Should I Install ETC?

[DiKaylee]

You can apply for and install an ETC device. According to the State Council's regulations, vehicles without ETC installed by 2020 will not enjoy toll discounts. In the future, only one manual lane will be retained at highway toll stations, and tolls can only be paid through manual lanes. Additionally, newly installed ETC devices cannot be used on highways immediately; they must be activated first. During holiday free-toll periods, vehicles with ETC can still use the highways. For users who have already installed ETC, passing through ETC lanes will not incur charges. ETC Deduction Principles: There will be one or more ETC lanes on highways. Through microwave dedicated short-range communication between the vehicle-mounted electronic tag installed on the windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, the computer network technology is used to settle accounts with the bank in the background, achieving the purpose of paying tolls without stopping at the toll station. All this is based on the principle of passing first and deducting fees later. Benefits of Installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: Green and low-carbon, vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions, thereby decreasing pollution; Reduced wear: Saves costs, reduces the frequency of vehicle starts and brakes, lowering wear and fuel consumption; Improved efficiency: The theoretical efficiency of ETC lanes can be increased 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. More policy support: The State Council clearly stated in the "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" that "by 2020, the interoperability of transportation cards in key urban clusters will be basically achieved, and the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC will be significantly increased." It also explicitly set the goal of "achieving a 50% ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles by 2020" in the main indicators of comprehensive transportation development during the "13th Five-Year Plan" period. More future possibilities: In addition to continuously improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage and the usage rate of ETC passenger vehicles, the future will also promote the use of ETC for trucks and explore the deep integration of the ETC system with the development directions of smart transportation such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-road coordination, providing comprehensive travel services for car owners. This means more application scenarios will support ETC applications.

[MakaylaLynn]

So, you're asking whether to install ETC? As a frequent driver, I strongly recommend getting one! ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection system. Installed on your windshield, it lets you pass through toll stations without stopping, saving both time and fuel. Imagine during holiday travels when toll booths are jam-packed—ETC users zip right through. I often save half an hour this way. Financially, it’s a win too, offering toll discounts that can save you hundreds annually. Installation is easy—just visit a bank or highway service point, where the device is often free or cheap. Safety-wise, it reduces congestion and lowers accident risks. Maintenance is minimal, but avoid exposing the OBU device to direct sunlight or blocking its signal. Nowadays, nearly all highways support ETC—not having one feels outdated. My advice? Get it sooner rather than later; daily commutes become way more convenient.