Can You Not Drive on Highways Without ETC?
2 Answers
Vehicles without ETC can still drive on highways because ETC is not mandatory. Starting from January 1, 2020, vehicles without ETC will no longer enjoy various toll reduction benefits and can only pay tolls through manual lanes at toll stations. It might be a bit inconvenient during holidays. ETC is just a different toll collection method and has nothing to do with whether you can drive on highways. There are two toll collection methods on highways: manual toll collection and ETC toll collection. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, which means electronic toll collection system. To apply for ETC, you need to provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent's valid ID card is also required. 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 needed. The applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old, and the vehicle must be registered under a personal name. The working principle of ETC: Through the 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 accounts with the bank in the background, allowing vehicles to pay highway or bridge tolls without stopping when passing through toll stations. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Avoid the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: Low-carbon, as vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise, exhaust emissions, and pollution; Cost-saving: Reduce costs, decrease the frequency of vehicle starts and stops, and minimize wear and fuel consumption. Users can also enjoy toll discounts; Improved efficiency: Theoretically, ETC lanes can increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC more updated, faster, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.
Just talked about this with my cousin who does long-distance freight hauling a couple of days ago. As someone who drives on highways every day, he's the most qualified to comment. ETC is definitely not mandatory, but it's really inconvenient without it. Nowadays, manual toll lanes are visibly decreasing, and it's common to get stuck at toll stations for at least half an hour during holidays. My cousin mentioned seeing private cars without ETC fumbling for change at toll booths, holding up traffic for five minutes with queues stretching like a snake. Plus, after the removal of provincial boundary toll stations, vehicles without ETC have to manually settle the full trip fee when exiting the highway, which is a huge time-waster. In the long run, the time saved from avoiding queues could be enough to pick up two ride-sharing orders. By the way, starting this year, some provinces have canceled the 5% discount on ETC toll fees, though this isn't related to whether you have ETC or not.
