Is ETC unnecessary if I don't drive on highways?
2 Answers
ETC is unnecessary if you don't drive on highways. ETC, or Electronic Toll Collection, is a system that enables vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping. It uses onboard equipment to identify vehicles, record information, and automatically deduct the corresponding funds from a pre-bound IC card or bank card. ETC is a road toll method specifically designed for toll roads, commonly found on highways, bridges or tunnels with toll policies, and certain sections of urban centers to alleviate traffic congestion. To unbind a vehicle from an ETC card: Bring the vehicle owner's ID card, vehicle registration certificate, ETC card, and OBU device to an ETC service center for removal, then use the removal certificate issued by the ETC service center to terminate the contract at the contracted bank.
I used to only drive in the city, commuting to work without ever taking the highway, so I thought installing an ETC was unnecessary. But last year, when I went on a trip to a neighboring city with friends, I had to wait in line for half an hour to pay the toll on the highway—it was so annoying! Later, I took someone’s advice and installed an ETC. Now, when I occasionally travel, the process is smooth, and I even save a bit on fuel costs with the discounts. Actually, some parking lots in the city also support ETC payments, making entry and exit much more convenient. Installing one doesn’t cost anything, and there are plenty of official promotions. What if you need it in the future? Better to be prepared than caught off guard. For people like me who are used to staying in the city, I’d suggest evaluating your travel habits first. If you don’t use the highway much in a year, there’s no rush to install one. But considering the convenience, it’s still worth thinking about.
