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.