How to Apply for ETC?
2 Answers
ETC can be applied for at bank branches, highway service areas, and other institutions. To apply, you need to provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle license. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the vehicle license should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, you need to fill out a Postal Savings credit card application form, which will be used to bind the ETC card. After obtaining the credit card, swipe it twice and use the POS receipt to collect and install the ETC on-board device for free at designated Postal Savings outlets. No fees are charged during this process. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old and own a vehicle in their name. For companies or organizations, a business license (or organization code certificate) and official seal are required. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection, meaning electronic toll system. Here are some precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have steeply angled windshields, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If ETC installation does not consider this, it may increase blind spots. Installing it behind and to the right of the rearview mirror can avoid obstructing the view. Do not interfere with charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not require charging or battery replacement because it has a solar panel on the back for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blacked-out areas on the windshield and positions that may block the solar panel. Do not remove it arbitrarily once installed: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If the tag is removed arbitrarily, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. You will then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This mechanism is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. Points to note when using ETC: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To avoid issues caused by the ETC device of the vehicle in front malfunctioning, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle ahead to prevent automatic payment for the wrong vehicle. The ETC lane recognizes vehicles at speeds of up to 20 km/h. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information, leading to payment failure. When using a debit card to bind ETC, insufficient balance may also cause payment failure.
I recently bought a car and immediately got an ETC, which is super convenient. First, I went to a nearby ICBC branch with my ID card and vehicle license to fill out an application form. The staff helped process the documents and installed the device for free on the front windshield. The whole process took less than half an hour, and it's linked to my Alipay bank card for automatic fee deduction. It's incredibly smooth to use—no more queuing at highway entrances and exits, saving both time and hassle. Even during long drives or traffic jams, it keeps the stress away. I recommend choosing a major bank for free installation and regularly checking that the device hasn't loosened. Plus, you get discounts on highway tolls, making it cost-effective in the long run. Don't wait until after buying the car to think about getting one—it's better to avoid the hassle. This way, car ownership becomes more relaxed and smart.
