check the Ministry of Transport announcements before traveling to avoid unexpected changes.

Saving on travel costs by taking advantage of toll-free highway periods, mainly during the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day holidays. The Spring Festival in mid-February offers a week of free tolls; Qingming in early April has a short toll-free period on the 4th and 5th; Labor Day on May 1st provides three days of free tolls; National Day in October offers a full seven days of toll-free travel. Vehicles with seven seats or fewer enjoy these benefits, helping you save a significant amount. Plan short trips or return home during these periods, but be aware that heavy traffic during peak times may offset fuel savings, so I recommend traveling on non-holiday periods for better value. Always check official announcements as dates may slightly adjust annually to avoid missing out. Safety first—drive slowly in heavy traffic to reduce accidents.

Traveling with kids during toll-free periods on highways is crucial during key holidays: the Spring Festival in February for family reunions, Tomb-Sweeping Day in April for outings, the May Day holiday in May, and the National Day holiday in October. Toll exemptions apply to passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer, saving money that can be spent on snacks and toys for the kids. Our family drove back to our hometown during National Day without paying tolls, but heavy traffic can be frustrating, so it's essential to bring plenty of water and small games to keep everyone entertained. Check the exact toll-free dates in advance to avoid the peak return traffic on the last day of the holiday. Preparations include choosing a relaxed route, securing child safety seats properly, and confirming any date adjustments on official announcements to avoid travel delays.


