Italy was the first country in the world to introduce the ETC system, and it is used in various countries such as the United States and Singapore. However, even those who come to Japan from countries where the ETC system has been introduced may feel uneasy about going through the Japanese ETC system if they are using Japanese expressways for the first time. Therefore, this article will explain how to pay the toll on Japanese expressways, how to check the ETC usage fee, and the advantages of the ETC system.
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What is the ETC system?
ETC system is an abbreviation for “Electronic Toll Collection System. The service was launched in 2001 to reduce traffic jam on expressways, increase convenience through the cashless system, and reduce administrative costs. To use the ETC system, ETC card is required. Once the ETC card is inserted into the ETC system on-board unit, it is possible to pay the toll without having to stop the car at expressway toll gates. Due in part to the ETC discount offered by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the usage rate will be approximately 92% by 2020. ETC cards are usually linked to credit cards, however, there is also an “ETC Personal Card” that can be used even if you do not have a credit card. This is issued jointly by the National Expressway Corporation of Japan.
How to pay tolls on highways?
There are 3 ways to pay your toll on the highway. They are ETC card, cash, and credit card. Let’s take a closer look at each payment method.
1. ETC Card
ETC card is an IC card used to pay tolls when using the ETC system. ETC cards are issued by credit card companies, as well as by expressway companies which is called as “ETC personal cards” and “ETC corporate cards” Since ETC corporate cards are designed for corporations that use them frequently, individuals mainly use ETC cards. ETC cards can be created even by foreign nationals. However, there are some conditions that must be met so check the official website of your credit card company or highway company when you create one. There are 2 ways to pay the toll using an ETC card.
● If there is an ETC system on-board unit
If you have an ETC system on-board unit, insert the ETC card into the unit. By inserting the ETC card into the unit, the lane server controlling the ETC gate communicates with the ETC on-board unit via the antenna when passing through the ETC lane, and the fare is instantly calculated and settled. Therefore, at toll gates, simply slow down to pass, the bar will open, and you can pass through. When entering the ETC toll gate, slow down to 20 km/h or less so that you can stop safely at any time. Even in the ETC lanes, it is possible that the car in front of you may stop due to some malfunction, so you should keep a sufficient distance from the car in front of you. The fare is displayed in front of your right side of the gate and also audibly guided, but no receipt is issued at that time.
● Without ETC on-board unit
If you do not have an on-board unit with ETC card, proceed as usual, enter the general lane at the entrance, stop once and take a ticket. Then, at the exit, enter the general lane with the attendant and stop once, and tell the attendant that you want to pay with your ETC card. The payment is made at the toll gate, and you can pass through. However, if you do not have an ETC on-board unit, you will not be eligible for the ETC discount. This is because the condition for the ETC discount is that you must drive wirelessly in the ETC lanes.
2. Cash
At the entrance gate, enter the general lane, stop, and take a ticket. At the exit, also enter the general lane and stop, hand the ticket to the attendant, who will tell you how much you will be charged, and give the cash amount. If there is a fare machine, follow the voice instructions and insert the ticket into the machine. Then, the bar will open and you can pass through.
3. Credit Card
Expressway tolls can be paid with regular credit cards. The following credit cards are accepted; JCB, Nicos Card, VISA, Master Card, American Express, Diners Club, according to Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited.
At the entrance gate, enter the general lane and take a ticket. At the exit, if an attendant is present, hand the ticket and credit card to the attendant. After payment is handled, receive your credit card and receipt to complete your payment. If a payment machine is available, follow the voice prompts to insert your ticket, your credit card, and if a receipt is required, press the issue receipt button to receive it. The bar will then open and you may pass through.
4. Electronic money and QR codes are NOT accepted
At current highway toll booths, electronic money and QR codes are not accepted at all. When traveling on the expressway, be prepared to pay with cash, credit card, or ETC card.
How to check your ETC fee statement
When paying with an ETC on-board unit, no receipt or statement is issued, and only an audible and electronic billboard is used to inform you of the fee. So, what should you do if you want to check your statement in detail? There are 3 ways to check your statement.
1. The Highway Toll Search Service
This is a service that allows you to check the tolls by specifying the section you want to use. The service allows you to check the tolls before and after you use the expressway. This is convenient because it allows you to check the express toll before and after you use the service. There are 3 main expressway toll search services.
NEXCO Central Japan “Drive Compass”
NEXCO West Japan “Expressway Toll & Route Search”
2. ETC Usage Inquiry Service
After using an expressway, you can check the charges from your ETC card history. To use the ETC usage inquiry service, you must first register on the website. At the time of registration, the following items are required;
● ETC card number
● Email address
● Date of previous use
● Vehicle number
● ETC on-board unit control number
After completing the registration, log in with the user ID and password specified at the time of registration to confirm the information. You can check your usage certificates and statements for the past 15 months and output them if necessary.
3. ETC usage history issuing printer
The service reads the usage history of the ETC card and issues a statement of use. They are installed in service areas and parking areas on expressways. Just insert your ETC card, scan it, and print it out.
The advantages of using the ETC system on Japan’s highways
Here we will tell you about 4 advantages of using the ETC system on Japan’s expressways.
1. Smooth passage through ETC lanes
In the ETC lanes, payment will automatically be done by radio, the vehicle can pass through smoothly the toll gate without having to stop. This is an advantage. However, the speed limit for passing through the ETC gates is 20 km/h or less, and the car in front of you may stop, so be careful not to drive too fast and keep a safe distance between cars.
2. Smart IC is available
Smart IC (interchange) is located in service areas, parking areas, or between existing interchanges. This is a system only for ETC systems and you can use entrances and exits which allows you to use the expressway more conveniently.
3. Earn points for ETC mileage
ETC Mileage is a service that allows you to earn points. The service requires no registration fee or annual fee. Once you register the service, accumulated points can be used to pay tolls.
4. ETC discount will be applied
ETC discounts include the following;
● Weekday morning and evening discounts
Morning 6:00-9:00, Evening 5:00-8:00
30%-50% cash back (except Tokyo and Osaka suburbs)
● Holiday Discount
Weekends and holidays
30% discount
● Late night discount
Every day from midnight to 4:00 a.m.
30% discount
● large-lot and high-frequency travelers
10-30% discount per month with ETC Corporate Card
With an ETC card, you can pay expressway tolls smoothly and economically!
The above explains how to pay the tolls on Japan’s expressways and how to check the charges for using the ETC system. Even if you do not use the expressways very often, having an ETC card tied to your regular credit card will allow you to use the expressways at a discount when the need arises. If you plan to use expressways in Japan, please take this opportunity to create an ETC card. Read and use the knowledge from this article to make comfortable use of Japan’s expressways. Enjoy Driving!
