What does ETC at the highway entrance mean?
2 Answers
Highway ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) translates to electronic toll collection, which is a non-stop toll collection system. Highways are equipped with one or more ETC lanes. ETC payment method: Through the dedicated short-range microwave communication between the vehicle's windshield-mounted RFID tag and the microwave antenna on the ETC lane at the toll station, the system uses networked technology to conduct background settlement processing with the bank. This allows vehicles to pass through bridge and road toll stations without stopping to pay tolls. Banks issue this type of ETC express card on a post-payment basis. ETC application requirements are as follows: Provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID and vehicle registration certificate. The photocopy of the driver's license must include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Fill out a bank debit card application form, which will be used to bind the ETC card. After receiving the card, you can go to a designated bank branch to install the ETC onboard unit for free, with no additional charges. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old and own a vehicle registered under their name. Documents required for company vehicles: An introduction letter from the vehicle owner (with official seal); photocopy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); original ID of the agent; original vehicle registration certificate; and the vehicle that needs ETC. Precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the driver's view. It is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have a steeply angled windshield, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. Installing the ETC without considering this may increase blind spots. Install it on the right side behind the rearview mirror to avoid blocking the view. Do not interfere with charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not require charging or battery replacement, as it has a solar panel on the back for self-charging. Therefore, avoid installing it on the blackened areas of the windshield or where the solar panel might be blocked. Do not remove it once installed: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-tamper rod connected to a switch. Once installed, the windshield presses the rod in. If removed, the rod pops out, triggering the switch and locking the electronic tag, rendering it unusable. You would then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This mechanism prevents multiple vehicles from sharing one device.
I've been driving on highways for many years, and ETC is essentially an electronic toll collection system that allows you to pass through toll stations without stopping to pay. It's incredibly convenient—just install an OBU device in your car and link it to your bank card in advance. As soon as you approach an ETC lane, the toll station's equipment automatically senses and deducts the fee, eliminating any need to queue. Before ETC, waiting half an hour during peak hours was common, but now you can pass through in just a second, saving time and reducing accidents. I highly recommend getting one, especially for long trips, to avoid restless kids waiting in the car. The installation process is simple—just apply online or visit a bank to get it set up. ETC also accumulates mileage discounts, making it even more cost-effective by saving on fuel expenses. In short, it's a must-have for modern travel—once you use it, you won’t want to go back to the cash era.
