Does ETC have to be handled by the car owner?
2 Answers
ETC does not have to be handled by the car owner; others can also handle it on behalf of the owner. The agent needs to bring their own ID card, as well as the owner's ID card and vehicle license to an ETC service point, fill out the relevant forms, and the process can be completed. ETC, translated into English as Electronic Toll Collection, is an automatic toll collection system for highways or bridges. ETC uses dedicated short-range communication between the on-board electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, combined with computer networking technology for backend settlement processing with the bank. This achieves the purpose of vehicles passing through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay toll fees.
I've been driving for almost twenty years and have handled ETC for several cars, so I'm very familiar with the process. The car owner doesn't necessarily have to be present in person to apply; it can be done by family members or friends. The key is to bring the owner's documents, such as the original ID card or a copy, a copy of the vehicle registration certificate, and a simple letter of authorization. Some places, like banks or toll stations, will check these documents to prevent misuse by fraudsters. I remember the last time I helped a neighbor with the process, it took less than half an hour, which was quite convenient. Although proxy handling saves time, it's essential to ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays in travel. Nowadays, you can also book proxy services online by entering the license plate number and owner's information. In short, this isn't a rigid rule, and flexibility is key.
