Can I use the manual lane if I have ETC?

[Frank]

If you have ETC, you can choose to use the manual lane on the highway. Since the manual lane is not equipped with an ETC sensor, it is natural to use the manual lane to take a card and pay. There are two ways to take the card in the manual lane: one is to receive the card from a professional staff member, and the other is to take the card from the card dispenser by yourself. When passing through the toll station, you must slow down and pass in order. Do not cut in line to avoid congestion. ETC is the abbreviation of 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 card and driving license. If it is not the owner who applies, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The copy of the driving license should include the page with the latest annual inspection stamp. You also need a bank card for deducting highway tolls, and you must be between 18 and 60 years old. The vehicle must be registered under a personal name. For companies or organizations, the organization code certificate (or business license) and official seal are required. How ETC works: Through the on-board electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield, it communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane of the toll station and uses computer networking technology to settle accounts with the bank in the background, allowing the vehicle to pay highway or bridge tolls without stopping when passing through the toll station. Benefits of installing ETC: Save time: Avoid the trouble of waiting in line; Green and environmentally friendly: Green and low-carbon, vehicles pass through the toll station without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions and pollution; Save wear and tear: Save costs, reduce the frequency of vehicle starting and braking, reduce wear and fuel consumption, and users can enjoy toll discounts; Improve efficiency: The ETC lane can theoretically improve traffic efficiency by 2-3 times or more, making traditional ETC updated, faster, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.

[Lorraine]

I've been driving with an ETC for many years and often choose the manual lane on the highway. The staff at the manual toll booth will ask you to hand over your ETC card, and they can swipe it with a machine to deduct the fee directly, just as simple and convenient as swiping a card to pay at a supermarket. If the ETC automatic lane equipment is temporarily malfunctioning or the signal is unstable, using the manual lane can be more reassuring, avoiding the hassle of dealing with follow-up issues. Sometimes, you can also ask for directions or solve other minor problems, saving a lot of time. I suggest that fellow drivers don't rigidly insist on using the ETC-only lane; the manual lane also supports this operation. Being flexible in your choice can enhance your travel experience, especially during long-distance driving, avoiding annoyances like waiting in line.

[DeKeegan]

Hi, I just installed an ETC card last year and initially thought it could only be used in dedicated lanes. A friend told me that you can still use ETC for payment in manual lanes. At the toll booth, the attendant swipes your card, and the system automatically deducts the fee—it's really fast. If the ETC sensor isn't working or you encounter traffic congestion, switching to a manual lane is a lifesaver, saving you the hassle of dealing with the device without missing a single cent in payment. I've experienced several instances where manual lanes were faster than ETC, and you even get a paper receipt for reimbursement. During peak commuting hours, I prioritize trying the manual lanes, and it works really well—safe, convenient, and less stressful.

[NoahFitz]

As a daily commuter who frequently takes the highway to and from work, I often use the manual toll lane to pay with my ETC card. The process is quick and straightforward—the toll collector just swipes the card, and it's done, no slower than using the ETC lane. When the ETC lanes are jam-packed in the morning, switching to the manual lane to avoid congestion is especially practical. Plus, you can instantly confirm the payment amount right after paying, and if there's any mistake, it can be resolved on the spot—saving time and hassle. I highly recommend choosing this option during peak hours for its efficiency and convenience, which helps improve your commuting rhythm.