Can I drive on the highway without an ETC?

[VeraLee]

You can drive on the highway without an ETC. Because ETC is not mandatory. Since January 1, 2020, vehicles without ETC will no longer enjoy various toll reduction policies except during holidays. When passing through toll stations, they can only use manual lanes to pay tolls. It might be inconvenient during holidays. ETC is just a different toll collection method and has nothing to do with whether you can drive on the highway. There are two toll collection methods on highways: manual toll collection and ETC toll collection. ETC is the abbreviation of Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply for ETC, you need to provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle license. If it's not the owner who applies, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the vehicle license should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. A bank card for deducting highway tolls is also needed. The applicant should be between 18 and 60 years old, and the vehicle should be under a personal name. The working principle of ETC: Through the on-board electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield, it communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane of 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: Save time: avoid the trouble of queuing and waiting; Green and environmentally friendly: green and low-carbon, vehicles passing through toll stations without stopping can reduce noise and exhaust emissions and pollution; Save wear and tear: save costs, reduce the frequency of vehicle starts and brakes, and reduce wear and fuel consumption; Improve efficiency: the passing efficiency of ETC lanes can theoretically be increased by 2-3 times or more, making traditional ETC updated, faster, and more high-tech. Compared with license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.