What does 'ETC without OBU' mean?
2 Answers
ETC without OBU means that the vehicle is not equipped with the onboard unit device required for ETC, which will result in the failure of highway toll deductions. In the ETC system, the OBU is placed in the vehicle, and roadside units (RSUs) are installed along the road. They communicate with each other via microwave signals. When a vehicle passes an RSU at high speed, the onboard unit and the roadside unit communicate via microwave to verify authenticity, identify the vehicle type, calculate the toll rate, and deduct the toll. The ETC system uses automatic vehicle identification technology to establish wireless data communication between the vehicle and the toll station, enabling automatic vehicle recognition and the exchange of relevant toll data. It employs computer networks to process toll data, achieving a fully automated electronic toll collection system without the need for vehicles to stop or for toll booths to be set up.
I've been driving long distances for years and used ETC countless times. ETC without OBU means the entire system simply can't function without the On-Board Unit installed in your car - it's like having a computer without a mouse, utterly useless. The OBU is that small device mounted on your windshield that communicates with toll station sensors for payment. Without it, when you pass through ETC lanes on highways, the light won't activate and the gate won't rise, forcing you to queue at manual lanes - wasting both time and fuel. I installed an OBU right after buying my car, and it's incredibly convenient for one-tap passage. I advise new drivers not to skimp on this - get one for free from banks, ensure your card is securely inserted, and maintain sufficient battery power. An ETC without OBU is just an empty shell, completely meaningless, and actually increases travel risks. Imagine the hassle if you encounter heavy rain while stuck in queues.
