What is the ETC system on highways?

[JayceFitz]

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 microwave short-range communication between the on-board RFID tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna on the ETC lane at the toll station, the system uses network technology to perform back-end 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. The conditions for applying for ETC are as follows: Provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. The photocopy of the driving license must 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 use the POS receipt to collect and install the ETC on-board device for free at designated postal outlets. No fees are charged during this process; Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old; 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 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 affect 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 that can charge itself. Therefore, during installation, avoid the black 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-removal lever connected to a switch. After the electronic tag is installed, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If it is removed arbitrarily, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. You will need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. 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 recognition speed for ETC lane passage is 20 kilometers per hour. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read, resulting in failed toll deduction. When using a debit card to bind ETC, insufficient balance will also cause toll deduction failure.

[Aurora]

The highway ETC is the Electronic Toll Collection system, which allows us to drive through toll stations without stopping to pay in cash. The OBU device is installed in the vehicle and communicates automatically with the roadside gantry antennas via radio frequency signals to complete the fee deduction. I find this system incredibly practical, especially during holiday traffic jams, as it saves a lot of time and avoids the hassle of queuing. It also adds to safety by reducing the risk of rear-end collisions since there's no need to brake suddenly to pay. Additionally, it's environmentally friendly, as vehicles don't need to stop, saving fuel and reducing emissions. Applying for ETC is simple—just bring your ID card, driver's license, and bank card to a bank or service center, and the OBU is installed on the front windshield. After using it for several years, I've found it also has economic benefits, such as frequent 5% discounts. In the long run, ETC technology is integrating more smart features, like possibly supporting parking fee payments in the future. Overall, as an intelligent travel tool, it makes highway driving easier and more efficient.