How to Drive Through Toll-Free with ETC?
2 Answers
When passing through toll-free sections, ETC vehicles have the following driving options: Enter through ETC lane and exit through ETC lane - no charge; Enter through manual lane and exit through manual lane - no charge; Enter through ETC lane and exit through manual lane - passable without charge. ETC Usage Notes: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. When the vehicle ahead is stopped, maintain a distance of over 10 meters to prevent automatic fee deduction for the preceding vehicle in case its ETC device malfunctions or is absent. The recognized speed for ETC lane passage is 20km/h. Excessive speed may prevent reading vehicle device information and cause fee deduction failure. Unauthorized removal or movement of OBU devices, or detachment/loosening of ETC electronic tags will deactivate the tags. These can be inspected at the bank where the ETC card was issued or at highway service centers. Non-deliberate loosening/detachment only requires reactivation. Using debit cards with insufficient balance for ETC binding may cause fee deduction failure. Follow on-site staff guidance to use manual MTC lanes with cash or card payment. Excessively thick windshields may cause poor signal reception. Vehicles with replaced windshields after accidents or modified front windshields require special attention.
I've been driving in Beijing for several years. When the highway is toll-free, I use the dedicated ETC lane. Just drive straight through without any operation, leaving the card in the vehicle. The system automatically recognizes the free status and raises the barrier for quick passage. Note that only passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer qualify for free passage, while larger vehicles still need to pay. Be sure to check the policy for free dates to avoid incorrect charges. Plan your route in advance to avoid peak traffic; ETC lanes are usually much faster than manual lanes, saving time and hassle. As someone who frequently takes long trips, this method eliminates queuing troubles and significantly improves efficiency.
