What are the impacts of not installing ETC?
4 Answers
Not installing ETC has no impact, as this configuration is not mandatory for car owners but rather an optional one, allowing them to choose voluntarily. ETC is an electronic toll collection system, also known as an automatic road toll system, specifically designed for toll roads. It is commonly seen on highways, bridges or tunnels with toll policies, and certain sections of urban roads to alleviate traffic congestion. The installation method for ETC is as follows: 1. Remove the double-sided adhesive plastic film on the back of the ETC device and stick it to the upper part of the windshield behind the rearview mirror; 2. Press firmly for about 10 seconds after sticking; 3. Insert the card into the ETC device and then remove it, repeating this process several times to complete the installation.
I always thought driving was about convenience and peace of mind, but not having ETC is really a headache. Every time I take the highway and pass through a toll station, I have to wait in long lines at the manual booths. Sometimes the queue stretches for dozens of meters, adding at least ten extra minutes. During holiday travel rushes, it's pure agony. Without ETC, I also have to pay with cash or scan my phone, and if I'm a bit slow, I might get honked at by the car behind me, which instantly ruins my mood. What's even more regrettable is that many highways now offer ETC discounts, like a 5% reduction on toll fees, which can save a significant amount of money over time. I have a friend who saved over a thousand yuan after getting ETC, and they can zip through dedicated lanes in seconds—safe and efficient. Honestly, installing ETC is quite simple; just apply at a bank or online. Once installed, it genuinely improves the travel experience. I’d advise against cutting corners to save a little money only to suffer bigger losses.
From an economic perspective, not installing an ETC is really not a wise choice. The daily cost of car ownership is already high enough, and toll fees could have been discounted to save money. The ETC system usually offers benefits to users, such as lower toll fees and participation in point-based activities. I've heard that in some places, vehicles without ETC may face additional charges during peak hours or have to pay more in cash handling fees. In terms of time, how much is the wasted time spent queuing to pay worth? On average, five minutes per trip, and ten highway trips a month add up to an extra hour—how inefficient is that? In the long run, ETC can also reduce vehicle maintenance costs because quick passage means fewer stops, saving fuel and reducing wear and tear. The device itself costs just a few dozen yuan, but the savings in money and time far exceed the investment, making this small expense very cost-effective.
Efficiency is my top priority, not installing ETC is just asking for trouble. Highway tolling should be fast by nature, without it you're stuck at manual lanes, taking cards and paying step by step, wasting at least four to five minutes each time. During peak hours or holidays, the queues can stretch even longer, needlessly squandering precious time. ETC is designed for seamless passage—drive through and automatic deduction, effortless and worry-free. I've seen veteran drivers stubbornly refuse to use it, only to have their trips constantly delayed, messing up schedules. Fast lanes also prevent accidental collisions, reducing driving stress. Once installed, it's a whole lot more comfortable.
