Is ETC Mandatory on Highways?

[Candice]

ETC is not mandatory. Vehicles without ETC can use manual lanes. According to Article 19 of the "Notice on Vigorously Promoting the Development and Application of ETC on Highways" issued by the State Council, starting from 2020, vehicles without ETC will not enjoy toll discounts. In the future, only one manual lane will remain at highway toll stations, and tolls can only be paid through manual lanes. Additionally, newly installed ETC devices cannot be used on highways immediately; they must be activated first. During free holiday periods, highways can still be used. For users who have already installed ETC, passing through ETC lanes will not incur charges. ETC Billing Principle: Highways will have one or more ETC lanes. Through dedicated short-range microwave communication between the onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, computer networking technology is used to settle accounts with banks in the background. This achieves the goal of vehicles not needing to stop at toll stations to pay bridge and road fees, all based on the principle of passing first and deducting fees later. Benefits of Installing ETC: Save Time: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and Eco-Friendly: Green and low-carbon, vehicles passing through toll stations without stopping can reduce noise and exhaust emissions, minimizing pollution; Reduce Wear and Tear: Saves costs, reduces the frequency of vehicle starts and brakes, lowering wear and fuel consumption; Improve Efficiency: The efficiency of passing through ETC lanes can theoretically increase 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. More Policy Support: The State Council clearly stated in the "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" that "by 2020, the interoperability of transportation cards in key city clusters will be basically achieved, and the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC will significantly increase." It also explicitly set the goal in the main indicators of the "13th Five-Year" comprehensive transportation development plan to "achieve a 50% ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles by 2020." More Future Possibilities: In addition to continuously improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage and the usage rate of ETC passenger vehicles, the future will also promote the use of ETC for trucks and explore the deep integration of the ETC system with smart transportation development directions such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-road coordination. This will provide car owners with comprehensive travel services, meaning more application scenarios will support ETC applications.

[JosieLee]

Using ETC on highways is not mandatory. Many highway exits still have manual toll lanes where you can pay with cash or by scanning a QR code. But honestly, as a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I strongly recommend getting an ETC—it saves time and effort. ETC lanes have shorter queues, allowing you to pass through in just one or two seconds, especially during peak holiday traffic. You also get some toll discounts. I tested it myself: a ¥10 toll became ¥8.5 with ETC, and over time, the savings add up. The device isn’t expensive, installation is simple, and you can set it up at a bank or online—just top up the balance and you’re good to go. Of course, occasional issues like low battery or signal interference might force you to switch to manual lanes, but just check your card balance in advance. It’s still better than getting stuck at a toll booth, and it reduces environmental pollution since idling cars emit more pollutants.

[DeAyla]

From a technical perspective, ETC operates based on RFID technology, where the OBU in the vehicle connects with the RSU at the toll station for direct fee deduction, ensuring high efficiency and accuracy. I understand that this automatic payment method can avoid human errors or change issues, making it particularly safe and reliable during heavy rain or at night. Compared to manual lanes, ETC reduces vehicle stops, with actual measurements showing an average passing time 10 times faster. Currently, the promotion of ETC on highways is a trend, with many new toll stations prioritizing dedicated lanes. Although not mandatory, not using ETC in the long run may mean missing out on convenience. It is recommended that vehicle owners regularly maintain their devices, ensure they are securely fixed, and contact customer service for software upgrades if issues arise.

[OAlana]

Using ETC on highways is not mandatory, but the key lies in driving safety: it allows for toll payment without stopping, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions or sudden braking, especially on slippery roads or in poor visibility conditions. I've personally noticed that long queues at manual toll lanes can easily distract drivers, whereas ETC maintains smooth driving. While regulations encourage its use without enforcement, it's advisable to carry cash as a backup. New drivers, in particular, should learn to install the app to monitor bills, preventing any abnormal fee deduction issues.