What does the highway toll ETC mean?
3 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 passing through bridge toll stations without stopping to pay tolls. 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 card and vehicle registration certificate. The photocopy of the driver's license must include the page with the most recent annual inspection seal. Credit card application form. This credit card is 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 onboard device for free, with no additional charges. Must be between 18 and 60 years old. Must own a vehicle under personal name. Below 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 inclination angle of the windshield, resulting in a smaller driver's field of vision. If ETC installation does not consider this, 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 for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened areas on the windshield and positions that may block the solar panel. Once installed, do not remove it arbitrarily: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If removed arbitrarily, the lever 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 from the vehicle in front to avoid automatic sensing and paying for the vehicle ahead. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour. Excessive speed may prevent reading the vehicle device information, leading to failed toll deduction. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause toll deduction failure.
Highway toll ETC is the Electronic Toll Collection system, which I often use when driving on highways. It means you don't have to stop to pay at toll stations. The device automatically scans the tag on your car to deduct the fee, saving you from queuing time—it's a lifesaver especially during peak holiday periods. Installation is simple: just get a card and an OBU unit from a bank or service point and stick it on your windshield. The benefits are numerous: it reduces traffic congestion, saves fuel, and some provinces even offer a 5% discount, saving you dozens of yuan on a long trip. Occasionally, the device might freeze and require manual card swiping, but overall it's reliable. I recommend it for friends who frequently drive on highways—it boosts efficiency and is eco-friendly. Remember to periodically check the tag position to avoid blocking the signal.
Essentially, ETC utilizes RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to achieve automatic toll collection. Vehicles are equipped with a small device called OBU (On-Board Unit), while toll stations have RSU (Roadside Unit) equipment. The two communicate via microwave signals to complete instant fee deduction. With some technical background, I find this design highly efficient and impressive. Compared to manual toll collection, it reduces friction and lowers traffic congestion rates, even enabling dynamic pricing when integrated with GPS. During installation, ensuring proper OBU alignment is crucial to avoid signal interference. The actual user experience is smooth and comfortable, though occasional incorrect deductions require contacting customer service for verification. With ongoing upgrades incorporating license plate recognition for enhanced accuracy, it may eventually replace cash-based toll models. Overall, ETC represents an innovative milestone in intelligent transportation systems.
