Can I drive on the highway without an ETC card?

[VanArianna]

It is possible to drive on the highway without an ETC card. According to regulations from the State Council, starting from 2020, vehicles without ETC will not enjoy toll discounts. In the future, highway toll stations will retain only one manual lane, requiring drivers to pay tolls manually. Additionally, newly installed ETC devices cannot be used immediately on the highway—they must be activated first. During free holiday periods, vehicles can still use the highway. For users with activated ETC, passing through ETC lanes will not incur charges. ETC Billing Principle: Highways have one or more ETC lanes. Using dedicated short-range microwave communication between the vehicle's on-board electronic tag (installed on the windshield) and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane, the system connects with banking networks for backend settlement. This allows vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping, 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: Lowers vehicle wear and fuel consumption by reducing frequent starts and stops. Users also enjoy a 5% toll discount. Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically process vehicles 2-3 times faster, making the system more advanced and high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council's "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Integrated Transportation System" explicitly states the goal of "achieving intercity transportation card interoperability in key city clusters by 2020 and significantly increasing ETC adoption rates." It also sets a target of "50% ETC usage rate for passenger vehicles by 2020." Future possibilities: Beyond improving ETC convenience and passenger vehicle adoption, future efforts will focus on promoting ETC for trucks and integrating ETC systems with vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure coordination, and smart transportation developments. This will provide comprehensive travel services for drivers, expanding ETC application scenarios.

[Ann]

You can definitely take the highway without an ETC! I've been driving long distances for years, and manual lanes have always been open. However, be mentally prepared during holidays—last National Day, I waited a solid 40 minutes at the toll booth, watching ETC lanes zoom by while feeling helpless. For cash payments, remember to bring small change; nowadays, some manual windows can't even break a 50-yuan bill. Mobile payments are much more convenient, as most support QR codes, but it's still wise to carry cash in remote mountainous areas with poor signals. Actually, banks now offer free ETC devices, and you can even get discounts by linking a credit card—it's really cost-effective for frequent highway travelers.

[LaSavannah]

No problem at all, there are manual lanes at highway entrances. But to be honest, the current policy trend is pushing for ETC. Our logistics company has equipped all fleet vehicles with it, saving about 15 minutes at toll stations. For private vehicles using manual lanes, be prepared with three payment methods: cash is the most reliable but requires queuing, mobile payment is efficient but occasionally suffers from signal lag, and there are a few areas that support transportation card payments. A reminder for new energy vehicle owners: some provinces offer exclusive discounts for NEVs in ETC lanes, which can save you even more compared to fuel vehicles. If you haven’t installed ETC, remember to check the light transmittance of your window tint—if it’s too dark, it may obstruct the toll collector’s view.

[LaEzra]

Definitely possible, but as a commuter traveling 60km daily, I strongly recommend installing ETC. I've timed it: manual lanes average 2 minutes 18 seconds per pass, while ETC takes just 3 seconds - saving you 15 hours annually! Cash payments require exact change - last time the toll collector gave me 40 coins in return. Mobile payments are more convenient, but dead phone batteries create awkward situations. Some provinces like Zhejiang offer ETC users 5% discounts - five years of savings could buy two new tires. Don't panic if you forget cash temporarily, many toll stations now provide QR code payment emergency lanes.

[JulianaLee]

You can definitely pass without an ETC, but the experience is much worse. Once, I drove an old car through a manual lane and was honked at by the car behind me while rummaging for cash in the trunk. Nowadays, over 20,000 lanes nationwide support QR code payments, which is more convenient than you might think—just align the scanner at the window and it beeps. However, be aware that some modern toll stations only keep one manual lane. From a safety perspective, ETC is more recommended—no need to roll down the window or reach out in the rain, and it reduces contact during pandemics. For those frequently traveling in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, installing an ETC is advisable, as without it, you'll have to stop multiple times to pay after the removal of provincial toll stations.

[SadieLee]

Yes, you can. But as an auto repair shop owner, I'd like to remind you of a few details: Manual toll lanes require stopping to take and return cards, which causes frequent clutch wear from transmission start-stops. When preparing cash, ¥20 bills are most practical, as ¥100 notes often pose change difficulties at small stations at night. Since 2019, newly built toll stations allocate 70% lanes to ETC, with some Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway entrances opening only 1 manual lane during peak hours. Safety tip: Non-ETC drivers passing at night should open windows early, keep reflective vests within easy reach on the passenger seat – a client once had an accident while fumbling for change and failing to notice approaching vehicles.