What documents are needed to install ETC and where to apply?
2 Answers
ETC can be processed at bank branches or highway service areas. The application requires the original and photocopies of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle license. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent's valid ID card must also be provided. The photocopy of the vehicle license must include the page with the latest annual inspection stamp. A Postal Savings credit card application form is required, which will be used to bind the ETC card. After obtaining the credit card, swipe it twice and present the POS receipt to the designated Postal Savings outlet to receive and install the ETC on-board device for free, with no charges incurred during the process. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old and own a vehicle in their name. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection, meaning an electronic toll system. The application requires the original and photocopies of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle license. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent's valid ID card must also be provided. The photocopy of the vehicle license must include the page with the latest annual inspection stamp. A bank card for deducting highway toll fees is also required. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old and own a vehicle in their name. Here are the precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have a large rearward tilt angle of the windshield, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it will increase the driver's blind spots. Install it on the right side behind the rearview mirror to avoid obstructing the view. Do not interfere with charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not require charging or battery replacement because it has a solar panel on the back that can charge itself. Therefore, during installation, avoid the black areas on the windshield and do not place it where the solar panel might be easily blocked. Do not remove it arbitrarily once installed: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal lever connected to a switch. After the electronic tag is installed, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If it is removed arbitrarily, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. You will then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. Precautions for using ETC: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To prevent the ETC device of the vehicle in front from malfunctioning, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle in front to avoid automatic toll payment for the preceding vehicle. The recognition speed for ETC lanes is 20 kilometers per hour. Driving too fast may prevent the vehicle's device information from being read, leading to toll deduction failure. When using a debit card to bind ETC, insufficient balance will also cause toll deduction failure.
Installing an ETC is really not difficult. I drove straight to the bank, where they have a dedicated counter to help you with the process. As for documents, you need to bring your ID card and the original vehicle registration certificate, along with a bank card for payment binding. I used a China Construction Bank card for deduction, which was very convenient. Remember to make a copy of your documents as a backup. The bank staff will check your vehicle information to ensure everything matches. Besides banks, some ETC service centers also offer installation services. I later found out that there are service points at highway toll station rest areas. If it's crowded on weekends, making an appointment in advance can save time. After installing the ETC, highway trips became much easier with less time spent in queues. Monthly deductions are transparent, eliminating the hassle of cash change. During regular maintenance, you can also check the device to prevent unexpected malfunctions—after all, safe driving is the top priority. Since I installed mine, long-distance trips have become much smoother. A little effort goes a long way in bringing great convenience—it's totally worth it.
