Can a car with ETC use the manual lane?
2 Answers
Vehicles equipped with ETC can choose to use the manual lane on highways. Since manual lanes are not equipped with ETC sensors, it is natural to use the manual lane to take a card and pay. There are two ways to take a card in the manual lane: one is to receive the card from a professional staff member, and the other is for the driver to self-service take the card from the card dispenser. When passing through the toll station, it is necessary to slow down and proceed in order, avoiding congestion caused by cutting in line. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply for ETC, the vehicle owner must provide original and photocopies of their valid ID and driving license. If the application is made by someone other than the owner, the agent's valid ID must also be provided. The photocopy of the driving license should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, a bank card for deducting highway tolls is required, and the applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old, with the vehicle registered under their name. How ETC works: Through the onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield, it communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station. Using computer networking technology, it settles accounts with the bank in the background, allowing vehicles to pay highway or bridge tolls without stopping when passing through toll stations. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: Low-carbon, as vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions and pollution; Cost-saving: Reduces vehicle startup and braking frequency, minimizing wear and fuel consumption, with users enjoying toll discounts; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC more updated, faster, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.
I've been driving for decades and often take long trips with ETC. But when the ETC device runs out of battery or the card balance is insufficient, I use the manual toll lane. The staff there will ask if you have ETC, and I just explain the situation clearly, then switch to cash or scan-to-pay—no problem at all. I remember one winter when it was extremely cold on the highway, and the ETC was slow to respond due to the low temperature. I switched to the manual lane, which even helped save queue time. The key is to proactively inform the staff to avoid misoperations—it’s routine for seasoned drivers. Usually, if ETC works, I prioritize the automatic lane for convenience and to prevent traffic jams. But the manual lane is a flexible backup, especially at remote toll stations with aging equipment.
