Can I drive on the highway without ETC?

[Landon]

You can drive on the highway without ETC. ETC is not mandatory. Since January 1, 2020, vehicles without ETC will no longer enjoy various toll reduction benefits and can only pass through manual toll lanes at toll stations. It might be inconvenient during holidays. ETC is just a different toll collection method and does not affect your ability to use the highway. There are two toll collection methods on highways: manual toll collection and ETC toll collection. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply, you need to provide the original and photocopies of the vehicle owner's valid ID and vehicle registration certificate. If the applicant is not the owner, a valid ID of the agent is also required. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. You also need a bank card for deducting highway tolls, and the applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old, with the vehicle registered under their name. How ETC works: The onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station. Using computer networking technology, it settles the toll with the bank in the background, allowing the vehicle to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Avoid 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; Cost-saving: Reduce vehicle wear and fuel consumption by minimizing starts and stops, and enjoy toll discounts; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC more advanced, faster, and high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.

[OMary]

From a veteran driver's perspective, you can definitely drive on highways without an ETC device. You can use the manual toll lanes and pay the toll with cash or by scanning a QR code, which allows your vehicle to pass just the same. I've driven on highways many times and when I decided to make a last-minute trip without my ETC device, the toll booth attendants handled all the procedures for me. The issue is that during peak hours, the manual lanes often have long queues, wasting a lot of time—especially during holiday traffic jams, which can be downright torturous. In contrast, ETC lanes are much more efficient, allowing vehicles to pass through quickly. Additionally, ETC often comes with discounts, and over time, these savings add up. Not having ETC means missing out on these benefits. Safety-wise, there’s not much difference, though stopping to pay might be a bit distracting. In the long run, I recommend getting an ETC device installed in your car for more convenient travel.

[EzraMarie]

As a young office worker, it's fine if I occasionally drive on highways without an ETC pass. Manual toll collection works just as well—cash or mobile payment can cover all fees, and the process is straightforward. The downside is you'll have to queue at the toll booth for a few to over ten minutes, which can be frustrating when rushing to a date or work. In contrast, ETC lets you zip through, saving significant time. ETC also offers discounts like 5% off, but if you don't drive on highways often, the savings aren't substantial. My friend travels and goes on road trips without ETC, simply choosing off-peak hours to avoid congestion. Ultimately, since it's not mandatory by policy, you can manage without it, but for efficiency's sake, getting one makes life easier and more enjoyable.

[ONatalie]

From a family driver's perspective, taking kids on road trips without ETC is entirely possible on highways. Passing through manual lanes is fine as toll attendants handle cash or card payments while children stay safely in the car. However, prolonged queuing may make restless kids act up, increasing travel fatigue and affecting family harmony. ETC's fast lane transit eliminates such hassles while offering some cost savings. Legally, highways permit this approach but encourage ETC to improve overall efficiency. For frequent travelers, getting ETC is recommended to make journeys smoother, more comfortable and safer.

[StKylie]

From a cost-saving perspective, you can still use highways without an ETC by paying tolls manually with cash or electronic payments at staffed booths. However, ETC users typically enjoy discounts (e.g., 5% off toll fees), meaning you'd pay a few extra yuan per trip without it – these small amounts add up over frequent travels. Time efficiency is another factor: during peak hours, manual lanes often involve 20-30 minutes of extra queuing, wasting fuel and potentially causing tardiness for work or appointments. While feasible, it's suboptimal. If you frequently use highways, getting an ETC is advisable to enjoy convenience, savings, and avoid accumulated losses.

[VanJace]

Efficiency-oriented individuals believe that not having an ETC can still allow you to drive on highways, but it's not a wise choice. You'll need to pay manually at toll booths, which slows down the entire journey—especially for business trips where time is precious. The advantage of ETC is obvious: pass through instantly without stopping, saving you from queuing. Highway companies promote it to streamline the process. From my experience, occasionally using a manual lane might suffice for a one-time trip, but not having ETC in the long run increases travel risks, such as getting distracted while paying in the rain. While policies allow you to choose, it's better to install the device early to improve your quality of life, handle daily needs with ease, and enjoy more with fewer worries.