Is ETC mandatory to apply for?
4 Answers
ETC is not mandatory to apply for. The Chinese government advocates for the application of ETC but does not enforce it, leaving it to the voluntary decision of vehicle owners. ETC, which stands for Electronic Toll Collection, is one of the service functions of the Intelligent Transportation System, particularly suitable for use on highways or in busy bridge and tunnel environments. Currently, there are dedicated ETC toll lanes at highway toll stations. Through dedicated short-range communication between the onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, the system utilizes computer networking technology to conduct backend settlement processing with banks. This enables vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay the tolls.
I've been driving for over a decade and never thought ETC was necessary before, believing manual cash payment would suffice. But one holiday when stuck on the highway for two hours without moving, watching ETC-equipped cars zoom past, I immediately decided to get one. The process was simple: banks install the device for free, link it to your bank card for automatic deductions—no need to stop or roll down windows, saving both money and time. Highway tolls are discounted by 5%, saving hundreds a year. You can manage without it, but inconveniences multiply: fewer manual lanes, long queues, and the awkwardness of lacking exact change. Especially in rain or scorching heat, rolling down windows to pay is miserable. Now with ETC widely adopted, many parking lots are starting to use it too. Honestly, while not legally mandatory, its practicality is undeniable—it makes life much easier. I highly recommend frequent highway drivers give it a try.
From a tech enthusiast's perspective, I must say the ETC system is ingeniously designed. It enables seamless payment via onboard devices, allowing zero-wait passage through toll stations and eliminating congestion and delays from traditional toll collection. Installation is hassle-free – just scan a QR code to bind with the App, completing the entire process self-service. Without ETC, you'd have to stop for manual payment, wasting 3-5 minutes each time, which gets frustrating during peak hours. ETC also offers security advantages with encrypted data to prevent fraud, making it safer than cash. Promoted by the government for years, it comes with many benefits like free devices and discounted fees. I've calculated the investment is almost negligible with high long-term returns. However, if you only drive in urban areas without touching highways, it's optional. But I believe modern life values efficiency – ETC is becoming standard equipment, and keeping up with trends is crucial.
As a regular long-distance driver, ETC is almost a must-have for me. You can still use highways without it, but manual toll lanes are becoming increasingly scarce, and queuing each time wastes both fuel and time—it's just not cost-effective. Getting an ETC only requires a small device, which banks or online services install for free, with transparent fee deductions. If you only use it occasionally, it might not matter, but for someone like me who travels weekly for work, ETC saves half an hour per trip and offers a 5% discount. Not having one comes with many downsides: forgetting cash means you can only scan QR codes, and machine malfunctions lead to longer waits. Although policies don’t enforce it, promotion efforts are strong, and more toll stations may prioritize ETC lanes in the future. My personal advice: get one as a precaution—it’s a small thing that brings big convenience.
