How does ETC toll collection work on highways?

[DiJustin]

Through dedicated short-range communication between the onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, computer networking technology is used for backend settlement processing with banks. This enables vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping while still paying the required fees. Benefits of installing ETC include: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues; Green and eco-friendly: Promotes low-carbon travel by reducing noise and exhaust emissions since vehicles don't need to stop at toll stations; Reduced wear and tear: Saves costs by minimizing frequent starts and brakes, lowering vehicle wear and fuel consumption. Users also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase vehicle processing efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC systems more advanced, faster, and higher-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. ETC usage precautions: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. If the vehicle ahead is stationary, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters to prevent accidental toll payment for the preceding vehicle due to its faulty or absent ETC device. The recognized speed for ETC lane passage is 20 km/h. Exceeding this speed may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information and unsuccessful toll deduction. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, or detachment/loosening of the ETC electronic tag, will render the tag ineffective. In such cases, take it to the bank where the ETC card was issued or the highway service office for inspection. If the detachment is not due to human interference, reactivation is sufficient. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may cause toll deduction failure. Follow the guidance of on-site staff to use the manual MTC lane with cash or card payment. Excessively thick windshields may cause poor signal reception. This is particularly relevant for vehicles that have had their windshields replaced after accidents or for those with modified front windshields.

[VonAbel]

I've been driving for years and have gotten used to using ETC—it's worry-free and effortless. The car is equipped with a small device called an OBU, and there's a sensor called an RSU mounted above the highway toll booth. When the car passes through, these two devices communicate via microwave signals, like a wireless walkie-talkie. The OBU sends the license plate and bank card information to the RSU, which verifies the details and deducts the fee directly from the account—the whole process takes just a second or two. This eliminates the need to stop and queue to pay in cash, making highway driving smoother and reducing traffic jams and accidents. I've also noticed that ETC lanes often offer discounts, like a 5% reduction, which can save a lot of money for frequent highway users. Just make sure the OBU is securely installed, as a loose connection can cause signal instability and affect detection. The system operates on a dedicated frequency to avoid interference, making it quite reliable.

[LeCharles]

The ETC mechanism is quite fascinating, employing a bit of technological magic. When your vehicle, equipped with an OBU device, enters the toll station, the RSU on the roadside emits electromagnetic waves to capture the signal. The OBU responds by transmitting data including the vehicle ID and card number. The system verifies the identity and balance, instantly completing the deduction and opening the gate. The core principle relies on RFID technology, similar to supermarket barcode scanning but more advanced, using microwave frequencies to ensure rapid communication. Why choose microwaves? They have strong penetration and are unaffected by weather. ETC lanes eliminate the need to slow down, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. Before installation, you need to apply for a card linked to an account to ensure sufficient funds and avoid being blacklisted. Modern versions also integrate license plate recognition to prevent fraud, making the entire design efficient and intelligent.

[BrantleyLynn]

When I first used ETC, I found it amazing—just drive through the toll station and it automatically scans and lets you pass. The principle is simple: the onboard device senses the toll equipment and wirelessly transmits information to deduct the fee. No need to stop, avoiding queues and wasted time. The entire process relies on a dedicated communication channel to automatically calculate the trip cost. The OBU must be attached to the front windshield, while the RSU is mounted on the gantry. Just link it to your bank card, and it’s cashless and more convenient. For safety, maintain a steady speed—don’t go too fast or too slow to avoid interfering with the signal. The first time I used it, I worried about being overcharged, but the system is quite accurate, with few errors.

[StBrielle]

Using ETC on highways improves traffic efficiency and safety. Vehicles equipped with OBUs wirelessly connect with RSUs at toll stations, transmitting data and deducting fees in real-time via microwave signals. This eliminates the need to stop for payment, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions, especially in busy sections. The principle is based on automatic identification with minimal manual intervention. During installation, the OBU is affixed to the windshield, ensuring no obstructions. I've also heard that ETC systems integrate with traffic monitoring to aid in flow management. When not in use, turn off the device to avoid accidental activation. This design makes highway driving smoother.