Can passenger car ETC lanes be used by small vehicles?

[VanMiguel]

Passenger car ETC lanes can be used by small vehicles because ETC tags do not distinguish between passenger cars and small vehicles. However, when registering an ETC tag, you will need to select whether the vehicle type is a passenger car or a small vehicle. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues; Green and eco-friendly: Promotes low-carbon travel, as vehicles can pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions and minimizing pollution; Reduced wear and tear: Saves costs by decreasing the frequency of vehicle starts and stops, lowering wear and fuel consumption. Users can also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase vehicle throughput by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC systems more updated, faster, and more technologically advanced. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. The installation process for ETC devices is as follows: Upon receiving the device, first check whether the ETC card and the electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU; a red light will briefly illuminate, and the OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning properly. Clean the front windshield to ensure the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then, peel off the adhesive backing of the OBU and attach it to the installation position. Press firmly for 2-3 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front side facing the driver and the back side facing the windshield. The chip should be inserted into the OBU device.

[AvaMarie]

My personal driving experience is that small cars should avoid using the bus ETC lane. Although the ETC system in principle allows all vehicles with the device to pass, the bus lane is often designed with priority for buses and may have specific rules. For example, on highways, the bus lane is wider, and small cars entering recklessly may be monitored or warned by patrolling officers, or even fined 100-200 yuan. Last time I observed at a toll station, the bus lane had clear signage indicating 'Bus Only,' and small cars forcing their way in might cause disputes. The benefit of ETC is saving time and hassle, but choosing the correct small car lane is safer. It's good practice to always check road signs and navigation, such as using a mobile app to check lane types, which helps avoid pitfalls and maintain traffic order.

[DelAvery]

From the perspective of traffic regulations, passenger cars using bus ETC lanes is non-compliant. I understand that bus lanes are primarily optimized for dimensions suitable for buses and coaches, and passenger cars occupying these lanes can easily cause congestion or accidents. Although ETC devices enable automatic toll collection, violating lane regulations may result in penalties, with standards varying by region: stricter enforcement is common in major cities where fines are frequently issued. It's advisable to plan routes in advance, carefully observe signage at highway entrances, and responsibly use passenger car ETC lanes for optimal safety. Additionally, with ETC having been widely adopted for years, installation and maintenance are straightforward. Proper usage reduces travel inconveniences—safety always comes first.

[MacLilliana]

Technically, the ETC lane identifies vehicles via OBU tags, so passenger cars should theoretically be able to pass. However, bus lanes often have restrictions for specific vehicles—don't take the risk. I know a driver friend who forced his way through and got penalty points, which affected his credit. Using the dedicated passenger car lane is smoother, faster, and hassle-free.