Is ETC Required for Free Toll During Holidays?
3 Answers
During legally designated free holidays, passing through highway toll stations is free for all vehicles, regardless of whether they have ETC or not. How ETC Works: 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, coupled with computer networking technology for backend settlement processing with banks, ETC enables vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay fees. Benefits of Installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues; Green and eco-friendly: Promotes green and low-carbon travel by reducing noise and exhaust emissions as vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping; Cost reduction: Saves on expenses by minimizing vehicle acceleration and braking frequency, thereby reducing wear and fuel consumption. Users also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees; Improved efficiency: Theoretically, ETC lanes can increase vehicle passing efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster, more advanced, and high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.
I often drive on highways, and the toll-free policy during holidays is open to all small cars, even those without ETC devices. All passenger vehicles with 7 seats or fewer are completely exempt from tolls during holidays like the Spring Festival or National Day. However, cars without ETC must use the manual lanes, which may involve longer queues and extra time. I tried it last year—my old car didn’t have ETC, but it still passed the toll station for free, with the staff directly letting me through. Having ETC offers significant benefits: it automatically identifies toll exemptions, avoids congestion, and enhances safety. I recommend checking the policy in advance—details are available on the Ministry of Transport’s official website—and ensuring your car is in good condition to avoid trouble. Overall, not having ETC doesn’t affect the toll exemption, but installing ETC is a convenient and cost-saving choice in the long run. During peak holiday times, it’s best to leave early to avoid traffic. Regular maintenance of car lights and the battery is also crucial, as encountering issues during holiday trips can be troublesome.
When I first bought my car, I hesitated about installing an ETC. The holiday free-toll policy indeed covers all small passenger vehicles, and non-ETC cars also enjoy the exemption. Once during a holiday trip without the device, I took the manual lane and still passed smoothly, just with a longer queue. A friend who drives mentioned that ETC lanes are faster without delays, while manual lanes without the device are slower due to more traffic. I later installed an ETC and found it worthwhile—saving hassle and time. The policy states that holiday exemptions apply to all eligible vehicles, regardless of ETC status, but details like peak-hour vehicle restrictions or construction zones may vary. Checking the app for updated road conditions before traveling adds an extra layer of safety. Families with children prioritize smooth passage, opting for fast lanes to minimize fuss.
