What to Do When Your ETC Card Runs Out of Money on the Highway?
4 Answers
Currently, ETC cards are divided into three types: credit cards, debit cards (prepaid cards), and co-branded credit cards for toll payment. Among them, ETC debit cards do not have an overdraft function, so sufficient balance is required for passage. If the balance is insufficient, follow the instructions of the toll station staff to proceed to the MTC or manual lane, where you can pay the toll by swiping your card or using cash. ETC Lane: ETC is an electronic toll collection system that allows vehicles to pass without stopping. The ETC dedicated lane (Automatic Vehicle Identification, AVI), 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 made by the highway management authorities. If the ETC device cannot be used for the transaction, the owner must proceed through the manual lane by swiping the card. If the owner collects a toll card at the highway entrance, they cannot use the Jitong card for payment at the exit. If the owner collects the toll card normally at the entrance, they must proceed through the MTC lane for payment at the exit. In the highway electronic toll collection system, a single 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 display shows insufficient balance, the owner must pay in cash to proceed. If the ETC lane does not lift the barrier when the ETC vehicle exits the highway, and the owner pays through the manual lane, but the ETC system still deducts the fee, resulting in a duplicate charge, the owner should keep the payment receipt and contact the ETC customer service for a refund. Important Notes on Passage Methods: Entering and exiting through the ETC lane will not result in a charge. Entering and exiting through the manual lane will not result in a charge. If entering through the manual lane and attempting to exit through the ETC lane, the barrier will not lift because the system lacks entry information. In this case, the owner must choose the manual lane. Entering through the ETC lane and exiting through the manual lane allows normal passage without a charge. Precautions for Using ETC Cards: Before using the ETC system at a toll station, ensure the ETC card is properly inserted into the OBU. During driving, bumps may loosen the card, so it should be checked and reinserted if necessary. The ETC card must be dedicated to the specific vehicle and cannot be changed arbitrarily after binding. Before using the ETC system, check the fee information displayed on the dedicated lane sign. If the card balance is insufficient, recharge it promptly. If the barrier does not lift when passing through the ETC lane, follow the instructions of the toll station staff or switch to the manual toll lane. If the ETC lane is temporarily closed at a highway toll station, use the manual toll lane for payment. The speed limit in the ETC dedicated lane is 20 km/h, and a distance of at least 5 meters should be maintained from the vehicle ahead. If an ETC vehicle collects a toll card in the manual lane, it cannot use the ETC lane when exiting the highway and must use the manual lane instead.
Last week, I drove to a neighboring city and found out my ETC card had no balance left. Fortunately, I noticed it in time at the toll booth. The toll collector informed me that when the balance is insufficient, I needed to manually pay the fee by swiping the ETC card or using cash. Luckily, I had some spare change on me to cover the cost. Afterward, I quickly topped up my ETC via a mobile app to avoid future hassles. Actually, this kind of issue is quite common, especially during long trips when the card balance can easily run out. It's a good habit to check your ETC balance at least once a week using the app and set up a reminder to avoid reaching a zero balance unexpectedly. Additionally, there are always staff at highway exits to assist, so it won’t affect your passage—just stay calm and handle it step by step. Safety is the top priority.
That day, while on a road trip with friends, it was quite embarrassing when my ETC card ran out of money halfway! At the toll station, the staff reminded me of insufficient balance and required manual payment. I promptly used WeChat Pay to cover the cash portion and got through. Afterward, I immediately opened my mobile banking app to top up my ETC account. Thinking back, I was a bit worried, but the whole process was quickly resolved without delaying the trip. Next time before heading out, I'll check the card balance, bring some spare cash, or ensure the app's top-up channel is smooth to avoid any panic affecting my driving mood. On the highway, things are simple—don't overcomplicate it; just find a service point for an easy solution.
I've driven on many highways and know how the ETC system works. When the balance in your card falls below a certain amount, the toll booth will alert you to pay manually. Don't worry, this is quite common. After stopping, the toll attendant will help you swipe the card for cash or mobile payment to pass through smoothly, ensuring traffic flow isn't blocked—safety comes first. Afterwards, remember to top up your ETC card promptly to avoid fines and future hassles. Develop a habit of regular checks and use an app to set reminders for better expense control and peace of mind.
