Is ETC the Only Way to Access Highways?

[Deanna]

ETC is not the only option; vehicles without ETC can use manual lanes. According to State Council regulations, starting from 2020, vehicles without ETC will not enjoy toll discounts. In the future, highways will retain only one manual lane, requiring drivers to pay tolls manually. Additionally, newly installed ETC devices cannot be used immediately on highways; they must be activated first. During holiday free-toll periods, all vehicles can access highways. For ETC users, passing through ETC lanes during these periods will not incur charges. ETC Billing Principle: Highways feature one or more ETC lanes. Using dedicated short-range microwave communication between the vehicle's onboard electronic tag (mounted on the windshield) and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane, the system connects with banking networks via computer technology. This enables vehicles to pay tolls without stopping at toll booths, operating on a "pass first, deduct later" principle. Benefits of Installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues; Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions by minimizing stops at toll booths, contributing to lower pollution; Cost and wear reduction: Saves money by decreasing frequent starts and stops, reducing vehicle wear and fuel consumption. Users also enjoy a 5% discount on tolls; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically process vehicles 2-3 times faster, making traditional ETC systems more advanced and efficient. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council's "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Integrated Transportation System" explicitly states the goal of "achieving interoperability of transportation cards in key city clusters by 2020 and significantly increasing the adoption rate of ETC." It also sets a target of "50% ETC usage rate for passenger vehicles on roads by 2020" in the main indicators of comprehensive transportation development during the 13th Five-Year Plan period. Future possibilities: Beyond improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage rates for passenger vehicles, efforts will be made to promote ETC adoption for trucks. There will also be exploration into deeper integration of ETC systems with vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure coordination, and other smart transportation initiatives, offering comprehensive travel services to vehicle owners. This means more application scenarios will support ETC usage in the future.

[OBentley]

As someone who often drives to work, I've asked this question before. Actually, highway entrances don't just have ETC lanes - manual toll collection lanes are also very common. Even if you don't have an ETC device installed, you can manually stop at the entrance to pay with cash or scan WeChat/Alipay for payment. It's just that ETC lanes are faster - just a quick scan and you're through, saving you from long queues. Nowadays many banks even offer free ETC installation, and you can enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees after installation, which is quite cost-effective. I recommend frequent highway users to get one installed. You can still access highways without it, but waiting in manual lanes during peak hours can be quite annoying.

[PenelopeMarie]

I've been driving for over a decade and can still use highways without ETC. Toll stations usually have both ETC and non-ETC lanes - just take the right-hand manual lane where the toll collector directly processes payment. Before ETC was widely promoted, everyone used to go this way. While it's more convenient now, it's not mandatory. ETC does save time, especially for frequent long-distance travelers who can save half an hour of queuing per day. Occasional non-ETC use isn't a big issue, but it's advisable to check if your onboard card device works properly to avoid malfunctions causing delays. What matters most is highway safety - stay focused while driving.

[TravisFitz]

When I first bought a car, I was also confused about this. At highway entrances, there are clearly marked ETC and non-ETC lanes. Non-ETC vehicles should take the lane on the side, stop to pay the toll, and that's it. The advantage of ETC is faster passage without stopping, plus there's a discount on fees. For someone like me who drives two or three times a week, the tolls have dropped quite a bit after installing it. First-time highway drivers shouldn't be afraid; just follow the signs to find the manual lane and take it slow, no need to rush or speed.