Road Traffic | Starting next year, tolls will be collected according to the new vehicle classification standards!

This year In June, the Ministry of Transport released a new version. “Classification of Vehicle Types for Toll Road Tolls” ( JT/T 489—2019) To ensure a smooth transition between the old and new standards, the General Office of the Ministry of Transport recently issued the “Notice on Implementing the Industry Standard ‘Vehicle Type Classification for Toll Road Vehicle Tolls’.” The “Notice on Relevant Issues” (JT/T 489—2019), hereinafter referred to as the “Notice,” provides clear guidance on the matters concerned.

               
The Notice requires

■ Reassess the vehicle classification. All localities shall, in accordance with the Regulations on the Administration of Toll Roads and the Classification of Vehicle Types for Toll Road Vehicle Fees, According to JT/T 489—2019, the work of adjusting vehicle classification for toll roads shall be properly carried out. In coordination with the development and reform (pricing) and finance authorities, the vehicle toll rates shall be re-determined and, upon approval by the provincial government, uniformly implemented effective January 1, 2020.

■ Accelerate ETC on-board unit installation. For existing vehicles whose model classification has changed ETC users should be provided with targeted services—such as personalized notifications and scheduled installation—to facilitate the replacement of their ETC on-board units or the adjustment of vehicle classification.

By the end of 2019, freight vehicles and special-purpose vehicles may install or replace their ETC onboard units, or adjust their vehicle classification in accordance with the new classification standards, and activate the cashless payment function, while continuing to be charged under the existing toll rates and billing methods. For small passenger vehicles with eight or nine seats and a length of less than six meters, tolls will continue to be collected according to the current vehicle classification standards.

Effective January 1, 2020, freight vehicles and special-purpose vehicles will be required to use the electronic non-stop toll collection system. ETC single-card users—those who have not installed an on-board unit—will no longer be eligible for the basic vehicle toll discount of at least 5% in principle. For small passenger vehicles with eight or nine seats and a length of less than 6 meters, vehicle tolls will uniformly be charged as Class 1 passenger vehicles, and such vehicles must install or replace their ETC on-board units or have their vehicle classification adjusted.