What to Do If No One Collects the Card When Exiting the Highway?

[ZacharyFitz]

If it is a paper highway toll card, there is no need to return it. You can simply take it home or throw it in the trash. If it is a hard card, it needs to be returned. If no one is there, throw it into the toll window. Do not take it away.

[DeJordan]

I just encountered this situation of no one collecting the toll card when exiting the highway last week, and it was really confusing. It was late at night, and the exit was completely empty. I first slowed down and stopped, turned on the hazard lights to ensure safety, then got out of the car to look around: if there were surveillance cameras or self-service payment machines, I quickly tried them, like ETC or scanning devices, in case I could pay by myself. If there was nothing, don't rush to drive away, otherwise the system might record it as toll evasion, and the fine would be a huge hassle. It's best to call the highway management hotline, like 12122, report the situation, and ask for the proper handling method. Waiting a few minutes is fine, safety comes first. If no one really shows up, keep that toll card carefully, and the next time you enter the highway, inform the staff about the previous incident—most toll stations will let you pay the missed toll. Just don’t lose the card to avoid extra charges. By the way, it’s helpful to note down the name of the entrance station when entering the highway—it can save a lot of trouble in unexpected situations. In short, stay calm and don’t act impulsively.

[MacRiver]

Last time when I exited the highway, no one was there to collect the toll card – it made my palms sweat! As a new driver, this was the first time I encountered such a weird situation. I clumsily parked the car and looked around for the attendant: Is the booth lit? Where’s the self-service payment machine? I tried the small machine nearby, but the QR code payment failed, which made me even more nervous. An experienced driver nearby reminded me not to panic—roll down the window and call out for help. If no one responds, immediately dial 12122, the highway service hotline. The customer service guided me to first record a video of the scene as evidence, then keep the card and wait for further instructions. Later, I learned that this situation usually happens due to system malfunctions or shift changes, and as long as you didn’t intentionally evade the toll, it’s fine. I recommend new drivers install a navigation app with alert features to stay calm in emergencies. Remember, never drive off without resolving the issue—it’s high risk. Check if the lane has an automatic gate that works; if not, stay put and call for help. At most, you’ll waste half an hour, but safety is priceless.

[DeAustin]

Don't panic if there's no one to collect the toll card when exiting the highway. In the auto industry, we often say system malfunctions are common root causes. Park calmly and check: Has the entry station's toll data been uploaded? Is the self-service lane operational? If your ETC device detects a valid card, you'll be allowed to pass. If not, call 12122 to report the time and location, describing the situation on-site. Keep the card and drive away, returning it next time to pay the toll—the system won't record a violation. Potential issues include aging equipment or network outages; avoid risky attempts to evade tolls to prevent additional fines. Keep a logbook in your car to note details of any irregularities for easy follow-up and verification.