Essential Info for 2026 Spring Festival Travel

The 2026 Lunar New Year holiday ran from February 14 to 22. The Freeway Bureau arranged HOV controls, ramp closures, toll measures, selected shoulder use, and traffic guidance for the busy travel period. This guide brings the 2026 measures together; for a new journey, check the current road notices and live conditions.

【High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Control】
During the designated 2026 periods, HOV controls applied at specified entrance ramps. Passenger cars generally needed at least three occupants including the driver, with the official exemptions applying separately.

【Ramp Closures】
For Freeway 5, the Shiding and Pinglin southbound entrances were closed February 17–19, 05:00–12:00; Shiding’s entrance was reserved for large buses during that closure. Other freeway ramp closures applied at separate times and locations.

【Toll Adjustments】
The 2026 plan suspended tolls from 00:00 to 05:00 on February 17–22. A further 20% discount on the single toll rate applied to Freeway 3 between Hsinchu System and Yanchao System during that period, rather than to every freeway trip.

【Shoulder Lane Use】
Selected shoulder sections were opened under traffic management arrangements. Drivers had to follow the displayed signs and instructions for the operating period.

【Provincial Road Traffic Diversion Control】
The 2026 holiday plan included provincial-road traffic guidance and alternative routes. Such arrangements depend on the specific road and travel period.

【Taiwan National Highway Traffic Jam Map】
https://www.1968services.tw/map

【Traffic Data for National Highway No. 5】
https://1968.freeway.gov.tw/sp_hw5

【Real-Time Traffic Images from Taipei to Yilan on National Highway No. 5】
https://tw.live/national-highway/5/S/

【Real-Time Traffic Images from Yilan to Taipei on National Highway No. 5】
https://tw.live/national-highway/5/N/

Before a new trip, check current traffic notices, the 1968 live road service, and the route from your starting point.

For more detailed and rich information on holiday celebrations and activities, these resources will help you quickly plan your trip.

Q1: What types of highway measures were used in 2026?
A1: The main measures included HOV controls, ramp closures, toll adjustments, selected shoulder use, and provincial-road traffic guidance. Each applied to specified roads and periods.

Q2: How many occupants were required for HOV entry?
A2: Passenger cars generally needed at least three people including the driver, subject to the official exemptions. Controls applied at designated northbound Freeway 5 entrances and certain entrances on Freeways 1 and 3.

Q3: When did ramp closures apply?
A3: The 2026 plan used different closures during February 17–21, including specified southbound Freeway 5 entrances and designated entrances on other freeways. The official schedule gives the times for each location.

Q4: Was there a toll-free period?
 A4: From February 17–22, 2026, tolls were suspended from 00:00 to 05:00. The Freeway 3 Hsinchu–Yanchao section also received a 20% discount on the single rate during those dates; this was a section-specific measure.

Q5: How were alternative routes and shoulders used?
 A5: The traffic plan included alternative-route guidance and selected shoulder openings. Drivers had to follow the displayed road signs and current instructions.

Q6: How can I check current traffic near the Hsuehshan Tunnel?
 A6: Use the Freeway Bureau’s 1968 service and live traffic views to check conditions on Freeway 5 before choosing a route.

Q7: Which tools can help me plan a new journey?
A7: Try the Freeway Bureau’s 1968 app or Google Maps for route and travel-time information, while following official notices and signs on the road.