What is the high-speed ETC system?
2 Answers
High-speed 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. The ETC charging method involves microwave-dedicated short-range communication between the vehicle-mounted RFID tag installed on the windshield and the microwave antenna on the ETC lane at the toll station. This utilizes networked technology to conduct backend settlement processing with banks, achieving the goal of vehicles passing through toll bridges 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 photocopies of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle license. The photocopy of the driving license must include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Complete a postal credit card application form, which will be used to bind the ETC card. After obtaining the credit card, swipe it twice and present the POS receipt to a designated postal outlet to receive and install the ETC onboard device for free, with no additional charges. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 60. Own a vehicle registered under the applicant's name. Below are precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the driver's view. It is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have windshields with a steep incline, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. Installing the ETC without considering this 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, as it has a solar panel on the back for self-charging. Therefore, avoid installing it on the blackened areas of the windshield or positions that may block the solar panel. Once installed, do not remove it casually: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-tamper lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield will press the lever in. If removed, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. Unlocking requires visiting an ETC service point. This mechanism prevents 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 ahead from malfunctioning, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters to avoid automatic payment for the vehicle ahead. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 km/h; exceeding this speed may result in failed readings and unsuccessful toll deductions. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause payment failures.
I'm particularly fascinated by the highway ETC system. As a car enthusiast, it's essentially electronic toll collection technology used at highway toll stations for automatic payment. You mount that small tag on your car's windshield, and when you approach a toll station, it uses RFID technology to identify and deduct the fee, eliminating the hassle of stopping to queue – it's seriously cool. The principle involves the tag and antenna completing data exchange within seconds, like a wireless conversation. This system isn't just fast; it also reduces traffic congestion since vehicles don't need to stop, which cuts down on emissions too – very eco-friendly. I always recommend fellow car enthusiasts to install it. The cost isn't high, roughly around a hundred yuan, and once you link it to your bank card, you're all set. Many highways are promoting it now, and in the future, it might even integrate with smart navigation upgrades.
