On September 7, the Ministry of Transport released the "Highway Law of the People's Republic of China (Draft Amendment for Comments)" and officially solicited public opinions, with the feedback deadline being October 7, 2026.

The current Highway Law has been in effect since 1998; this revision maintains the overall legal framework unchanged, adopting a targeted "patch" approach to adjustments, focusing on addressing the institutional gap in maintenance funding that arises as toll collection periods for early highways gradually expire. The draft clarifies that maintenance costs during the debt repayment or operating period of toll roads shall be covered by toll income. For highways, independent bridges, and tunnels that have exceeded their toll period, they will be placed under unified government management, and tolls may be collected based on actual maintenance needs to raise maintenance funds, with toll standards to be approved by provincial governments; those that can be secured by fiscal funds or incorporated into municipal management will no longer charge tolls. Additionally, revisions and improvements are made to certain legal terms, approval authority for toll standards, and expressions related to the fundraising for highway construction.

The public can submit modification suggestions through three channels: the opinion collection section on the ministry’s official website, email, or postal mail. This revision will directly impact the travel costs of freight vehicles and the operational model of toll roads, laying a solid legal foundation for the high-quality development of highways nationwide.