Do I need to take a card when using ETC on the highway?
3 Answers
When using ETC on the highway, there is no need to take a card. Vehicles equipped with ETC can achieve electronic fee deduction and fast passage through dedicated ETC lanes. Through the vehicle-mounted electronic tag and wireless electronic shooting in the ETC lane, the fee is automatically deducted by the charging system using computer network technology, eliminating the need to stop and take a card. Precautions for using ETC include: 1. The ETC transaction sensing area is 8 meters. To prevent the ETC device failure of the vehicle in front, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle ahead; 2. The recognition speed for ETC lane passage is 20 kilometers per hour. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read; 3. When using a debit card to bind ETC, insufficient balance will cause the fee deduction to fail.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and the advent of ETC has truly been revolutionary. In the past, taking the highway always meant queuing at toll booths to get a card—slow and easy to forget. Now, with an ETC device installed, you can directly pass through the entrance lane without stopping, as the system automatically recognizes your license plate and entry point. No need to take a card, the whole process is contactless. This technology is based on wireless communication; the entrance scanner records your departure time as soon as it scans the OBU box. The benefits are numerous: saving time, reducing congestion, and even offering discounts that save on fuel costs. It's especially convenient and fast during holiday travels. I often say, the era of traditional cards is history, and ETC is the smarter choice. Driving becomes more carefree, making the journey more comfortable.
As a tech enthusiast, I find the working principle of ETC fascinating. It utilizes RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, where a small in-vehicle unit (called OBU) is installed. Entry sensors automatically read the information and start timing. There's no need to take a ticket when entering the highway because the system processes everything directly via cloud data. Just drive into the ETC-dedicated lane, and once the device senses your vehicle, the green light turns on for passage. The exit toll deduction is seamlessly connected. The entire process requires no manual intervention, reducing errors and malfunctions. I've also researched that this system is widely deployed on Chinese highways, improving efficiency by at least 30%. Compared to manual ticketing, it saves time, is eco-friendly, and more reliable. I highly recommend learning more about such intelligent transportation systems—they truly make life much more efficient.
