How to check if a license plate has ETC?
4 Answers
To check whether a license plate has ETC, you can visit a service outlet. The steps are: 1. Bring your vehicle license, driver's license, and ID card, and drive directly to the service outlet to inquire about ETC-related information. 2. If the vehicle does not have ETC, you can apply for it directly at the outlet. 3. If the vehicle already has ETC but it was not applied by you, you should contact the previous owner and ask them to cancel the previous ETC, then go to the service outlet to apply. Additional information: 1. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection, which is automatic toll collection for highways or bridges. 2. Through 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, the computer network technology is used to settle accounts with the bank in the background, allowing vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay the toll.
I suggest checking whether a license plate has an ETC by first finding an official channel. The most commonly used methods are the official ETC app or website. For example, in China, there’s a mini-program called "ETC Assistant" or the issuing bank’s app. After opening it, register and log in, then enter the license plate number and vehicle certificate information to verify your identity. The system will then display the ETC status—if it’s active, it will show as "activated" or "normal." If there’s no record for the license plate, it likely hasn’t been registered. Safety first—don’t click on unfamiliar links, and avoid leaking personal information. Having an ETC makes driving on highways convenient and time-saving, hassle-free, and even offers discounts. I always remind friends to check their ETC status regularly to avoid expiration or unpaid fees.
When driving for long periods, I usually check if my license plate has an ETC by visiting official service points or calling the customer service hotline. By calling the ETC customer service hotline and providing the license plate number, owner's name, or ID number, the staff will help you check the status. If I go in person, I bring my vehicle registration and ID to the ETC service center or DMV counter, and the results can be obtained in just a few minutes. Note that these methods may require some waiting, especially during peak hours when it's crowded, so patience is needed. By the way, if you haven’t applied for ETC, it’s recommended to do so promptly to save on highway tolls—installation is simple, just attach the device to your car. For safety, avoid trusting small ads for inquiries, as they can easily lead to scams.
To check if a license plate has ETC, a common and simple method is to ask experienced drivers or family and friends, as they have more knowledge about cars. In WeChat group chats, people often share apps to check the status—just enter the license plate number to find out. Alternatively, try "Alipay" or related transportation service mini-programs, which are very user-friendly. If the ETC hasn't been activated yet, consider getting one as it's cost-effective.
