Is ETC Mandatory on Highways?
1 Answers
ETC is not mandatory, and there are no regulations requiring the installation of ETC. It is based on the principle of voluntary participation. Those who do not want to queue for toll payments when entering or exiting highways can apply for it. The specific timing of ETC highway toll deductions is as follows: For ETC stored-value cards, users must pre-deposit funds before use. Deductions typically occur within 5 working days, depending on the bank's regulations. For ETC credit cards, which have an overdraft function, the bank will tally the deduction details once daily. Users only need to repay the credit card bill by the due date. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection, meaning electronic toll system. To apply, the vehicle owner must provide original and photocopied valid ID and vehicle registration documents. If applying through an agent, the agent's valid ID and photocopies are also required. The photocopy of the vehicle registration must include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. A bank card for deducting highway tolls is also needed. Applicants must be aged 18 to 60, and the vehicle must be registered under a personal name. Documents required for company vehicles: An introduction letter from the vehicle owner (with official seal); photocopy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); original and photocopied ID of the agent; original vehicle registration document; and the vehicle for which ETC is to be applied. How ETC works: Through an onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield, it communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at toll stations. Using computer networking technology, it settles payments with the bank in the background, allowing vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of queuing and waiting; Green and eco-friendly: Low-carbon, as vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions and pollution; Reduced wear and tear: Saves costs by decreasing the frequency of vehicle starts and stops, reducing wear and fuel consumption; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC more updated, faster, and higher-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.
