How do trucks use ETC?
3 Answers
Trucks, even if equipped with an ETC card, still need to use the dedicated truck lane for weighing. After weighing, the ETC card can be used at the toll window for payment or billing. When exiting the highway, trucks can directly use the ETC lane. ETC Usage Notes: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To prevent the vehicle in front from having a faulty ETC device or no ETC device at all, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters when the vehicle in front stops, avoiding automatic payment for the vehicle ahead. The speed limit for ETC lane recognition is 20 km/h. Driving too fast may prevent the system from reading the vehicle's device information, leading to payment failure. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, or if the ETC electronic tag falls off or becomes loose, may cause the electronic tag to fail. In such cases, the device can be taken to the bank where the ETC card was issued or to the highway service office for inspection. If the issue is not due to human interference, reactivation may be sufficient.
I've been driving trucks for over a decade and frequently use ETC at toll stations. First, apply for an OBU device at a bank or ETC center and install it on the upper right corner of the windshield. During registration, make sure to select the correct truck type—don't mistake light-duty for heavy-duty. When passing through, use the ETC-only lane, maintain a speed of 20 to 40 km/h without sudden braking, and the device will beep to confirm the deduction before you proceed. The benefits include saving time and money, reducing queue friction for added safety, and making every long haul more pleasant. If the device malfunctions—like not lighting up—try restarting it or switch to a manual lane as a backup. I recommend regularly checking your balance and topping up via the app to avoid overdraft fines and frustration. Overall, ETC has streamlined my workflow, making driving easier and more efficient.
As a driver who frequently uses highways, ETC is an essential tool for me. After simply installing the device and linking payment methods like WeChat or Alipay, I can pass through toll stations directly. For trucks using the ETC lane, it's important to slow down steadily and avoid sudden braking to prevent signal issues. When registering, make sure to accurately fill in the vehicle type and avoid mixing up weight data to prevent fines. If there's a malfunction, I contact customer service or temporarily use the manual lane. Using ETC has significantly reduced the hassle of stopping and starting, especially during peak hours, saving fuel and effort while improving safety. Newcomers might find it complicated at first, but the operation is straightforward and becomes smooth with practice. I recommend testing the device in advance to familiarize yourself with the process.
