Can I still drive on the highway without an ETC?
3 Answers
You can still drive on the highway without an ETC by obtaining a toll card at the entrance toll station and stopping to pay the toll at the exit toll station. ETC is a fully automatic electronic toll collection system and one of the service functions of intelligent transportation systems, particularly suitable for use on highways or in busy bridge and tunnel environments. Currently, highway toll stations have dedicated ETC lanes. Vehicle owners only need to install a sensor card on the windshield and preload funds. When passing through the toll station, there is no need for manual payment or stopping—the highway toll will be automatically deducted from the card, enabling automatic toll collection. This system processes each vehicle in less than two seconds, with a lane capacity 5 to 10 times that of manual toll lanes.
Drivers without ETC can still use the highways—I've been doing it this way. Since I don’t travel long distances often, there are dedicated lanes at toll stations where you can stop to pay, unlike the ETC lanes that allow automatic passage. I usually choose the manual lanes, where staff collect cash or scan QR codes for payment—it’s quite convenient. However, queues can be long during peak hours, especially on holidays when traffic is heavy, so patience is needed. Getting an ETC can save you some toll fees, as banks often offer discounts, making it cost-effective for frequent highway users. In short, when driving, just pay attention to the signs at toll stations, slow down in advance, and avoid rushing in—safety first.
You can still drive on the highway without an ETC device installed, and I've encountered this situation multiple times. Highways do not enforce ETC-only entry; at the entrance, there are options: the left lane is for ETC-only, while the right lane is for manual or mixed lanes. I simply take the manual lane, stop, and pay with cash or via mobile payment. The downside is that the toll might be slightly higher, as ETC usually offers discounts, and the process is less efficient. It's advisable to pay attention to roadside signs to avoid accidentally entering an ETC lane and getting stuck. In the long run, getting an ETC is more convenient—faster passage and no worries about congestion.
