Is it okay not to apply for a highway ETC card?
3 Answers
It is okay not to apply for a highway ETC card. Although the country strongly supports the use of ETC lanes for highway access, it is not currently mandatory for vehicle owners to use ETC. It is merely recommended, so taking the highway does not require using the ETC lane. How ETC works: Through the onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield, specialized short-range communication is established with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station. This utilizes computer networking technology to process backend settlements with banks, allowing vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping while still paying the required fees. Benefits of installing ETC: Saves time: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: Promotes green and low-carbon travel. Vehicles passing through toll stations without stopping reduce noise and exhaust emissions, thereby minimizing pollution; Reduces wear and tear: Saves costs by decreasing the frequency of vehicle starts and brakes, lowering wear and fuel consumption. Users also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees; Improves efficiency: Theoretical vehicle throughput in ETC lanes can increase by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC systems more updated, faster, and more high-tech.
I think it's perfectly fine not to apply for a highway ETC card, but it depends on your driving frequency and habits. I've been driving on highways for several years and didn't get one at first—just using cash payments was fine. The manual lanes are always open, and there's no mandatory requirement to use ETC. However, this method is a bit troublesome, especially during peak hours in the morning and evening, where you might have to queue for about ten minutes, wasting time and increasing fuel consumption. If you only drive on highways occasionally, like once or twice a year, whether you apply for ETC or not makes little difference—just bring some cash or prepare a mobile payment QR code. But if you drive frequently, I recommend getting one. ETC has dedicated lanes for faster passage and often offers a 5% discount, which can save you some fuel costs. Nowadays, many banks offer free ETC applications, the process is simple, and it supports app management, making it quite hassle-free. In short, not applying isn't a problem, but you should consider the efficiency loss. After trying both methods myself, I still recommend getting one.
Personally, I think it's fine not to get an ETC card, but you have to do the math. I'm quite meticulous with my finances and have crunched the numbers: the manual toll lanes on highways cost a bit more, and without those small ETC discounts, paying an extra few bucks each time might seem trivial, but it adds up. I drive on highways three times a month, and the savings alone could buy me coffee. The ETC card itself is free to apply for, but it requires linking to a bank account for automatic payments. If you don’t frequently use highways, it’s really not worth the hassle. Plus, some toll stations now accept WeChat or Alipay QR code payments, so you can manage without an ETC card—just make sure to have the payment app ready to avoid traffic jams and frustration. The key point is that ETC isn’t mandatory by policy, so you have the freedom to choose. From a cost-saving perspective, I’d suggest holding off if you only drive occasionally, but if you frequently use highways, it’s worth getting for the convenience and savings. I’ve tried manual payments for a while—it works but can be tedious—so it’s best to plan based on your own travel habits.
