ETC can be applied for either offline or online. For offline application, users can bring their ID card, vehicle license, and other documents to a bank branch or an ETC service station on the highway to apply. After the application is completed, staff will assist in installing and activating the ETC device on the vehicle. For online application, users can apply via mobile banking apps, Alipay, or WeChat. Once the ETC device is received, users need to install and activate it themselves before it can be used normally. Note that the device should not be activated before installation is complete. Additionally, once the ETC is pasted, it should not be removed, as this will require reactivation. For example, if you apply for ETC at a bank, you can drive your car there, and bank staff will record the owner's information, install, and activate the device. Afterward, simply insert the card to use it normally. ETC is an electronic toll collection system, also known as an automatic road toll system. It is a road toll method specifically designed for toll roads, commonly found on highways, toll bridges or tunnels, and certain urban roads to alleviate traffic congestion. ETC Deduction Principle: Highways have one or more ETC lanes. Through microwave short-range communication between the vehicle's electronic tag (installed on the windshield) and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane, the system uses computer networking technology to settle payments with the bank. This allows vehicles to pass toll stations without stopping, based on the principle of "pass first, deduct later." Benefits of Installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues. Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions by allowing vehicles to pass toll stations without stopping. Cost-saving: Reduces wear and tear and fuel consumption by minimizing frequent starts and stops. Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically improve traffic flow by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council's "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" explicitly states the goal of "achieving interoperability of transportation cards in key city clusters by 2020 and significantly increasing the proportion of vehicles using ETC." It also sets a target of "50% ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles by 2020." Future possibilities: In addition to improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage, future efforts will promote ETC use for trucks and explore deeper integration of ETC systems with vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-to-infrastructure coordination, providing comprehensive travel services for vehicle owners. This means more application scenarios will support ETC. ETC Usage Notes: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. If the vehicle in front stops, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters to avoid automatic payment for the wrong vehicle due to a faulty or missing ETC device. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 km/h. Driving too fast may prevent the system from reading the vehicle's device information, leading to payment failure. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, or a loose or detached ETC electronic tag, will render the tag invalid. It can be taken to the bank or highway service office for inspection. If the detachment is not due to human error, reactivation is sufficient. Using a debit card with insufficient balance may also cause payment failure. Follow the guidance of on-site staff to use manual MTC lanes and pay with cash or cards. Thick or modified windshields, especially after accidents or repairs, may cause poor ETC signal reception.
