When is the toll-free period on highways?

[Ophelia]

Highways are toll-free during four national statutory holidays: Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day. Below is relevant information about highway toll exemptions: Reasons for resistance: The news of toll-free highways during holidays delighted the public who have long hoped for reduced burdens and convenience. However, in stark contrast, it was met with silent observation from local governments and continued resistance from road and bridge companies. Characteristics: Operators worry about traffic exceeding capacity, some details are adapted to local conditions, but the main framework remains basically the same - the local regulations on toll-free highways during holidays that have been issued almost uniformly follow the standards set by the Ministry of Transport's emergency notice.

[LaAllie]

The toll-free periods on highways mainly coincide with national statutory holidays, and the policy is quite consistent. The four major holidays—Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day—are all toll-free every year, with specific dates announced by the Ministry of Transport before each holiday. Key points to note: 1. The toll-free period starts at midnight on the first day of the holiday and ends at 12 PM on the last day; 2. It only applies to private passenger vehicles (7 seats or fewer, including 7-seaters). For example, even if my pickup truck is empty, I still have to pay the toll as usual; 3. The timing of entering and exiting the highway is crucial—if you enter before midnight on October 1st but exit afterward, you’ll have to pay the full toll. It’s advisable to check the exact toll-free period before traveling to avoid unnecessary expenses and frustration.

[LillianaAnn]

As someone who frequently drives long distances, I'm particularly sensitive to toll-free periods. The current national regulations designate toll-free periods during the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day holidays, typically from midnight on the day before the holiday until 24:00 on the last day of the holiday. Taking National Day as an example, it's usually free from 00:00 on September 30th to 24:00 on October 7th. However, there are three points to note: first, only ordinary family passenger cars are exempt, so our company's 9-seater business van doesn't qualify; second, for ETC vehicles, it's safest to use dedicated lanes when entering or exiting highways during toll-free periods; third, during heavy traffic, toll stations may set up transitional free periods several hours in advance, so it's advisable to pay attention to traffic signs 2 hours before exiting the highway.

[VanMila]

The free expressway policy can be summarized as 'check holidays, check vehicle type, check time'. It's always free during the four major national statutory holidays, though the exact dates may slightly vary each year. Only passenger vehicles with 7 seats or fewer qualify – even a Wuling Hongguang gets exempted, but a 9-seater like Transit has to pay. The crucial detail is: you only get free toll if you enter the expressway during the free period. For example, if you enter before National Day holiday but exit after midnight on October 1st, that segment still gets charged. Another tip: when returning during last-day traffic jams, start early to avoid missing the free deadline – these tolls really add up.