What to Do When Your ETC Card Runs Out of Money on the Highway?
2 Answers
Currently, ETC cards are divided into three types: debit cards, prepaid cards (debit cards), and credit card co-branded toll cards. Among them, ETC debit cards do not have an overdraft function, and sufficient balance is required for passage. In case of insufficient balance, follow the guidance of toll station staff to the MTC or manual lane, and pay the toll via card or cash to proceed. ETC Lane: ETC is an electronic toll collection system without stopping. The ETC dedicated lane (Automatic Vehicle Identification, AVI for short), also known as the Electronic Toll Collection System (ETC system), is specifically designed for ETC vehicles equipped with an onboard unit (OBU) and does not have a manual toll collection platform. About Insufficient Funds in the ETC Lane: When an ETC vehicle enters the ETC lane and the transaction fails, the vehicle owner must comply with the arrangements of the highway management department. If the ETC device cannot be used for the transaction, the owner must use the manual lane to pay by card. If a toll card is collected at the highway entrance, the Jitong card cannot be used for payment at the exit. If the owner collects the toll card normally at the entrance, they must use the MTC lane for payment at the exit. In the highway electronic toll collection system, one Jitong card cannot be used to pay for multiple vehicles. The rule of one card, one vehicle, and one tag must be strictly followed. When passing through a highway toll station, if the balance is insufficient, the owner must pay in cash to proceed. If the ETC lane does not lift the barrier when exiting the highway, and the owner pays manually but also receives an ETC deduction notice, resulting in duplicate charges, the payment receipt should be kept, and the ETC customer service should be contacted for a refund. Important Notes on Toll Passage Methods: Entering and exiting via the ETC lane will not incur charges. Entering and exiting via the manual lane will not incur charges. Entering via the manual lane and exiting via the ETC lane will not lift the barrier due to the lack of entry information, so the manual lane must be chosen. Entering via the ETC lane and exiting via the manual lane allows normal passage without charges. Precautions for Using ETC Cards: Before using ETC at a toll station, ensure the ETC card is properly inserted into the OBU. The card may loosen due to bumps during driving, so regular checks are necessary, and the card should be reinserted if loose. ETC cards are vehicle-specific and cannot be swapped after binding. Before using ETC, check the fee information displayed on the dedicated lane sign. If the balance is insufficient, recharge promptly. If the barrier does not lift in the ETC lane, follow the toll station staff's instructions or switch to the manual lane. If the ETC lane is temporarily closed, use the manual lane for payment. The speed limit in the ETC lane is 20 km/h, and a distance of at least 5 meters from the vehicle ahead should be maintained. If an ETC vehicle collects a toll card in the manual lane, it cannot use the ETC lane at the exit and must use the manual lane.
It's really embarrassing to encounter an empty ETC card balance while driving on the highway. I experienced this myself last time. In a hurry to enter the expressway, I forgot to check the balance and got stopped at the ETC lane, which gave me quite a scare. Fortunately, the staff directed me to the manual lane where I paid in cash and exited smoothly. Since then, I've learned my lesson and now regularly check my ETC balance via mobile or set up automatic top-ups to avoid forgetting. The highway toll system won't block you – there's always a solution. Next time, remember to prepare some cash (around 100 yuan) just in case. If ETC fails, the manual lane can handle it without delaying your trip. I recommend everyone get into the habit of binding the official ETC app for convenient and quick top-ups, which also saves queuing time.
