Is ETC Mandatory for Highway Travel?

[Elise]

It is possible to travel on highways without an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) system. ETC is not mandatory for installation. Starting from January 1, 2020, vehicles without ETC are no longer eligible for various toll reduction benefits and can only pass through toll stations via manual lanes, which might be inconvenient during holidays. ETC is merely a different method of toll collection and does not affect the ability to use highways. There are two toll collection methods on highways: manual toll collection and ETC toll collection. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection. To apply for ETC, the following documents are required: the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is made by someone other than the owner, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, a bank card for deducting highway tolls is needed. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old, and the vehicle must be registered under their name. How ETC works: The system uses an onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield to communicate with microwave antennas in the ETC lanes at toll stations. It then settles the toll with the bank through computer networking technology, allowing vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the need to queue and wait; Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions as vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping; Cost-saving: Reduces vehicle wear and fuel consumption by minimizing starts and stops, and users can enjoy toll discounts; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC more updated, faster, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.

[XavierMarie]

A friend asked me about highway ETC, which is quite common. Simply put, it's not mandatory! You can use the manual toll lanes to pay with cash or scan a QR code. However, the government has been heavily promoting ETC lately, and many toll stations only keep ETC-exclusive lanes open, leaving the manual lanes with long queues, which is super annoying. I once got stuck for half an hour during peak hours without ETC and regretted it big time. After installing ETC, it's just a quick beep to pass through, super fast and often with small discounts. Legally, it's not compulsory—it's entirely voluntary. For frequent highway users, I’d recommend considering ETC—it saves time and hassle, and installation is free at banks; just link a card. But if you only hit the highway a few times a year, skipping it is fine—you’ll just spend more time waiting in line. In short, choose based on your needs, no need to overthink it.

[Emilio]

I frequently drive on highways and initially hesitated about whether to get an ETC. The answer is, it's not mandatory! You can always pay via the cash lanes. But honestly, with the current ETC promotion boom, many toll gates have most lanes dedicated to ETC, leaving only one or two manual lanes open, leading to long queues that are exhausting. After installing it, I found it incredibly convenient—passing through twice as fast and saving 10% on fees. Occasional ETC device maintenance is simple, unlike cash which is prone to loss. Of course, you can choose not to get one, but the long-term trend is clearly shifting towards ETC as the mainstream. Personally, I think getting one is a reliable choice—don’t gamble with your travel convenience.

[VanLuna]

Highways don't mandate ETC, cash payment is accepted. But ETC offers advantages: lightning-fast passage, avoiding queues; sometimes with discounted tolls saving money. Installation may take a bank trip, but mostly free. Without it, scarce manual lanes delay trips. I've seen traffic jams at toll stations – quite annoying. Decide based on your highway frequency – frequent travelers should get one.