
If you have an ETC, you can choose not to use it and instead take the manual lane on the highway. Since the manual lanes on highways are not equipped with ETC sensors, you can naturally take the manual lane to get a card and pay. There are two ways to get a card in the manual lane: one is to receive it from a professional staff member, and the other is for the driver to self-serve from a card dispenser. When passing through the toll station, it is essential to slow down and proceed in an orderly manner, avoiding any congestion caused by cutting in line. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, which means electronic toll collection system. To apply for ETC, you need to provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID and driving license. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent must also bring their valid ID. The photocopy of the driving license must include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, a bank card for deducting highway tolls is required. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old, and the vehicle must be registered under a personal name. For company vehicles applying for ETC, the following documents are required: a company introduction letter, business license, duplicate of the business license, company seal, representative's ID, vehicle driving license, and vehicle registration certificate. These documents can be submitted at various bank branches or the One-Card Company for processing. Business license or organization code certificate, an original letter of authorization for ETC business with the company's official seal, the original and photocopy of the agent's ID, and the original vehicle registration certificate. 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, the system settles payments 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: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line. Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions by allowing vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping. Cost-saving: Reduces vehicle wear and fuel consumption by minimizing frequent starts and stops. Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC more updated, faster, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.

Oh, after installing ETC, I find this issue quite interesting. As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I must say ETC is indeed convenient – it automatically deducts the toll as you pass through without stopping. However, at the highway entrance, if your ETC device runs out of , encounters signal issues, or the dedicated lane happens to be closed, the service staff will direct you to the adjacent lane to take a card, just like the old days. This backup option acts as a safeguard against unexpected situations, preventing us from getting stuck at the entrance. I’ve even seen some drivers intentionally choose the manual lane to take a card, aiming to control their expenses by paying manually. Overall, in an ETC-dominated world, the traditional card-taking method is still retained to avoid delays in case of malfunctions. For daily highway trips, prioritizing ETC is hassle-free enough.

As a frequent long-distance driver, my daily experience is that with ETC installed, I rarely need to take a toll card anymore—just a quick flash at the toll booth and I'm through, effortlessly. However, once during a business trip, the device acted up, failing to display any information on the screen. I simply switched to a manual lane and took a card instead. The staff reassured me that it's normal—any ETC system can occasionally glitch, whether due to a weak car or outdated data. So, don’t assume that installing ETC means you’re completely worry-free; keeping some cash or a backup card is essential. Especially during peak hours, if the manual lane moves faster, just use it. From this perspective, the option to take a card hasn’t been taken away—it’s just that the tools have changed. As drivers, paying attention to the details ensures we can handle any situation smoothly.

I'm a new car owner who knows nothing about ETC. After asking around, everyone told me that with ETC installed, it mostly works automatically without touching the card. But if there's no signal at the entrance or the equipment is outdated, you can still request a manual card for payment without any restrictions. My takeaway is that while ETC is convenient, don't expect it to be flawless forever. Just remember to check the or contact customer service to check its status. Simply put, taking a card is still your choice, no big deal.

From a traffic perspective, installing ETC is a nationally promoted expedient method, but it does not impede the right to manually take a card. In my research, I found that highway regulations clearly state: ETC lanes should be prioritized to reduce congestion; however, if the device malfunctions, the lane is closed, or there are special needs, drivers can use the manual lane to take a card and pay. This is called flexible arrangement, ensuring everyone's driving safety. In reality, toll stations offer dual options. The policy encourages us to use ETC more to save time, but we should not overlook the importance of backup measures when needed. Just pay more attention to the road signs while driving.

Had an embarrassing experience once when my ETC device suddenly failed at the highway entrance after installation, almost got stuck. Quickly switched to the manual lane to get a card, and the staff explained that weather conditions had interfered with the signal. Recommend fellow drivers to regularly maintain their ETC devices, such as cleaning the connectors or replacing the batteries, otherwise you might have to manually operate at the entrance. From this lesson, having a card as a backup plan is essential, while gaining experience with automatic payments during normal use. In short, don’t let problems pile up—early prevention ensures a smoother drive.


