Can't I drive on the highway without ETC?
2 Answers
Cars without ETC can still drive on the highway because ETC is not mandatory. Since January 1, 2020, vehicles without ETC are no longer eligible for various toll reduction benefits and can only pass through manual toll lanes at toll stations. It might be a bit inconvenient during holidays. ETC is just a different toll collection method and has no bearing on whether you can drive on the highway. There are two toll collection methods on highways: manual toll collection and ETC toll collection. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection. To apply for ETC, you need to provide the original and photocopies of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is made by someone other than the owner, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, a bank card for deducting highway tolls is needed. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old, and the vehicle must be registered under an individual's name. How ETC works: The vehicle-mounted electronic tag installed on the windshield communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station. The system then settles the toll with the bank via computer networking technology, allowing the vehicle to pass through the highway or bridge toll station without stopping. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Avoid the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions since vehicles don't stop at toll stations; Cost-saving: Reduces wear and tear and fuel consumption by minimizing frequent starts and stops. Users also enjoy toll discounts; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase passing efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster and more advanced. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.
Actually, you can still get on the highway without an ETC device, as toll stations maintain manual service windows where you can take a card and pay in cash. However, I highly recommend frequent highway users to install one. Last week, I was stuck in a manual lane for over twenty minutes while cars in the ETC lane zoomed past. Especially during long holidays, when manual lanes form long queues, you might even feel like grabbing the ETC device from the car in front of you. Nowadays, you can apply for an ETC device in just three minutes via WeChat mini-programs, and binding a credit card can give you a 5% discount—enough savings in a year to cover two maintenance services. But for those traveling occasionally, there’s no need to worry; the far-right lane at every highway entrance definitely has a manual window.
