Is ETC Required for Free Highway Access During Holidays?
2 Answers
During the free highway period, vehicles entering through the ETC lane and exiting through the ETC lane will not be charged. Similarly, vehicles entering through the manual lane and exiting through the manual lane will also not be charged. However, if a vehicle enters through the manual lane and attempts to exit through the ETC lane, the exit barrier will not lift due to the lack of entry vehicle information, preventing the vehicle from exiting normally. In such cases, the vehicle must exit through the manual lane. The free toll period is determined by the time the vehicle leaves the highway exit toll lane. For ordinary roads, the free period is determined by the time the vehicle passes through the toll booth lane. In other words, if you enter the highway during the toll period and exit during the free period, you will not be charged. Conversely, if you enter during the free period and exit during the toll period, you will be charged. ETC Usage Notes: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To prevent automatic payment for the vehicle in front due to its ETC device malfunction or lack of an ETC device, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters when the vehicle in front is stationary. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 km/h. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information, leading to failed toll deductions. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, or if the ETC electronic tag falls off or becomes loose, will render the tag ineffective. In such cases, the device can be taken to the bank where the ETC card was issued or the highway service office for inspection. If the issue is not due to human interference, reactivation may suffice. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may cause toll deduction failure. Follow the instructions of on-site staff to use the manual MTC lane and pay via cash or card. Poor signal reception may occur if the vehicle's windshield is too thick, especially for vehicles that have had their windshields replaced after an accident or modified.
As a regular car owner who drives frequently, I've encountered similar situations. The holiday free expressway policy mainly applies to private vehicles with fewer than 7 seats, and you can enjoy this benefit whether you have an ETC card or not. I've personally tried it - during Spring Festival travel, I used the manual lane and still passed through for free without any issues. The key is to make sure your vehicle meets the standards and avoid overloading or violations. However, having ETC does make things more convenient, allowing faster entry and exit during peak hours to avoid long queues, plus offering small discounts for daily travel. The free periods are usually during major holidays like Spring Festival and National Day. Remember to check the transportation department's notices before traveling to ensure the policy hasn't changed. In short, you can still enjoy free passage without ETC - don't let it delay your plans. If you really want to upgrade, you can consider installing it later.
