Can't I drive on the highway without ETC?

[McAdaline]

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.

[OParker]

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.

[VonMiguel]

As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I can confirm that you definitely can enter highways without ETC. Every time I pass through toll stations, I see green signs indicating manual lanes, and the card-taking payment process remains exactly the same as it was ten years ago. However, almost all truck drivers have installed ETC now, and I often see 7-8 empty spots in manual lanes during long-distance trips. Note that some newly built toll stations only reserve 1-2 manual lanes, so it's advisable to change to the far-right lane in advance. Last week, I helped a novice colleague check the policy – the Ministry of Transport explicitly requires at least one manual lane to be retained. Remember to keep cash as backup; last time when the QR code scanner malfunctioned, drivers without cash were honking impatiently.

[VanViolet]

No impact on passing at all! Last week I drove my small old car without ETC to the neighboring province, and taking the card to pay the toll was completely hassle-free. Nowadays, highway toll stations are just like supermarket checkout areas, with ETC being the self-service lane and manual lanes being the cashier counters. However, the difference is particularly noticeable during the morning rush hour. Once, at a provincial border toll station, four cars were stuck in line, all waiting to get cards. The toll station staff said they now work in three shifts to ensure 24-hour coverage. A reminder to everyone: when you see the ETC/manual lane signs, change lanes in advance. Last month, a driver missed the lane and crossed the solid line to change lanes, resulting in a three-point penalty. Also, if elderly people pay in cash, remember to prepare change for a quicker process.

[Dora]

Personal experience tells you: Vehicles without ETC can directly use the manual lane. Pay attention to three details: First, look for the green indicator light marked 'Manual' or 'Mixed Lane'; slow down to below 5km/h in advance; and prepare your payment code or cash. It's recommended to keep 20 yuan in change for emergencies—last week, I encountered a system upgrade where only cash payments were accepted. Despite this, it's still advisable to install ETC if you frequently use highways. Last year, I analyzed data at provincial border toll stations: ETC takes an average of 8 seconds, while manual lanes take 38 seconds. Many banks now offer free ETC devices, and toll fees are discounted by 5%. Most importantly, it’s safer—no need to handle wallets at the toll booth.

[DeKiara]

Of course you can take the highway! National regulations mandate the retention of manual toll lanes. However, as someone who frequently travels across provinces for business, I strongly recommend installing an ETC device: First, starting this year, some toll stations may close extra manual lanes after 11 PM; second, the queue lengths at manual lanes during holidays are truly despair-inducing; third, applying for an ETC device via WeChat is now super convenient, and you can even opt for a rechargeable card mode that doesn't require stopping to top up. But if you only occasionally use the highway, there's no need to insist—staff at manual lanes are generally very friendly. Remember to slow down as you approach the toll station and check the overhead signs to avoid fines, like my colleague who once backed out of an ETC lane and got penalized.