What is ETC at highway toll stations?
3 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 multiple ETC lanes. The ETC toll collection method: Through dedicated short-range microwave communication between the onboard 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 and tunnel 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 should include the page with the most recent annual inspection seal; Postal 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 postal outlet to receive and install the ETC onboard device for free, with no additional charges; Be between 18 and 60 years old; Own a vehicle in your personal name. Below are precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the driver's view. It is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many vehicle models have a steeply angled windshield, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it may 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, as it has a solar panel on the back for self-charging. Therefore, avoid installing it on the blacked-out areas of the windshield or positions that may block the solar panel. 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 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. You will then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. When using ETC, note the following: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To prevent the ETC device of the vehicle in front from malfunctioning, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters to avoid automatic sensing and payment for the vehicle ahead. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 km/h. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information, leading to payment failure. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause payment failure.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have used the ETC system countless times on highways. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection, where there's a dedicated lane at toll stations. You install its small device on your windshield, and you don't need to stop to pay with cash or scan WeChat—just drive through, and the fee is automatically deducted. It saves time and effort, reducing wait times by over ten minutes during peak hours, especially making travel with elderly or children much more convenient. My recommended installation method is simple: go to a bank or highway service center to get an ETC card with a sensor, stick it on, and you're set. Usually, be careful not to let the device get damaged by sunlight and keep some money in the account to avoid failed deductions. Now, all highways support ETC. After installation, your trips become smoother, and you avoid the awkwardness of fumbling for your wallet—truly killing multiple birds with one stone.
As a frequent highway commuter, ETC is one of my favorite tools. It refers to the Electronic Toll Collection system, where you simply drive through the ETC lane at toll stations, and the sensor automatically deducts the fee from your card. It's incredibly efficient—I've experienced being three to five times faster during rush hours without queuing, saving both fuel and hassle. The process involves applying for an onboard device, attaching it properly, and linking it to your bank card. After installation, the travel experience improves significantly, unlike the old days of stopping to pay at windows. With the fast pace of modern life, ETC gives me more free time, ensuring I'm never late for work or appointments. I recommend everyone adopt it early to experience the charm of convenient technology.
