What is highway ETC?
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 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 perform background settlement processing with the bank. This achieves the purpose of vehicles passing through bridge and road 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. Fill out a bank debit card application form, which will be used to bind the ETC card. After obtaining the card, you can go to a designated bank branch to receive and install the ETC onboard device for free, with no additional charges. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old and own a personal vehicle. Required documents for company vehicles: An introduction letter from the vehicle owner (with official seal); photocopy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); original ID of the agent; original vehicle registration certificate; the vehicle that needs ETC. Precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the view. It is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have a steeply angled windshield, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If ETC installation does not consider this, it may increase blind spots. Install it on the right side behind the rearview mirror to avoid blocking 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. Do not remove it arbitrarily once installed: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-tamper lever connected to a switch. Once the electronic tag is installed, the windshield will press the anti-tamper 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.
I've been commuting on highways and am very familiar with ETC, which stands for Electronic Toll Collection. Simply put, it's a small OBU device installed on your car's windshield. When you drive through a toll station, it automatically communicates with roadside equipment to deduct the fee in a flash, eliminating the need to stop and queue. I used to get stuck at toll booths for ages, but after installing ETC, I save over 20 minutes on my commute. Plus, there's a 10% discount on toll fees, saving me around a hundred bucks on gas each month. Installation is a breeze—just fill out a form at the bank to get the device for free, insert the card, and you're good to go. Since ETC was introduced, highway congestion has dropped by more than half, which is great for the environment because cars aren't idling and wasting fuel. I recommend new drivers install it early—don't wait until you're stuck at a toll booth in frustration. Always check your card balance to avoid failed transactions that could disrupt your trip. ETC now covers the entire national highway network—it's truly a must-have for travel.
