What documents are needed to apply for ETC for a vehicle not under one's name?
3 Answers
According to the "Implementation Plan for Accelerating the Application Service of Electronic Toll Collection on Highways" issued by the Ministry of Transport, the following documents are required: the original valid ID card of the vehicle owner, the original and a copy of the vehicle registration certificate (the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp must be provided). If applying on behalf of someone else, the original valid ID card of the agent is also required. If applying for ETC through major bank branches, a debit or credit card from the corresponding bank must be prepared. Some banks only support ETC binding with credit cards, while others may require freezing a certain amount as a deposit when binding ETC with a debit card. ETC Deduction Principle: There will be one or more ETC lanes on highways. Through microwave dedicated short-range communication between the vehicle's electronic tag installed on the windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, computer networking technology is used for backend settlement with the bank, achieving the goal of vehicles not needing to stop at toll stations to pay tolls. All of 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: Low-carbon, as vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions and minimizing pollution; Cost-saving: Reduces vehicle start-up and braking frequency, lowering wear and fuel consumption. Users can also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees; Improved efficiency: The efficiency of ETC lanes can theoretically increase 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 city clusters will be basically achieved, and the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC will significantly increase." It also set a target in the main indicators of the "13th Five-Year" comprehensive transportation development: "By 2020, the ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles should reach 50%." More future possibilities: In addition to continuously improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage and the ETC usage rate for passenger vehicles, the future will also promote the use of ETC for trucks and explore the deep integration of the ETC system with vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-road coordination, and other smart transportation development directions, providing comprehensive travel services for vehicle owners. This means more application scenarios will support ETC applications. ETC Usage Notes: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. When the vehicle in front stops, to prevent the ETC device of the front vehicle from malfunctioning or not having an ETC device at all, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters to avoid automatic sensing and paying for the front vehicle. The recognition speed for ETC lanes is 20 km/h. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read, leading to deduction failure. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, or detachment or loosening of the ETC electronic tag, will cause the electronic tag to fail. It can be sent to the bank where the ETC card was issued or the highway service office for testing. If the detachment or loosening is not man-made, it only needs to be reactivated. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause deduction failure. Follow the guidance of on-site staff to use the manual MTC lane and pass by paying cash or swiping a card. A windshield that is too thick may cause poor sensing. This is especially important for vehicles that have had their windshields replaced after accidents or for those who have modified their front windshields.
Last week, I just helped a friend apply for an ETC for his car. As someone who drives frequently, I’d like to share some insights. You need to bring the original and a copy of the car owner’s ID card since the car isn’t mine. Also, don’t forget the original and a copy of my own ID card. The original and a copy of the vehicle registration certificate are required to prove the car’s legality. Most importantly, you’ll need a signed authorization letter from the owner, indicating their consent for me to handle the process. I downloaded the template from the official ETC service website and filled it out. During the application, my bank card details were required to link the ETC for automatic toll deductions, making future payments hassle-free. I recommend visiting an expressway ETC service center or a partnered bank branch, and it’s wise to call ahead to confirm details, such as whether the owner’s phone number is needed for verification. The whole process took about half an hour. After installing the device, the toll savings have been great, and highway travel is much smoother, especially during trips—totally worth the effort. Just remember, don’t skimp on the authorization letter; the signature must be authentic.
Hey, helping your relative apply for an ETC for a non-personal vehicle? I've done it for my neighbor before. Required documents: the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's ID card, don't forget their signature; plus your own ID photocopy; the original and photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate; and a power of attorney with the owner's handwritten consent. I've done it by uploading digital copies on the app, which was quite convenient. After installing the ETC, you get discounts on highway tolls—real savings. It's best to bring all documents to the bank to get it done in one go. Reminder: bring a bank card to link for automatic toll deductions. The whole process takes less than 20 minutes—no issues if you have all the documents. Apply early to enjoy the convenience and avoid queuing, which can ruin your mood.
