Is the ETC camera on the highway for speed detection and fines?
3 Answers
Highway ETC toll cameras are not for speed detection; they are part of a new gantry-based segmented tolling model, where both ETC and manual payment vehicles are charged based on their actual travel path. The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To avoid mistakenly paying for the vehicle in front due to its ETC device malfunction or absence, maintain a distance of over 10 meters from the vehicle ahead. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, or if the ETC electronic tag falls off or becomes loose, can render the tag ineffective. In such cases, it can be taken to the bank where the ETC card was issued or to the highway service office for inspection. If the loosening or detachment is not due to human interference, reactivation is usually sufficient. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance can lead to payment failure. In such scenarios, follow the guidance of on-site staff to use the manual MTC lane, paying via cash or card.
On the highway, ETC cameras are not primarily used for speed enforcement and fines. They are actually part of the electronic toll collection system, designed to scan the onboard OBU devices for toll calculation. Having driven for so many years, I've seen plenty of cameras on ETC gantries, which mainly record vehicle information for automatic toll deduction rather than speed detection. Real speed measurement is handled by separate equipment, such as the radar speed guns or checkpoint cameras along the highway, specifically targeting speeding violations. Occasionally, ETC cameras may assist with traffic monitoring, but their core function is toll management, eliminating the need for queuing to pay. If you have an ETC card, the system deducts fees accurately, and the cameras are mainly there to prevent fraud. Many people misunderstand the role of ETC cameras—when driving on the highway, there's no need to worry about being fined for speeding by them unless you improperly enter an ETC lane. Regularly checking your OBU device can help avoid misjudgments and ensure smooth travel.
I often drive on highways, and those cameras in the ETC lanes are not for speed detection—they are primarily for toll collection. The system uses cameras to read your license plate or OBU (On-Board Unit) to automatically deduct fees, eliminating the need for manual queues. Speed enforcement devices are typically speed cameras mounted on the side or overhead of highways, specifically designed to detect speeding violations. Some sections may integrate these devices, but the core function of ETC cameras is toll calculation. I’ve also noticed that such cameras help reduce traffic congestion, improve efficiency, and indirectly enhance safety. Accidentally entering an ETC lane while driving may trigger a camera record, but you won’t be fined just for driving fast. Remember to distinguish between the two systems: ETC is for convenient toll collection, while speed cameras are for safety regulation. For safety, adhering to speed limits is always the golden rule.
