Which Vehicles Are Exempt from Toll Charges on Highways?

[DiLuke]

Vehicles exempt from toll charges on highways include micro buses, sedans, small buses, small off-road vehicles with 7 seats or fewer, as well as motorcycles permitted to travel on regular toll roads. Below is an introduction to highways: 1. Overview: Highways are classified as high-grade roads, commonly referred to as expressways. 2. Requirements: According to the "Technical Standards for Highway Engineering" by the Ministry of Transport of China, highways are defined as "roads capable of accommodating an average annual daily traffic volume of over 25,000 small passenger vehicles, exclusively designed for high-speed divided-lane travel, with fully controlled access." 3. Development: Although different countries have varying names for highways, they all specifically refer to roads with at least four lanes, separated directional traffic, fully controlled access points, and entirely grade-separated interchanges. Additionally, many countries also classify direct trunk roads with partially controlled access and not entirely grade-separated interchanges as highways.

[MargaretFitz]

I remember last National Day when I drove back to my hometown, I specifically asked a friend at the toll station. During national holidays like Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, and Labor Day, the expressway toll exemption applies to small passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer. Some pickup truck owners think they can take advantage of the free policy, but it actually depends on the vehicle registration—pickups registered as trucks don’t qualify. Green通道 vehicles transporting agricultural products enjoy daily toll exemptions, which is separate from the holiday policy. Special vehicles like military, police, and fire trucks can pass directly through the ETC专用道 without even inserting a card. However, it’s important to note that the free period is determined by the time the vehicle exits the expressway. If the free period is about to end, it’s better to exit and re-enter the expressway at the nearest interchange to save money on that stretch of the trip.

[OElijah]

My family's five-seater car has been running on highways for seven years, so I know the toll-free rules inside out. On national statutory holidays, tolls are waived, but only for passenger vehicles. Family cars with seven seats or fewer, including seven-seaters, are eligible. Drivers of commercial vehicles shouldn't think about exploiting loopholes—taxis and ride-hailing cars aren't on the free list. However, accident tow trucks and ambulances are exempt, as they fall under emergency rescue. A heads-up: some hybrid cars now have gradient green license plates, but as long as they're passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer, they still qualify for the waiver. Last time, my brother was stopped while driving a GL8 because the vehicle registration listed it as an eight-seater—just one extra seat means paying extra.

[JonathanFitz]

When helping newcomers with self-driving trip planning, it's essential to share practical tips. The toll-free policy mainly covers three categories: family vehicles with fewer than seven seats are the primary beneficiaries, passing toll stations directly during holidays; military and police vehicles on duty with flashing lights can pass directly; and specific trucks with ETC installed, such as refrigerated trucks. Avoid driving modified vehicles with roof racks, as toll stations may check the vehicle registration and charge fees if the vehicle's nature has been altered. Once, while helping a friend rent a car, we specifically chose a seven-seater business van, but the rental company mistakenly provided a nine-seater, resulting in an extra 300 yuan in toll fees. If you're still on the road before the toll-free period ends, it's advisable to take a break at the next service area rather than pushing through fatigued to save time.