Can You Drive on the Highway Without ETC?
2 Answers
You can drive on the highway without an ETC. ETC is not mandatory. Since January 1, 2020, vehicles without ETC will no longer enjoy various toll reduction policies and must pay tolls manually at the toll booth. It might be inconvenient during holidays. ETC is just a different payment method and does not affect whether you can drive on the highway. There are two toll payment methods on highways: manual payment and ETC payment. 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 and vehicle registration certificate. If someone else is applying on behalf of the owner, they must also bring their valid ID. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate must include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, you need a bank card for deducting highway tolls, and the applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old and the registered owner of the vehicle. How ETC works: The onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll booth. The computer network technology then processes the payment with the bank in the background, allowing the vehicle to pass through the highway or bridge toll booth without stopping to pay. Benefits of installing ETC: Save time: Avoid waiting in queues; Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions as vehicles pass through toll booths without stopping; Reduce wear and tear: Saves costs by decreasing the frequency of vehicle starts and stops, reducing wear and fuel consumption. Users also enjoy toll discounts; Improve efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase passing efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC more advanced, faster, and high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.
I've been driving for many years and often take highways. You can definitely go without an ETC by using the manual toll lanes. Just take a toll card at the entrance and pay based on the distance when exiting. Remember to carry some cash, as some toll stations also support WeChat or Alipay QR code payments. Having an ETC installed is indeed more convenient—the lanes are much faster, and there's less queuing during peak hours. Once, when I didn't have an ETC, I got stuck during a holiday, which delayed my trip. Now, with policies promoting ETC, many places have fewer manual lanes, so I recommend getting an ETC card early to enjoy discounts and convenience. Safety comes first when driving—if you don’t have an ETC, don’t force your way into the fast lanes to avoid being stopped and fined. In short, plan your route in advance, stay calm, and you’ll pass through smoothly.
