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.

[RuthMarie]

ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection, with its core being an automated highway tolling method. A small device called an OBU is installed in the vehicle, which emits signals to communicate with roadside equipment, completing transactions instantly. The experience is incredibly smooth: drive into the dedicated ETC lane, pass through without stopping, and the screen shows a successful deduction. The benefits go beyond saving time—each trip on the highway saves a few minutes on average. More importantly, it's safer, as manual tolling often involves sudden braking and disputes, which ETC eliminates. Economically, it's also cost-effective, with toll fees usually discounted, and the accumulated savings are more than enough for a cup of coffee. The installation process is straightforward: first, apply online or at a service point to get the card and device; then, stick the OBU to the inside of the windshield, and you're done in minutes. As a car owner, I rely on it heavily—it makes long-distance trips or business travel incredibly hassle-free. Looking ahead, ETC may integrate with in-car networks, upgrading to cover more transportation services. This technology represents progress in smart living.

[LeGrace]

The highway ETC is an electronic toll collection system that automatically deducts fees through wireless technology. Vehicles are equipped with an OBU device, which interacts with antennas at toll stations, eliminating the need to stop. I really appreciate its convenience: no need to take out cash or queue when driving on highways, as it only takes a few seconds to pass through. The safety benefits are obvious, reducing rear-end collisions because there's no need to stop. It's also economically advantageous, as there are often discounts on toll fees. Installation is easy—just bring your documents to a service center to apply for an OBU and stick it on the windshield. Once activated, the OBU can be used continuously for several years. I think it has many advantages over cash payment and is suitable for people who frequently hit the road. Now the government is promoting it, with high popularity and a stable, reliable system.

[LaEmma]

I was a bit worried when I first installed ETC, but fell in love with it after trying it. It's an electronic toll collection system, with ETC being the abbreviation for the automatic deduction method. The installation process isn't complicated: first, apply for an OBU device online or at a service point, submit your ID and vehicle documents; then stick it to the rear of the front windshield, connect the power interface, and activate it in minutes. When using it, drive into the ETC lane, the system detects the OBU and deducts the toll automatically. The biggest advantage is saving time, avoiding long queues at toll stations; it also significantly improves safety by eliminating sudden stops to pay cash, which can cause accidents. There's also a cost-saving benefit, like my 5% discount. The OBU battery lasts for years without issue. As a driver, I recommend everyone to try it, especially if you frequently drive on highways. ETC technology is evolving and may simplify more processes in the future.