Is it okay to reverse at a highway toll gate if the ETC doesn't work?
4 Answers
Reversing at a highway toll gate when the ETC doesn't work is not considered a traffic violation. The toll station is not considered part of the highway, so reversing is allowed. However, when reversing, you need to ensure the surroundings are safe. If it is safe, you can reverse out of the ETC lane and re-enter the manual toll lane to queue. ETC Usage Precautions: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. If the vehicle in front is stopped, to prevent issues such as the front vehicle's ETC device malfunctioning or not having an ETC device at all, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters to avoid automatic payment for the front vehicle. 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 payment failure. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, or if the ETC electronic tag becomes loose or detached, may cause the tag to deactivate. In such cases, you can take it to the bank where the ETC card was issued or a highway service center 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 payment failure. Follow the instructions of on-site staff to use the manual MTC lane and pay via cash or card. Thick car windshields may cause poor signal reception. This is especially important for vehicles that have had their windshields replaced after accidents or modified front windshields.
Last time I was driving on the highway, my ETC suddenly couldn't be read, and I was so anxious that I wanted to reverse to find another spot to try again. But with heavy traffic and high speeds on the highway, reversing is extremely dangerous! I once witnessed a similar situation where a car behind couldn't brake in time when someone reversed, almost causing a rear-end collision. Thinking about it now still scares me—safety first, never impulsively reverse. If the ETC gets stuck, it's best to stop the car safely, turn on the hazard lights, and wave for a toll attendant to switch to a manual lane. Also, make sure to regularly check your ETC device, such as ensuring the card isn't damaged and the account has enough funds, to avoid unnecessary hassle. High-speed driving is full of blind spots and sudden braking—reversing can trigger a major accident. Safety comes first.
I've noticed many people tend to reverse when their ETC fails to scan, which is quite a serious issue. Legally speaking, reversing at highway toll stations is absolutely prohibited and can result in fines or even penalty points; if you accidentally hit another vehicle or pedestrian, the consequences are even more severe. In practical terms, don't panic—first check what error the ETC light shows. If it's due to insufficient balance, wait and top up; if it's a device malfunction, switch to a manual lane for assistance. I once advised a friend who got into trouble for reversing in a service area and was fined 200 yuan. It's better to park and call emergency services or signal for staff help. Reversing is not only dangerous but also time-consuming, and if mishandled, it can block traffic and anger others.
As a tech enthusiast, I often pay attention to why ETC devices fail. It might be due to a loose antenna or a drained battery causing the device to not scan properly. Reversing won't solve the problem; instead, the vibration could worsen the damage to the components. From a preventive standpoint, I recommend checking the OBU device's functionality once a month, such as testing if it can sense normally; don't risk reversing on the highway, as there are too many cars and it's easy to get scratched. If you're really stuck, just roll down the window and ask the toll collector for help—they have the experience to quickly resolve the issue. Repair costs are high, but safety is the most important.
