Can You Drive on the Highway Without Installing ETC?

[JakeLynn]

You can drive on the highway without installing ETC. ETC is not mandatory. Since January 1, 2020, vehicles without ETC no longer enjoy various toll reduction policies, except during holidays when tolls are waived. However, they can only pass through manual toll lanes at toll stations, which may be inconvenient during peak holiday periods. ETC is simply an alternative toll collection method and does not affect access to highways. 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 and vehicle registration certificate. If someone else is applying on behalf of the owner, they must also provide their own valid ID. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate must include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, a bank card for deducting highway tolls 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 the ETC lane at toll stations. Using computer networking technology, the system settles payments with the bank in the background, allowing vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues. Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise, exhaust emissions, and pollution since vehicles do not stop at toll stations. Cost-effective: Reduces vehicle wear and fuel consumption by minimizing frequent starts and stops. Increased efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically improve traffic flow by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster, more advanced, and more efficient. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.

[Sebastian]

I've driven on the highway without ETC many times, and it's really no problem. Just head straight to the manual toll lane, take a pass card at the entrance, and pay by distance at the exit—cash or mobile payment works fine, with Alipay and WeChat being very convenient. However, during peak hours, you'll have to queue up, especially during holidays like Spring Festival or weekends with heavy traffic. The manual lanes move slowly, while ETC users zip through, which can be quite enviable. Last time during a long holiday, I was stuck for half an hour just to exit, wasting gas and feeling anxious. In the long run, it's best to get an ETC. Banks now offer free installation, and the 15% discount saves a lot of money, especially for frequent cross-province trips. Overall, not having ETC doesn't prevent you from using the highway, but improving efficiency is key.

[JasperDella]

Driving on the highway without an ETC is completely fine, I've done it myself. At the toll station, look for the MTC manual lane where the staff will give you a card or you can pay directly. At the exit, settle the amount displayed on the screen, and scanning QR codes is quite convenient. The downside is the time spent queuing during peak hours, like morning and evening rushes when it gets jammed for a while, while ETC lanes are smoother. The advantage is quick temporary access, making it flexible for short trips to the suburbs. To save money, consider installing an ETC—I know the device is free and can save you thousands in annual fees. In short, you can still get on the highway without an ETC, so don't panic.

[SanClaire]

Vehicles without ETC can still access highways by using the manual toll lanes—take a card at the entrance and pay at the exit. However, not having ETC comes with several drawbacks: missing out on toll discounts, spending more money; time-consuming queues at entry and exit points, increasing congestion; and potential delays to your schedule. Based on my daily driving experience, ETC is more efficient and hassle-free, as most highway entrances now prioritize ETC lanes. For those who frequently travel on highways, I recommend installing an ETC device for convenience and cost savings.

[VonBrantley]

Policies allow vehicles without ETC to use highways, provided manual toll lanes are available. Remember, traffic regulations do not mandate ETC; you can choose MTC lanes to take a card for normal entry and exit. However, the state encourages ETC installation as it reduces congestion and saves resources. Without ETC, I pay in cash—simple and efficient, but waiting times can be long during peak holiday traffic. In the long run, installing ETC is advisable; the equipment is free and hassle-free.