Can one ETC be used for multiple cars?
3 Answers
No, ETC is issued on a per-vehicle basis, requiring complete and consistent vehicle information for registration. According to the "Implementation Plan for Accelerating the Application Service of Electronic Non-stop Toll Collection on Expressways" issued by the Ministry of Transport, the following documents are required: the original valid ID card of the vehicle owner, the original and a copy of the vehicle registration certificate (showing the most recent annual inspection stamp page). If applying on behalf of someone else, the original valid ID card of the agent is also required. For ETC applications through major bank branches, a debit or credit card from the respective bank is needed. Some banks only support ETC binding with credit cards, while others may require freezing a certain amount as a deposit when binding with debit cards. ETC Deduction Principle: Expressways have one or more ETC lanes. Using dedicated short-range microwave communication between the vehicle's on-board electronic tag (installed on the windshield) and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane, along with computer network technology for backend bank settlement, vehicles can pass through toll stations without stopping to pay bridge or road fees. This operates on a "pass first, deduct later" principle. Benefits of Installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; users also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees. Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions by eliminating stops at toll stations. Reduced wear and tear: Saves costs by minimizing frequent starts and stops, lowering vehicle wear and fuel consumption; users also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees. Improved efficiency: ETC lanes theoretically increase throughput by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council's "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" explicitly states the goal of achieving interoperability of transportation cards in key city clusters by 2020 and significantly increasing the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC. It also sets a target of 50% ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles by 2020. Future possibilities: Beyond improving ETC installation convenience and passenger vehicle usage rates, future efforts will promote ETC use for trucks and explore deeper integration of ETC systems with smart transportation developments like vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-road coordination, offering comprehensive travel services to vehicle owners. This means more application scenarios will support ETC. ETC Usage Notes: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. If the vehicle ahead is stationary, maintain a distance of over 10 meters to prevent accidental payment for the preceding vehicle due to ETC device failure or absence. The recognition speed in ETC lanes is 20 km/h. Excessive speed may prevent reading vehicle device information, leading to failed deductions. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, or detachment/loosening of the ETC electronic tag, will render the tag invalid. It can be taken to the issuing bank or highway service office for inspection. Non-deliberate loosening or detachment only requires reactivation. Insufficient balance in a debit card bound to ETC may cause deduction failure. Follow on-site staff guidance to use manual MTC lanes with cash or card payment. Overly thick windshields may cause poor signal reception, especially for vehicles with replaced or modified windshields after accidents.
Every time I drive through a toll station, I find ETC incredibly practical. It can be installed on a single vehicle. The application process is simple: just fill out a form at a bank or service outlet, bind your license plate and payment account. After receiving the OBU device, you can stick it on the inner side of the front windshield by yourself, preferably slightly to the left of the center to ensure good signal reception. When passing through a toll station, simply drive into the ETC lane—the system automatically recognizes and deducts the fee without stopping or queuing, saving both time and effort. Highway tolls often come with discounts, helping you save a lot on expenses. For maintenance, just occasionally wipe off dust from the label to avoid obstruction. It’s recommended that car owners regularly check the device’s status and visit a service point for repairs if any issues arise. ETC makes long-distance travel easier and reduces the risk of fatigued driving. Based on personal experience, it’s practically a must-have for commuting—once installed, you won’t want to go without it. Over long-term use, I’ve also noticed it helps reduce idle wear on the vehicle, protecting the engine’s lifespan. With the trend toward smart transportation, every car deserves to have one. My personal advice is to install it early and enjoy the convenience and safety it offers.
ETC can certainly be used for a single vehicle, as it is a technologically mature intelligent system. During installation, the main focus is on the position of the on-board unit, ensuring there is no strong reflective film or severe stains on the windshield. The core principle involves an RFID tag linked to vehicle information, which automatically deducts fees after being scanned by toll station radar. The application process is convenient: submit documents via a bank or online platform, and the device is mailed after approval. When self-installing, ensure it is applied smoothly to avoid air bubbles that may affect signal reception. The benefits are numerous: reduced delays, improved traffic efficiency, and frequent rate discounts. From a safety perspective, it avoids collision risks caused by congestion at toll booths. For maintenance, regularly check for loose wiring connections; the tag battery typically lasts 3-5 years and can be replaced for free upon expiration. If the device fails, it may be due to external interference or database errors requiring customer service assistance. Installation is highly adaptable, compatible with both sedans and SUVs. It is recommended that vehicle owners use an app to monitor spending records for smart management. Overall, ETC is an efficient and economical solution worth promoting.
