What is the ETC toll collection system 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. The 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 on the ETC lane at the toll station, the system uses internet 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 'pass first, pay later' approach. ETC application requirements are as follows: Provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. The photocopy of the driver's 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 onboard device for free at designated postal outlets. No fees are charged during this process; Be between 18 and 60 years old; Own a vehicle under a 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 rearward tilt angle of the windshield, 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 because it has a solar panel on the back that can charge itself. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened areas on the windshield and do not place it where the solar panel might be blocked. Once installed, do not remove it arbitrarily: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-tamper lever connected to a switch. After 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. When using ETC, note the following: 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 wrong vehicle. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour. Driving too fast may prevent the system from reading the vehicle's device information, leading to failed toll deductions. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause toll deduction failures.
I've been driving on highways for almost ten years, and ETC, the Electronic Toll Collection system, is truly practical. After installing a small device called OBU in the car and linking it to a bank card, the antenna automatically deducts the toll when passing through the dedicated lane at toll stations, eliminating the need to stop for cash or scanning QR codes. The setup is simple—I got it done in just a few minutes at a service station. The benefits are numerous: the dedicated lanes during peak hours are almost never congested, while regular lanes can have queues lasting half an hour; the toll deductions are transparent, with clear records available on the mobile app; and there are even promotions from highway companies, like discounts on toll fees during holidays. After installation, everything feels smoother, with low failure rates—occasionally, if the device runs out of battery, a quick recharge solves the issue. New drivers should definitely give it a try—it saves time and hassle. In the long run, once you get used to ETC, even manual toll payment feels tedious, making highway travel effortless.
As an automotive technology enthusiast, let me explain ETC from a technical perspective. It's a non-stop toll collection solution based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Vehicles are equipped with an On-Board Unit (OBU), while toll stations have Roadside Unit (RSU) antennas. When driving through at high speed, the signal interaction completes toll deduction within seconds, eliminating manual operation errors. The system features compact design and compatibility with various vehicle types. After installation, regular checks for device firmware updates are sufficient. Practical experience proves its advantages: lightning-fast deduction speed and minimal error rates, doubling efficiency compared to traditional payment methods. Pay attention to small details – maintaining stable speed is recommended as excessive distance from the antenna may weaken signals. Overall, it significantly enhances driving experience by reducing congestion wait times and lowering energy consumption. This technology integration into daily life demonstrates great future potential and deserves widespread adoption.
