Can you get on the highway without an ETC?

[Felicity]

Cars without ETC can get on the highway because ETC is not mandatory. According to Article 19 of the "Notice on Vigorously Promoting the Development and Application of ETC on Highways" issued by the State Council, vehicles without ETC in 2020 cannot enjoy toll discounts, and in the future, only one manual lane will be retained at highway toll stations, requiring payment through the manual channel. It may be somewhat inconvenient during holidays. ETC is just a different toll collection method and is not related to whether you can get on the highway. There are two toll collection methods on highways: manual toll collection and ETC toll collection. ETC is the abbreviation for Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply, you need to provide the original and photocopies of the vehicle owner's valid ID and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent's valid ID must also be provided. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate must include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp; a bank card for deducting highway tolls; the applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old; and the vehicle must be registered under the individual's name. How ETC works: Through an onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield, it communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station. Using computer networking technology, it settles transactions with the bank in the background, allowing vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay the toll. Benefits of installing ETC: Save time: Avoid the hassle of waiting in line; Green and environmentally friendly: Low-carbon, as vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions and pollution; Reduce wear and tear: Save costs by decreasing the frequency of vehicle starts and stops, reducing wear and fuel consumption; Improve efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC updates faster and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.

[StDylan]

As a long-haul truck driver who frequently travels on highways, I fully appreciate the convenience of ETC, but it's not essential for accessing expressways. Every toll station has dedicated manual toll lanes where you can simply stop at the entrance and pay the toll with cash or via mobile QR code scanning. I've encountered ETC card malfunctions a few times and switched to manual lanes—though queuing times may be longer than with ETC, especially during peak hours or holidays, it doesn’t compromise safe passage overall. I recommend checking toll station queues before departure and carrying some spare change to avoid hassle with change. The key to highway driving lies in maintaining steady speed, staying calm during toll payments, and preventing rear-end collisions. Keep this in mind, and any vehicle can navigate expressways with ease.