Will crossing the line trigger a photo when using ETC on the highway?
4 Answers
ETC is a dedicated system for highway toll calculation and payment, and currently does not have traffic management and law enforcement monitoring functions, so it does not capture vehicle violations. ETC refers to the Electronic Toll Collection system. It is currently the most advanced toll collection method for roads and bridges in the world. Relevant information about ETC is as follows: 1. Introduction: ETC is an electronic toll collection system for highways or bridges that allows for automatic tolling without stopping. 2. Working principle: The working principle of ETC involves dedicated short-range communication between the vehicle-mounted ETC electronic tag installed on the vehicle and the ETC microwave antenna in the toll station lane. It uses computer networking technology to process background settlements with banks, achieving the purpose of vehicles passing through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay tolls.
I just encountered this issue the other day on the highway. Driving over the line in the ETC lane will definitely get you photographed, and in most cases, it results in a 3-point deduction and a 200-yuan fine. The cameras at toll stations serve dual purposes: they identify ETC vehicles and capture traffic violations. Once, I accidentally drove over the guide line and later found the violation record on the 12123 app. Now, I always slow down in advance when approaching toll stations to keep my vehicle centered in the lane. If the car in front suddenly slows down, don’t rush to change lanes—wait a few more seconds instead. Remember, never cross the solid white line areas; getting caught is almost certain. It’s better to follow the rules on the highway—it’s safer and hassle-free.
It depends on the specific situation. Typically, the camera system in ETC lanes not only handles toll collection but also automatically captures violations like crossing solid lines. A friend of mine in Shandong Expressway received a 200-yuan fine and penalty points for crossing a guide line. However, it's not guaranteed that every violation will be captured—for example, during late-night low-traffic periods or when equipment is under maintenance, the cameras might not trigger. The safest approach is to develop good habits: slow down to below 40 km/h within 300 meters of the toll station, keep your vehicle centered in the lane, and make only slight steering adjustments. If you do get caught, don’t panic—you can check the violation record on the 12123 app within 7 days. In short, don’t take chances; driving carefully is always the safest bet.
As a veteran truck driver who's been hauling freight for years, I've seen countless cases of drivers getting fined for crossing lines. ETC cameras are extremely sensitive - if you touch the guide lines or solid lines, there's a 90% chance you'll get caught. Last year, my driving partner got photographed on the Shanghai-Kunming Expressway and spent three days dealing with the fine and penalty points. Here are three tips for entering/exiting: slow down to 30 km/h at least 200 meters in advance, avoid making sharp steering wheel turns, and maintain following distance to prevent sudden braking or lane changes. If you do get photographed, remember to handle the violation promptly - accumulating over 5 expressway violations may affect your insurance discounts. Safe driving is paramount - don't risk it just to save a few seconds.
