Is it useful to apply for ETC if I don't often use highways?
4 Answers
Applying for ETC is still useful even if you don't often use highways. Because ETC is free to apply, and after installation, your vehicle can enjoy a 5% discount when passing through toll stations. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues; Green and eco-friendly: Promotes low-carbon travel, as vehicles can pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions, thereby decreasing pollution; Reduced wear and tear: Saves costs, decreases the frequency of vehicle starts and brakes, lowers wear and fuel consumption, and users can also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees; Improved efficiency: The efficiency of passing through ETC lanes can theoretically increase by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC more updated, faster, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. ETC installation locations: For small vehicles like cars and minivans, the ETC card and OBU device are installed in the upper middle part of the front windshield. For large vehicles like trucks and buses, the installation location is in the middle-lower part. ETC installation requirements: The height should be no less than 1.2 meters and no higher than 2.5 meters; the installation angle N should be between 30º and 90º (the angle between the surface of the electronic tag and the horizontal plane).
As a small business owner who mainly delivers goods within the city and rarely uses highways, I still got an ETC last year and found it quite worthwhile. The reason is simple: in case of emergencies requiring highway use, like cross-city deliveries, ETC saves a lot of time by eliminating queues and change hassles. The bank offered discounts during installation—free setup plus toll fee discounts—and I've accumulated many points now. Although the device isn't used much, it's affordable, compact, and doesn’t affect the vehicle. I’ve also heard that some big-city parking lots now support ETC payments, making things much more convenient. So for non-highway users, there might be some extra cost, but the convenience and preventive benefits are quite practical.
As an office worker who commutes daily without using highways, I still find the ETC quite practical. The main considerations were the bank partnership promotions—free installation at the time and discounted toll fees, which helped save some expenses. Occasionally, when traveling or going on business trips and taking the highway, it eliminates the hassle of manual payments, saving time and reducing fatigue. The device is compact when mounted on the car and requires minimal maintenance. Even for city driving, it’s convenient if parking lots support ETC. Overall, the application process was quick and low-cost, making it a handy backup for those who don’t frequently use highways.
As a family car user who mainly drives in the city to take kids to and from school and rarely uses highways, I still got an ETC. The reason was the bank discounts during installation, which saved money and effort. It comes in handy occasionally during trips on highways, saving queuing time. The device is small but useful, and I don't regret it. For those who don't use highways, getting an ETC might seem unnecessary, but it prepares you for any unexpected future needs.
