Can ETC be used without installation?

[VonJasper]

ETC cannot be used without installation. According to the "Rules for the Use of Non-Stop Fast Passage Systems," ETC requires installation and the insertion of a card into the OBU device for normal operation; otherwise, user information cannot be read. If the card is removed, you can use the manual lane and have the staff swipe the card. When the ETC card is inserted into the OBU device, a prompt sound will indicate that the device is activated. Without the card inserted, the device remains in a dormant state and cannot recognize vehicle information at toll stations. Therefore, ETC cannot be used without installation or card insertion. ETC is a non-stop electronic toll collection system, also known as an automatic road toll system. It is a specialized method for toll roads, commonly seen on highways, toll bridges or tunnels, and certain urban road sections to alleviate traffic congestion. ETC Deduction Principle: Highways have one or more ETC lanes. Through dedicated short-range microwave communication between the vehicle's windshield-mounted electronic tag and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane, the system uses computer networking technology to settle payments with banks, allowing vehicles to pass toll stations without stopping. This is based on the principle of "pass first, deduct later." Benefits of Installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues. Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions by avoiding stops at toll stations. Cost-saving: Reduces vehicle wear and fuel consumption by minimizing frequent starts and stops. Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase vehicle throughput by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster, more advanced, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council's "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" explicitly states the goal of "achieving interoperability of transportation cards in key city clusters by 2020 and significantly increasing the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC." It also sets a target of "achieving a 50% ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles by 2020" in the main indicators of comprehensive transportation development during the 13th Five-Year Plan. Future possibilities: In addition to continuously improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage rates for passenger vehicles, efforts will be made to promote ETC usage for trucks and explore deeper integration of ETC systems with vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure coordination, and other smart transportation developments. This will provide comprehensive travel services for vehicle owners, meaning more application scenarios will support ETC usage.

[HectorLynn]

Buddy, I've been driving on highways for over a decade. Let me tell you about ETC. If you don't install that little device, you can still drive on highways, but paying becomes a real hassle – you'll have to use manual lanes, stop to queue up and pay with cash or mobile payments. During holidays when traffic is heavy, you could be stuck for at least half an hour. The advantage of ETC is automatic toll deduction without stopping. With it installed, you zoom through dedicated lanes, saving time and effort. Not having it isn't a big deal, but nowadays many places offer ETC discounts like 5% off toll fees, which can save you a lot if you frequently use highways. My advice is just get it installed – it's free or costs very little, just get an ETC card linked to your bank account and you're set. Your car runs the same, it's just a different payment method. Don't make things harder for yourself at toll stations just to save a bit of trouble.

[Sanchez]

I'm a car enthusiast and often research these electronic gadgets. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection, which relies on a small device in the car to exchange information with the toll station's antenna for automatic fee deduction. If you don't install it, you can't use the ETC function, but the car can still normally enter the highway through the regular lane. Simply put, the car itself has no restrictions; without the ETC device, you just can't use its convenient service, and payment has to be done manually with cash or apps like WeChat or Alipay via QR code scanning. Why do some people install it? ETC lanes have fewer cars and faster speeds, so in case you're in a hurry, you don't have to queue, and in case of an accident on the highway, it also reduces the risk of contact. Installation is very simple—apply online or through a bank, and it's done in minutes. Considering the benefits in time and safety, installing it is more cost-effective.

[Barbara]

From a safe driving perspective, ETC is designed to reduce the risks associated with stopping on highways. If you don't install it, you can still drive on highways, but you'll have to use manual lanes where manual payment poses safety risks—drivers may get distracted or opening car doors could lead to accidents. ETC devices automatically deduct fees, avoiding these issues. If you frequently drive on highways, it's recommended to install one; not having it means lower efficiency. There's no mandatory requirement for installation, but having ETC is better for driving convenience.