What does the Highway ETC Card mean?
2 Answers
Highway ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) translates to electronic toll collection, which is a non-stop toll collection system. On highways, there will be one or more ETC lanes. ETC Toll Collection Method: Through microwave-specific short-range communication between the RFID tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, the system uses networked technology to conduct background settlement processing with the bank, thereby achieving the purpose of vehicles paying tolls without stopping when passing through bridge and road toll stations. Banks install this type of ETC express card with a post-payment system. ETC application conditions are as follows: Provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID and vehicle license. The photocopy of the driving license should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Credit card application form, which will be used to bind the ETC card. After obtaining the credit card, swipe it twice and present the POS slip to the designated outlet to receive and install the ETC on-board device for free, with no charges during the process. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old. Own a vehicle registered under personal name. Below are 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 ETC installation does not consider this, it will increase the driver's blind spot. Install it on the right side behind the rearview mirror to avoid blocking the view. Do not affect 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 blackened areas on the windshield and positions that might block the solar panel. Once installed, do not remove it arbitrarily: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal rod connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield will press the anti-removal rod in. If removed arbitrarily, the rod will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable, requiring a visit to an ETC service point for unlocking. 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 to avoid automatic sensing and paying for the vehicle ahead. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour; driving too fast may fail to read the vehicle's device information, resulting in failed toll deduction. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance will also lead to failed toll deduction.
Last time I was on a long drive, I heard about this on the radio. The ETC card is the one you insert into that little box in your car, right? When you pass through highway toll stations, you don’t need to stop—it automatically scans and deducts the fee, which is a lifesaver during heavy traffic. The card works with the OBU device attached to your windshield and can be linked to either a bank card or a prepaid card. Nowadays, many banks offer it for free, saving you the hassle of handling cash and even giving a 5% discount. However, I’ve heard some drivers forget to top up and end up blacklisted, having to reverse at toll stations—super embarrassing. Also, be careful not to knock the device out of place when washing your car; poor signal could mean the barrier won’t lift, and that’s trouble. I recommend checking your bill every month to avoid duplicate charges—after all, when it comes to money, it’s better to be cautious.
