What to do if ETC fee is not paid when exiting the highway?

[VonSara]

It is recommended to return to the highway exit as soon as possible to pay the fee and return the highway toll card. Below is relevant information about highway ETC: ETC (Electronic-Toll-Collection), translated in Chinese as electronic toll collection, is an automatic toll system for highways or bridges. It uses dedicated short-range communication between the onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station. By leveraging computer networking technology and bank backend settlement processing, it enables vehicles to pay highway or bridge tolls without stopping when passing through toll stations. Toll rates: Class 1 vehicle: 0.50 yuan, Class 2 vehicle: 1.00 yuan, Class 3 vehicle: 1.50 yuan, Class 4 vehicle: 1.80 yuan.

[OMarcus]

I've encountered a similar situation before. That time when driving on the highway, the ETC didn't deduct the fee, possibly due to device sensing failure or insufficient account balance. After exiting the highway, I immediately checked my account using the official ETC app on my phone and found an unpaid record. I simply made the payment through the app, and the whole process took less than five minutes. If you don't have the app, you can take the manual lane at the toll station next time and explain the situation to the staff to make the payment; they're usually very cooperative. If left unpaid for too long, the highway system will record the unpaid data and may charge a small late fee or restrict your next ETC use. To prevent similar issues, I now regularly check my ETC card binding and set up automatic top-ups through WeChat or Alipay to ensure there's money in the account. Before traveling, it's best to check if the device's light is working properly to avoid getting stuck at the toll gate, blocking others and affecting traffic efficiency.

[McValeria]

After my last highway trip, the ETC failed to deduct the fee, which puzzled me. Upon checking, I found the device's battery was aging, causing weak signals. Quickly, I used the ETC App to check for any unpaid fees and made the payment, supporting online payment methods like WeChat. If left unaddressed, the system automatically records the unpaid fees, and you'll be reminded of the outstanding payment the next time you enter the highway. In such cases, you won't be able to use the ETC lane and will have to make a manual payment, which is not only troublesome but also incurs additional costs. It's advisable to regularly test the sensitivity of your ETC device and replace the card or reactivate the account if necessary. Additionally, since highway sections are managed under a networked system, accumulated unpaid fees could lead to being listed in bad records, affecting personal credit. Prompt action through the App can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems.

[ODiana]

Forgot to pay ETC fee at highway exit? Don't worry. Log in to your ETC official app account to check for unpaid fees, and make online payment if any records show up. Alternatively, you can pay the overdue amount at a manual toll booth during your next highway trip. Early settlement incurs no extra charges. I always remind myself to check my account balance or verify payment method binding before highway trips. Prolonged non-payment may lead to suspension of ETC lane access, requiring reactivation at customer service centers. Remembering this small routine saves time and hassle.