What is the Difference Between Highways and Toll Roads? Find Out Here!
Highways and toll roads are public facilities that can be used by anyone, but what is the difference between highways and toll roads? Since both serve the same function of facilitating public mobility, here are the differences.
Know the Difference Between Highways and Toll Roads
For those who do not yet know the difference between highways and toll roads, here are some differences that should be understood:
Speed Limits
The first difference lies in the speed limits, which are even regulated by government regulations. The maximum speed limit on highways is 60 kilometers per hour. For urban highways, the maximum speed limit is 50 kilometers, while in residential areas, the speed limit is 30 kilometers per hour.
In contrast to toll roads, where the minimum speed limit on toll roads is 60 kilometers and the maximum is 100 kilometers per hour. However, for city toll roads, the minimum speed is 60 kilometers and the maximum is 80 kilometers per hour.
Road Characteristics
Another noticeable difference is the characteristics of the roads. Upon closer inspection, toll roads tend to be straight, have no intersections, are downhill, uphill, and have few turns.
This is certainly different from highways, which generally have characteristics of being downhill, uphill, turning, and many intersections.
Traffic Signs
When driving on highways, there are many traffic signs, command symbols, prohibition symbols, warning symbols, and directional signs.
In contrast, toll roads do not have traffic lights due to their straight nature. However, toll roads do have command symbols, prohibition symbols, and warning symbols.
Road Usage
Highways can be used by anyone free of charge. Additionally, drivers wishing to use highways can freely enter and exit without barriers or gates to access the highway.
In contrast, toll roads have toll gates for entry and require payment using e-toll or e-money cards. When exiting the toll road, drivers must tap out at the toll exit gate.
Moreover, motorcycle riders can freely enter and exit highways, but not toll roads. This is because motorcycle riders are prohibited from entering toll roads for safety reasons.
Read Also: Using Lanes on Toll Roads, From the Left Lane to the Shoulder
Surrounding Environment
Additionally, there is another difference between highways and toll roads regarding the surrounding environment. Highways are generally close to small alleys or residential areas.
On the other hand, toll roads are built at a considerable distance from residential areas. This is to maintain the comfort and safety of nearby residents and drivers.
Driving Tips on Toll Roads
After knowing the difference between highways and toll roads, here are some driving tips on toll roads that should be noted.
Maintain a Safe Distance
When driving on toll roads, it is essential to maintain a safe distance as a preventive measure against accidents. By keeping a safe distance, you provide an opportunity to avoid or brake when the car in front makes a sudden stop.
Use Turn Signals
Always use turn signals to inform other drivers when changing lanes. This way, other drivers can give you space and reduce speed for you to overtake that vehicle and change lanes.
Observe Speed Limits
Pay attention to the speed limit rules when driving on toll roads, ensuring that you are traveling at a speed that complies with the regulations to prevent the risk of accidents.
Rest if Drowsy
The straight characteristics of toll roads and the requirement for drivers to maintain high speeds can often make drivers feel drowsy. Therefore, when feeling drowsy, take a break at the rest area provided.
That is the explanation of the differences between highways and toll roads that should be known. Hope it is useful!
