Missed ETC toll payments on highways can be settled later. Generally, after the first failed deduction, the staff will send a text message to the vehicle owner to remind them of the failed payment and attempt another deduction within the next 2-3 days. If both deductions fail, the ETC account will be considered overdue, and normal passage through highway ETC lanes will be restricted. For postpaid users signed with a bank, you can directly go to the bank counter to pay the outstanding toll. For prepaid users or bank-signed prepaid users, you can recharge at an ETC service center to restore the whitelist status. Normally, normal passage will resume after 48 hours. In future use, ensure that your bank card or ETC account has sufficient balance to cover ETC toll fees. Methods for settling missed payments: If you passed the station without paying, promptly find staff at the manual toll lane to settle the payment. You can make a secondary payment by swiping a card or paying in cash. If you have already left the toll station, the previous toll can be deducted together during your next exit. Call the ETC customer service hotline for assistance. Consequences of not settling payments: The system will flag the vehicle for toll evasion, adding the vehicle's ETC to a blacklist. The vehicle will be barred from all national highways and charged the maximum distance toll. According to the "Guidance on Financial Services Supporting Toll Road System Reform" issued by the People's Bank of China and the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, ETC arrears exceeding 30 days will be reported to credit bureaus. If the ETC is linked to a credit card, even a one-day delay can affect personal credit. Precautions for using ETC cards: Before using ETC at a toll station, ensure the ETC card is correctly inserted into the OBU. Driving vibrations may loosen the card, so check regularly and reinsert if necessary. ETC cards are vehicle-specific and cannot be swapped after binding. Before using ETC, check the toll information displayed on the dedicated lane sign. Recharge promptly if the balance is insufficient. If the barrier does not lift when passing through an ETC lane, follow the instructions of toll station staff or switch to a manual toll lane. If the ETC lane is temporarily closed, use the manual toll lane for payment. The speed limit for ETC lanes is 20 km/h, and maintain a distance of at least 5 meters from the vehicle ahead. If an ETC vehicle collects a toll card at a manual lane, it must exit via a manual lane, not an ETC lane.
