Is ETC mandatory for highway access in the future?
2 Answers
Vehicles without ETC can still access highways. According to State Council regulations, non-ETC vehicles won't enjoy toll discounts, and in the future, only one manual lane will remain at toll stations for cash payments. Newly installed ETC devices require activation before highway use, but all vehicles (including ETC users) can travel toll-free during holiday free periods - ETC lanes won't deduct fees for activated users. ETC billing principles: Highways feature dedicated ETC lanes using microwave communication between windshield-mounted OBUs and toll station antennas. This system automatically processes payments through bank backend settlements via computer networks, enabling barrier-free toll collection based on post-travel deduction. Benefits of ETC installation: Time-saving: Eliminates queuing wait times Eco-friendly: Reduces noise and emissions via non-stop passage Cost-efficient: Minimizes vehicle wear, fuel consumption from frequent stops High efficiency: Processes 2-3 times more vehicles than conventional lanes Policy support: The State Council's 13th Five-Year Transport Plan mandates 50% ETC adoption rate for passenger vehicles by 2020 Future applications: Beyond expanding ETC convenience and truck adoption, the system will integrate with V2X communication and smart transportation for comprehensive mobility services, enabling broader application scenarios.
I've driven on the highway several times, and actually, ETC is not mandatory. Nowadays, toll stations offer both ETC lanes and manual lanes as options. I have an ETC card myself, and sometimes when I forget to bring it, I can still use the manual payment lane. But to be honest, ETC is much more convenient—just drive through and the fee is automatically deducted, no need to stop, saving time and reducing queues. Especially during peak hours, manual lanes often have long lines, while ETC lanes are much faster. The government is actively promoting ETC to reduce traffic congestion and save energy, so even though manual payment is still an option now, it’s likely that ETC lanes will increase in the future while manual ones decrease. I recommend getting an ETC early—it’s free to apply and comes with some discounts, making it both hassle-free and cost-effective. When driving, safety comes first, and having an ETC helps you avoid unnecessary troubles on the road—how great is that?
