Can I drive on the highway without ETC?

[EvelynLee]

It is possible to drive on the highway without ETC. Vehicles without ETC installed can still use the traditional method of taking a toll card at the entrance toll station and stopping to pay at the exit toll station. The lane design includes ETC-dedicated lanes, while also retaining a few manual toll lanes to serve vehicles without ETC. ETC is an electronic toll collection system that allows vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping. It uses microwave short-range communication between the vehicle's electronic tag installed on the windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station. This system connects with the bank's backend settlement via computer networking technology, enabling automatic toll payment without stopping.

[Cindy]

I still remember when I first started driving without an ETC device. Back then, I always had to use the manual toll lanes on the highway. At the entrance, I'd stop and start, queue up to get a pass card; exiting the highway was the same routine—stop, return the card, and pay in cash or scan a QR code. Once during a holiday, I got stuck in a half-hour queue at the exit, delaying my trip and wasting fuel. After installing ETC, I could zip straight through the dedicated lane, saving time and hassle while enjoying toll discounts. If you rarely use highways, it might not matter, but for frequent travelers, I recommend getting an ETC to boost efficiency. Just follow the clear signage at highway entrances to find the correct manual lane—just don't accidentally block an ETC-only lane.

[BenjaminLynn]

From what I understand, you can definitely drive on highways without ETC, as traffic regulations don't prohibit this. All highway entrances have manual toll lanes where you can normally enter by taking a pass card and pay the fee before exiting. However, this approach may face pain points like low traffic efficiency, such as long queues during peak hours, no discount benefits, and it might even affect the safe flow of subsequent vehicles. It's recommended to consider installing ETC to avoid inconvenience; if you haven't installed it, don't panic, just follow the signs to the right lane at the entrance. Ultimately, the choice is in your hands - it doesn't affect driving on the road, only convenience.

[VonAmy]

Sure! When I drive without an ETC, I always use the manual lane. I stop to take a card when entering the highway, and stop at the toll booth to return the card and pay when exiting. Sometimes queuing takes a bit of time, but the car can get on and off smoothly. It's a bit slower than the ETC lane, but it definitely works without any special issues.