Where to Apply for ETC for Light Trucks?
3 Answers
There are three methods to apply for ETC for light trucks: through banks, Alipay, or WeChat. Vehicle owners can bring materials such as the vehicle license, ID card, and vehicle registration certificate to the branches of commercial banks and apply at the bank counter; they can also follow the ETC Assistant official account on Alipay, click on 'One-Click Application' to apply for ETC for free; similarly, they can follow the ETC Assistant official account on WeChat and click 'Apply' to apply for free. Where can ETC be installed: For small vehicles such as cars and minivans, the OBU device should be installed on the upper middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles like trucks and buses, it should be installed on the lower middle part. ETC installation position requirements: the height should not be less than 1.2 meters or more than 2.5 meters; the installation angle N should be between 30º and 90º (the angle between the surface of the electronic tag and the horizontal plane).
Last time I went to apply for an ETC for my light truck, I had to visit several places. The most convenient option was to go directly to a bank branch. Major banks like ICBC and China Construction Bank generally offer free ETC services—just bring your vehicle license, ID card, and bank card. Alipay also has an ETC service portal; you can find it by searching ‘ETC application,’ but after binding your bank card, you’ll need to wait for the device to be mailed. The ETC service centers near highway toll stations are another option—they offer on-site installation, but you might have to queue. If you go through a logistics company partner point, the device can often be activated immediately, saving you the hassle. Before heading out, it’s a good idea to call ahead and check if they have devices in stock to avoid a wasted trip. By the way, you can also book an appointment via WeChat Mini Programs, which is ideal for those short on time.
There are now multiple channels to apply for a light truck ETC, with banks being the most mainstream option. Simply bring your vehicle and owner's documents, and the application can be completed at the counter in about ten minutes. Alipay and WeChat also offer online applications, but you'll need to install the device yourself. I usually recommend customers to visit highway service area outlets, where technicians handle on-site installation and testing in one go—though it requires a special trip, it's hassle-free. Some large logistics parks also have authorized points, making it super convenient to apply while loading or unloading goods. Nowadays, some bank apps even support mail-in self-installation. It really depends on personal preference, but the key is to confirm the device works before activation.
