Can I still drive on the highway without ETC?

[CarterLee]

It is possible to drive on the highway without ETC. According to the regulations of the State Council, starting from 2020, vehicles without ETC will not enjoy toll discounts. In the future, only one manual lane will remain at highway toll stations, and drivers can only pay the toll through the manual lane. Additionally, a newly installed ETC cannot be used immediately on the highway; the ETC device must be activated first. During free holiday periods, vehicles can still use the highway, and for users who have already installed ETC, passing through ETC lanes will not incur charges. ETC Deduction Principles: There will be one or more ETC lanes on the highway. Through microwave-specific 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, the computer network technology is used to settle accounts with the bank in the background, achieving the purpose of paying tolls without stopping at the toll station. All of this is based on the principle of passing first and deducting fees later. Benefits of Installing ETC: Save Time: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and Eco-friendly: Green and low-carbon, vehicles pass through the toll station without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions, thereby decreasing pollution; Reduce Wear and Tear: Saves costs, reduces the frequency of vehicle starts and brakes, lowering wear and fuel consumption; Improve Efficiency: The efficiency of passing through ETC lanes can theoretically increase by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC updates faster and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More Policy Support: The State Council clearly stated in the "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" that "by 2020, the interoperability of transportation cards in key urban clusters will be basically achieved, and the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC will significantly increase," and explicitly set the goal in the "13th Five-Year" comprehensive transportation development indicators that "by 2020, the ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles will reach 50%." More Future Possibilities: In addition to continuously improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage and the ETC usage rate for passenger vehicles, the future will also promote the use of ETC for trucks and explore the deep integration of the ETC system with smart transportation development directions such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-road coordination, providing comprehensive travel services for vehicle owners. This means more application scenarios will support ETC applications.

[LaCollin]

As a long-haul truck driver who frequently travels on highways, making three to four trips daily, I can confirm that not having an ETC doesn't prevent you from using the highway. Manual lanes are always available. For professionals like us, sometimes we forget or simply can't be bothered to apply for an ETC, so we just take the manual lane at the entrance, stop to pay with cash or scan a code. However, ETC is much more convenient—automatic toll deduction without stopping, especially during peak hours when manual lanes form long queues, wasting a good ten minutes or more and even affecting overall traffic flow. I recommend fellow drivers to get one—it saves hassle, time, and even some fuel. Safe driving is always the priority; don't let minor issues disrupt your journey. While policies don't prohibit vehicles without ETC from using highways, adapting to the new system early can significantly improve efficiency.

[ChristianRose]

I've been driving for decades, from my youth to now being retired, and have traveled countless times on highways. In the past, without ETC, everyone relied on manual toll payments, but now you can still get on the highway without it. There are dedicated lanes at the entrance that accept both cash and mobile payments. Although sometimes it can be a bit annoying to queue during holidays when it's crowded, it only delays you by a few minutes at most. Even if you're not familiar with new technology, manual operation is simple and easy to pick up. Don't listen to the rumors saying you can't get on the highway—those are just scare tactics. Safe driving is more important than anything else. Having ETC is more convenient, but not having it doesn't cause major issues.

[CadenRose]

As a young office worker, I was torn about whether to get an ETC after buying a car. After researching and asking friends, I learned that I could still use highways without it, as manual lanes are always available. However, ETC has clear advantages: automatic toll deduction without stopping, avoiding traffic jams and the hassle of manual payment. After trying it once, I immediately signed up because the queues at manual lanes were too time-consuming and made distracted driving more likely. Currently, policies encourage ETC but don't mandate it, though manual lanes may decrease in the long run. Whether to get ETC is a personal choice, with no strict restrictions.

[Ezekiel]

I think ETC is quite useful, saving time and being eco-friendly. Of course, you can still use highways without it by opting for manual payment lanes. But I've seen increased pollution from exhaust fumes when manual lanes are congested, and long queues waste energy. After getting ETC, my trips have become smoother with less traffic anxiety. The policy is designed for efficiency but always leaves alternative options for people with different needs. Getting an ETC device is simple and not expensive, and it's very helpful for daily commuting.

[LaFinn]

I just bought a car a year ago, and as a beginner, I also worried about being stopped outside the highway without an ETC. The truth is, it's not a problem—there's always a manual toll booth at the entrance where you can just pay. But ETC is so convenient: you zoom through the toll station without stopping, avoiding the nervousness of a new driver. Once, when I didn’t have ETC, I encountered heavy rain and had to queue, my hands shaking for fear of making a mistake. After getting ETC, I felt much more at ease. Highways don’t mandate ETC use, and keeping the manual option is very user-friendly. I recommend beginners try ETC early to avoid unnecessary hassle.