When is the highway generally toll-free?
2 Answers
Normally, highways are toll-free during some traditional festivals, but this may vary depending on the specific year. Here are the details about the 2021 highway toll policy: 1. Toll-free periods: According to the "Implementation Plan for Exempting Small Passenger Vehicles from Toll Fees on Major Holidays", the toll-free periods for expressways in 2021 were during the Spring Festival, Tomb-Sweeping Day, Labor Day, and National Day - totaling 4 national statutory holidays and their contiguous rest days as determined by documents from the General Office of the State Council that year. 2. Toll periods: All periods except the Spring Festival, Tomb-Sweeping Day, Labor Day, and National Day. The Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and New Year's Day were subject to normal tolls.
I used to drive a lot, and highway tolls are mainly waived during national statutory holidays, such as the Spring Festival, Tomb-Sweeping Day, Labor Day, and National Day. The free period usually starts at midnight on the first day of the holiday and ends at midnight on the last day, with specific policies announced in advance via news or highway bulletins. Traveling during these periods can save a significant amount of money, especially for long-distance trips, as it reduces toll fees considerably. However, traffic volume surges during free periods, leading to frequent congestion—like the hours-long jams during last year's National Day. It's advisable to avoid peak hours, check your vehicle's condition beforehand, and carry an emergency kit. On regular days, tolls are generally charged unless on a few trial sections or local promotions, though such opportunities are rare. Always check real-time traffic updates before traveling to ensure safety.
