Can Vehicles Without ETC Use Highways?

[LeStephanie]

Vehicles without ETC can still use highways because ETC is not mandatory. Since January 1, 2020, vehicles without ETC are no longer eligible for various toll reduction policies and must pay tolls manually at toll booths. This might be inconvenient during holidays. ETC is merely a different toll payment method and does not affect highway access. There are two toll payment methods on highways: manual toll collection and ETC. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection. To apply for ETC, the following documents are required: the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate (original and copies). If applying through a proxy, the proxy's valid ID card is also needed. The vehicle registration copy must include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, a bank card for toll deductions is required. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old, and the vehicle must be registered under their name. How ETC works: An onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield communicates with microwave antennas in ETC lanes at toll stations. The system uses networked computer technology to settle payments with banks in the background, allowing vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the need to queue and wait. Eco-friendly: Reduces noise, exhaust emissions, and pollution by enabling vehicles to pass toll stations without stopping. Cost-effective: Lowers wear and tear, reduces fuel consumption, and offers toll discounts. Efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster and more advanced. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.

[KaiAnn]

Of course you can take the highway without an ETC! I drive long distances every day, and manual lanes are always available. But I must remind you, many toll stations now only keep one or two manual windows, and it's common to be stuck for half an hour. Last week, I was delivering cold chain goods without using ETC, and I was sweating with anxiety while queuing. Moreover, manual lanes cost 5% more; for example, my round trip from Hangzhou to Yiwu cost me over 20 yuan extra. I suggest you install one as soon as possible—the devices are now given away for free by banks, and you can top up via your phone. If you really don’t want to install one, remember to change lanes early when you see the 'Green Channel' sign, don’t wait until the toll booth to merge—it's too dangerous.

[GeorgeFitz]

The year I bought my car, I didn’t install an ETC either, and the whole process of taking and returning cards was a hassle. Now, the policy requires manual lanes to be retained, but after many old toll stations were renovated, only the far-right lane allows card collection. Especially during holidays, you’ll see ETC lanes zooming by while manual lanes can have queues stretching 500 meters. Mobile navigation apps mark lane types, so you need to choose your lane 300 meters in advance. If you mostly drive short distances, it doesn’t matter much, but for someone like me who drives 2,000 kilometers a month, the toll discounts alone saved me enough for a smartphone in three years. Remember to check if your windshield has any metal film, as it can interfere with the signal.

[DiLilliana]

A couple of days ago, I helped my cousin pick up his new car, and the 4S store directly installed an ETC for him. If you don't want to use it, you can just take the manual lane marked 'Passenger Vehicle' when entering the highway. Taking a card and paying the toll works the same as before. However, some provinces and cities are now piloting narrow lane passage. For example, in Zhejiang, some toll stations have removed manual booths and replaced them with toll collectors using mobile POS machines for payment, which can be quite troublesome on rainy days. It's advisable to carry some cash, as some older toll stations still don't support QR code payments. Try to avoid rush hours in the morning and evening. Last time, I saw three cars rear-end each other in the card-taking lane.

[ChloeFitz]

Last year, my ETC device malfunctioned for a while, forcing me to use manual lanes for three months. From personal experience: waiting 10 minutes on regular weekends is normal, while holidays with free tolls can mean 40-minute waits. I recommend downloading the 'China ETC Service' mini-program to check real-time congestion before hitting the highway. A pro tip: choose the outermost lane – toll collectors there usually work faster. With the new segmented tolling system, remember: manual lanes issue CPC cards at entry – avoid casually placing them near sensors (I once got overcharged by leaving mine on the dashboard). Parents: lock windows when accepting cards – toll collectors worry about children reaching out.

[ValeriaLee]

Yesterday, while sending my daughter back to school, I noticed new changes at the provincial border toll station: the manual lanes were reduced to two, but more self-service card dispensers were added. You need to pull your car within 30 centimeters of the machine and press the green button to get a card. However, recognition is poor on rainy days—it took me three attempts to succeed. Those who haven’t installed ETC for a long time should take note: many highway entrances around cities have now eliminated entry card issuance and switched to license plate recognition for billing. You’ll need to present a payment QR code. Once, I forgot my phone and had to register my ID with the toll collector to pass. If you’re heading to an unfamiliar city, check the official account of the road operator in advance to see the payment methods.