Can trucks with ETC use the ETC lane?
2 Answers
Trucks equipped with ETC can use the ETC lane, but they must pass through the weighing lane before entering the highway. When exiting the highway, they can directly use the ETC lane. ETC usage precautions: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. If the vehicle in front stops, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters to prevent automatic payment for the vehicle ahead in case its ETC device malfunctions or is absent. The ETC lane recognizes vehicles at a speed of 20 km/h. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information and unsuccessful fee deduction. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, or if the ETC electronic tag falls off or becomes loose, will render the tag invalid. In such cases, the device can be taken to the bank where the ETC card was issued or to a highway service office for inspection. If the issue is not due to human interference, reactivation may be sufficient.
I must say, trucks with ETC can definitely use the ETC lanes! When I was driving, I saw many truck drivers using it—saves time and effort. As long as the vehicle is equipped with a legitimate ETC device, the system recognizes the license plate and chip, which has little direct relation to the vehicle size. But a word of caution: when passing through, make sure not to exceed weight or height limits, as some toll stations have additional restrictions for trucks; otherwise, sensors might misjudge and cause delays. Before hitting the highway, it’s best to download a traffic app to check local regulations—for example, some sections have dedicated ETC lanes for passenger vehicles, and large vehicles entering them could cause trouble. My neighbor Lao Wang, a truck driver, has been using ETC for ten years without a single hiccup, only advising to check the device’s battery regularly for reliability. In short, ETC lanes are designed for all properly equipped vehicles, including trucks—just go ahead confidently.
