Can I use the manual lane with ETC?
2 Answers
If you have ETC, you can choose not to use the manual lane on the highway. Since the manual lane on the highway is not equipped with an ETC sensor, it is natural to take a card and pay manually. There are also 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 for the driver to take the card from the card dispenser by themselves. When passing through the toll station, it is necessary to slow down and pass in order, and do not cause congestion by cutting in line. ETC is the abbreviation of Electronic-Toll-Collection, which means electronic toll collection system. To apply, you need to provide the original and photocopy of the 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 photocopy of the driving license needs to include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp; a bank card for deducting highway tolls; the applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old; the car must be registered under a personal name. For units or companies, 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 vehicles to pay highway or bridge tolls without stopping when passing through toll stations. Benefits of installing ETC: Save time: Avoid the hassle of waiting in line; Green and environmentally friendly: Green and low-carbon, vehicles pass through toll stations 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 efficiency of ETC lanes can theoretically be increased by 2-3 times or more, making traditional ETC more updated, faster, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and has more advantages.
As someone who has driven for many years, I can confirm that having an ETC device doesn't prevent you from using manual lanes—I've done this multiple times myself. For instance, once when my ETC sensor malfunctioned, I simply queued in the manual lane and paid with cash. While this approach works, it's significantly less efficient—manual lanes involve long wait times and require you to prepare change or stop to swipe your card. I recommend prioritizing ETC lanes for daily use; the automatic deduction is quick and hassle-free, especially during rush hours. Only consider manual lanes when encountering ETC malfunctions or congested toll stations. After a few long-distance trips, you'll realize that developing an ETC habit saves you from unnecessary hassles. During holidays, for example, long queues in manual lanes are common on highways, while ETC lets you pass through in a second—saving time and ensuring safety. In short, it's technically feasible, but experience shows it's wisest to avoid manual lanes when possible.