What is ETC on highways?
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 dedicated short-range microwave communication between the vehicle-mounted RFID tag installed on the windshield and the microwave antenna on the ETC lane at the toll station, using software networking 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 and vehicle registration certificate. The photocopy of the driver's license should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp; Postal credit card application form, which is used to bind the ETC card. After obtaining the credit card, swipe it twice and present the POS slip to receive and install the ETC onboard device for free at designated postal outlets, with no additional charges; Must be between 18 and 60 years old; Must own a vehicle in 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 rear windshield angle, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, 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, as it has a solar panel on the back that can charge itself. Therefore, avoid installing it on the blackened 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, 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 in front; The recognition speed for ETC lane passage is 20 kilometers per hour. Excessive speed may prevent reading vehicle device information, leading to failed toll deduction; When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause failed toll deduction.
As a driver who frequently travels on highways, I have experienced the great convenience brought by ETC. It is an electronic toll collection system where a small device called an ETC tag is installed in the car. When passing through toll stations, it automatically scans and deducts the fee without stopping. In the past, every time I passed a toll station, I had to queue up to pay, wasting time and fuel. Now, with a quick beep, I pass through effortlessly, saving a lot of hassle. The installation process is simple—just go to the bank to apply for an ETC card, and they provide the device for free. It only takes a few minutes to set up. The time saved on long trips can be spent with family or handling work, making life feel more relaxed. Most importantly, during peak hours, traffic flows smoothly, reducing the risk of accidents and making driving much safer. I recommend all car owners install ETC—it's a must-have for highway travel.
As an automotive technology enthusiast, I really appreciate the design principles of ETC. It utilizes radio wave communication between the onboard OBU unit in vehicles and toll station equipment, enabling the automatic billing system to operate seamlessly with remarkable efficiency and reliability. The core technology resembles RFID tag recognition, where license plates are linked to ETC cards for contactless deduction throughout the process, achieving lightning-fast transit speeds of just 2 seconds per pass. Compared to manual toll collection, ETC significantly enhances efficiency, reduces congestion, and supports nationwide network connectivity, making long-distance driving much smoother. This digital innovation has optimized the entire highway network, benefiting all users with its cutting-edge technological appeal.
