Should I apply for ETC now?
4 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.
I find getting an ETC incredibly cost-effective, especially from a savings perspective. With national policy support, ETC users often enjoy a 5% discount – saving a few bucks per highway trip adds up to hundreds annually over dozens of trips. It’s far more convenient than manual toll lanes, which get jammed during peak hours, while ETC lanes are usually queue-free for smooth passage. Most devices are free through bank promotions—just install and fix it in your car. My last setup took only 30 minutes, with transparent post-use deductions via WeChat or bank card and easy bill tracking. The whole process is simple, maintenance is hassle-free, and mine has been faultless for 2-3 years. Highly recommend getting one early—it’s both convenient and economical.
As a young car owner, I believe getting an ETC is the trend of the times. Nowadays, various regions are promoting intelligent transportation, and ETC has become a standard feature. It may become even more widespread or even mandatory in the future, so it's better to get it early and adapt to it. The benefits are obvious: convenient travel, reduced queuing time, and environmental friendliness due to less idling and fuel consumption. During installation, you can visit a service point or apply for the device online through a bank—the process is quick with no technical difficulties. After linking your account, automatic toll collection is convenient and eliminates cash risks. Moreover, ETC is compatible with most vehicle models, whether new or old. In short, going with the trend and getting one will improve your quality of life.
