Can I drive on the highway without installing ETC?
2 Answers
Yes, you can drive on the highway without installing ETC because it 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, which might be inconvenient during holidays. ETC is just a different toll payment method and does not affect whether you can drive on the highway. There are two toll payment methods for highways: manual toll collection and ETC toll collection. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply for ETC, you need to provide the original and copies of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The copy of the vehicle registration certificate should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, you need a bank card for deducting highway tolls, be aged between 18 and 60, and own the vehicle in your personal name. How ETC works: The vehicle-mounted electronic tag installed on the windshield communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station. Through computer networking technology, the system settles the toll with the bank in the background, allowing vehicles 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: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions as vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping; Cost-saving: Reduces vehicle wear and fuel consumption by minimizing starts and stops, and users can enjoy toll discounts; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC more advanced, faster, and higher-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.
I often drive on highways and know that you can still access them without an ETC device. At highway entrances, there are manual lanes where you can simply drive up to the window and take a toll card. However, manual lanes often have long queues, especially during peak hours or holidays, where you frequently see long lines of vehicles. When exiting, you can only use manual lanes to pay, either with cash or by scanning a QR code, but some remote toll stations may only accept cash. The government is promoting ETC, and installing a device is indeed much more convenient—you don’t need to stop at toll booths and can even enjoy a 5% discount. If you only occasionally use highways, it’s fine not to install one, but remember to carry some spare change to avoid the hassle of scrambling for money at the toll station.
