What is ETC on the highway?
2 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 more ETC lanes. ETC payment method: Through the microwave-specific short-range communication between the vehicle-mounted RFID tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna on the toll station's ETC lane, the system uses internet technology to perform 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 "pass first, pay later" approach. ETC application conditions are as follows: Provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle license. The photocopy of the driver's license should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. 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 a designated postal outlet to receive and install the ETC onboard device for free, with no charges incurred during the process. Be between 18 and 60 years old. Own a vehicle registered under your name. Here 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 highly inclined windshield, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it can increase the driver's blind spots. Install it on the right side behind the interior 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 blackened areas of the windshield or in positions where the solar panel might be obstructed. Once installed, do not remove it casually: 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 casually, 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. Notes 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 ahead to avoid automatic sensing and paying for the preceding vehicle. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 km/h. Driving too fast may prevent the system from reading the vehicle's device information, leading to payment failure. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause payment failure.
I've been driving on the highway for business trips, and this ETC is my favorite equipment. It's the Electronic Toll Collection system, a small device installed in the car that allows automatic fee deduction when passing through toll stations without stopping to pay, which is extremely convenient. It saves a lot of time especially during long queues on highways, and is a lifesaver during holidays. The principle is that the device emits a signal, the toll station antenna recognizes it and directly deducts the fee from your linked bank card, with fast speed and few errors. Installation is simple, just get the device for free at a bank or highway service point, stick it on the front windshield and activate it. Daily maintenance is stress-free, the battery can last for years, and if it breaks, just replace the card and it's ready to use. I recommend everyone to install one, not only for safe driving but also to save a lot on fuel and time, making the overall driving experience much smoother.
