Should I apply for ETC now?
2 Answers
Choose as needed. If the car frequently runs on highways, applying for ETC is necessary because using ETC can save both time and money. If you don't often drive on highways, there's no need to apply for ETC. The process of applying for ETC is quite troublesome and requires certain equipment costs. Documents required for personal application: The application requires the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and driving license. If it's not the owner who applies, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the driving license should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. A bank card for deducting highway tolls is also needed. The applicant must be aged between 18 and 60, and the car must be under the individual's name. Documents required for company vehicles: An introduction letter from the vehicle owner (with official seal); A photocopy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); The original ID card of the agent; The original driving license of the vehicle; The vehicle that needs to apply for ETC. ETC deduction principle: There will be one or more ETC lanes on the highway. Through the dedicated short-range microwave communication between the vehicle's electronic tag installed on the windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane of the toll station, the computer network technology is used to settle with the bank in the background, achieving the purpose of paying road and bridge tolls without stopping at the toll station. All of this is based on the principle of passing first and deducting fees later. Benefits of installing ETC: Save time: Eliminates the hassle of queuing and waiting; Green and environmentally friendly: Green and low-carbon, vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions and minimizing pollution; Save wear and tear: Saves costs, reduces the frequency of vehicle starts and brakes, and lowers wear and fuel consumption; Improve efficiency: The efficiency of ETC lanes can theoretically be increased by 2-3 times or more, making traditional ETC updates faster and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council clearly stated in the "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" that "by 2020, the interoperability of transportation cards in key urban agglomerations will be basically achieved, and the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC will be significantly increased."
I frequently travel long distances for business, and getting an ETC is a great idea—it saves a ton of time. In the past, I had to queue for over ten minutes at toll stations, but now I just zoom through the ETC lane without any delay. The difference is especially noticeable during peak hours—the time saved makes rush hour much more manageable. Plus, most highways are promoting ETC lanes now, with fewer manual lanes available, so it's only a matter of time before everyone switches. The device isn't expensive to install; some banks offer it for free or at a minimal cost. Once set up, it links to your bank card for automatic deductions, eliminating the hassle of cash transactions and change. You can even earn points redeemable for fuel cards and other perks, making it cost-effective in the long run. My advice? Get it done ASAP—don’t delay. During heavy traffic, ETC spares you the stress of waiting in line and makes your journey smoother.