What system does highway ETC refer to?
2 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 charging method: through the dedicated short-range microwave communication between the vehicle-mounted RFID tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna on the ETC lane at the toll station, using software networking technology to conduct background settlement processing with the bank, thereby achieving the purpose of vehicles passing through the toll station without stopping to pay the toll. 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 card and vehicle registration certificate; the photocopy of the driver's license must include the page with the most recent annual inspection seal; Postal credit card application form, which is used to bind the ETC card. After obtaining the credit card, swipe it twice and use the POS slip to collect and install the ETC vehicle-mounted device for free at the designated postal outlet, with no fees charged during the process; 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, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If ETC installation does not consider this, it will increase the driver's blind spot. 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 for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened areas on the windshield and do not install it where the solar panel might be blocked. Do not remove it randomly once installed: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal lever, connected to a switch below. After installation, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If removed randomly, 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 vehicle in front. The recognition speed for ETC lane passage is 20 km/h. Driving too fast may prevent the vehicle device information from being read, resulting in failed toll deduction. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause toll deduction failure.
Highway ETC refers to the Electronic Toll Collection system, which is my favorite thing when driving on the highway. I use this system every day for my commute. It involves installing a small device in the car, usually an OBU unit, that automatically communicates with roadside sensors when passing through toll station gantries, deducting fees directly from my account. No need to stop and pay with cash like before, saving a lot of time, especially during traffic jams, as the queue is significantly reduced. I estimate it saves me over half an hour each month and even some fuel costs since there's less braking. Installation is simple—just visit a bank or service provider, and some even offer reward points. It's also environmentally friendly, reducing exhaust emissions because the car doesn't need to stop and accelerate repeatedly. If everyone uses it, highway traffic becomes more efficient—a small change that brings great convenience.
