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Taiwan Electronic Toll Collection 2025: Complete Guide
System: Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) with eTag
Operator: Far Eastern Electronic Toll Collection Company (FETC)
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NT$)
Coverage: National Freeways 1, 3, and 5
Technology: Multi-lane free-flow electronic collection
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Taiwan? 2025 Update
Yes, Taiwan's national freeways require electronic toll payment. Taiwan was the first country to transition from manual tolling to fully electronic, multi-lane free-flow tolling across all its freeways.
Tolled Freeways:
- National Freeway No. 1 - Main north-south highway (west coast)
- National Freeway No. 3 - Second north-south highway (inland route)
- National Freeway No. 5 - Taipei to Yilan (includes Hsuehshan Tunnel)
Free Roads:
- All provincial highways and local roads
- Even-numbered freeways (when built)
- Alternative routes available for all toll sections
Taiwan Toll Costs: Current Rates
Taiwan uses a distance-based electronic toll system with daily calculations and various discount structures.
Current Toll Rates (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Rate Structure | Daily Free Distance | eTag Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars | NT$1.2/km (first 200km) NT$0.9/km (over 200km) |
20km per day | 10% with prepaid account |
| Motorcycles | Same as cars | 20km per day | 10% with prepaid account |
| Buses | Heavy vehicle surcharge applies | 20km per day | 10% with prepaid account |
| Trucks/Trailers | Heavy vehicle surcharge applies | 20km per day | 10% with prepaid account |
Example Journey Costs
| Route | Distance | Cost (without eTag) | Cost (with eTag) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei to Kaohsiung | ~350km | NT$350-390 | NT$315-351 |
| Taipei to Taichung | ~180km | NT$192 | NT$173 |
| Taichung to Tainan | ~150km | NT$156 | NT$140 |
How to Pay Taiwan Tolls
eTag System (Recommended)
Installation Requirements:
- ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) for foreigners
- Vehicle registration document (blue folded card)
- Taiwan ID copy if registering for someone else's vehicle
- Visit FETC service center or authorized dealer
eTag Benefits:
- 10% discount on all toll charges
- Automatic payment through prepaid account or linked credit card
- No stopping required - drive through at normal speeds
- Account management through mobile app or website
Alternative Payment Methods
Prepaid System:
- Purchase prepaid toll credits without eTag installation
- No discount available
- Payment at convenience stores before travel
Pay-by-Mail System:
- License plate recognition captures vehicle information
- Bill sent to vehicle registration address
- 3-day payment window at convenience stores
- 5-day payment window for 10% discount (implemented 6 months after system launch)
- Higher rates if payment delayed
Payment Locations
Recharge Options:
- 7-Eleven convenience stores (iBon machines)
- FamilyMart and other convenience stores
- FETC service centers
- Online through FETC website
- Mobile app payments
- Automatic credit card charging
Recent Changes (2025)
- Enhanced mobile app: Improved account management and payment features
- Expanded eTag acceptance: Integration with parking and other services
- Smart city integration: eTag used for traffic monitoring and urban planning
- Cross-border compatibility: Improved system integration for international visitors
- Environmental initiatives: Toll revenue supporting green transportation projects
Toll Collection Technology
Multi-Lane Free Flow
- Overhead gantries at regular intervals (30-40km apart)
- No toll booths or stopping required
- RFID technology for eTag communication
- License plate recognition for non-eTag vehicles
- Real-time processing with 48-hour billing cycle
System Features
- 94% eTag adoption rate among Taiwan drivers
- 11.4+ billion transactions processed since implementation
- Big data analytics for traffic management
- Traffic flow optimization and congestion reduction
- Journey time savings of 10-20 minutes on major routes
Planning Your Taiwan Journey
Cost Considerations
- Daily free allowance: First 20km per day is free
- Distance-based pricing: Longer journeys benefit from reduced rates after 200km
- eTag savings: 10% discount makes installation worthwhile for regular users
- Alternative routes: Provincial highways available as toll-free options
Travel Tips
- eTag installation: Recommended for stays longer than a few days
- Prepaid accounts: Maintain sufficient balance to avoid payment delays
- Route planning: Consider toll costs vs. time savings for journey planning
- Payment deadlines: Pay within 3 days if using license plate recognition
- Documentation: Keep ARC and vehicle registration for eTag applications
Taiwan vs. Regional Countries
| Country/Region | System Type | Technology | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | Distance-based ETC | Multi-lane free flow | 3 major freeways | First all-electronic system globally |
| Japan | Distance-based tolls | ETC cards/transponders | Extensive highway network | Higher toll rates, similar technology |
| South Korea | Distance-based tolls | Hi-Pass electronic system | Major expressways | Similar ETC implementation |
| Hong Kong | Various systems | Electronic Road Pricing | Tunnels and bridges | Mixed manual/electronic |
| Singapore | Electronic Road Pricing | Congestion charging | Central business district | Focus on congestion management |
| Philippines | Distance-based tolls | RFID implementation | Major expressways | Learning from Taiwan's system |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tourists get an eTag?
Tourists need an ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) to register for an eTag. Short-term visitors can use the pay-by-mail system or prepaid options.
What happens if I don't pay within 3 days?
Bills are sent to the vehicle registration address. Late payment may result in additional fees and collection procedures.
Can I use my eTag for other services?
Yes, eTag is expanding beyond tolls to include parking, gas stations, and other services as part of Taiwan's smart city initiatives.
How accurate is the distance calculation?
The system uses precise GPS and gantry data to calculate exact distances traveled on toll roads. Daily totals are calculated at midnight.
Do I need separate eTags for different vehicles?
Yes, each eTag is vehicle-specific and registered to a particular license plate number.
Can I get a refund for unused eTag credit?
Yes, prepaid account balances can typically be refunded when closing an account or transferring vehicles.
Are there peak hour surcharges?
Currently, Taiwan doesn't use peak hour pricing, but the system has capabilities for variable tolling during high-traffic periods.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Driving without payment method - Ensure eTag is working or be prepared for mail billing
- Insufficient eTag balance - Monitor account balance to avoid automatic top-ups failing
- Wrong vehicle registration - Ensure eTag is properly registered to correct vehicle
- Ignoring payment deadlines - Pay convenience store bills within 3-day window
- Assuming all roads are tolled - Only odd-numbered national freeways have tolls
- Forgetting ARC for eTag - Bring proper documentation when applying for eTag installation
Technical Innovation
World-First Achievements
- First complete transition from manual to electronic tolling
- Multi-lane free flow implementation across entire freeway network
- Real-time traffic management using toll system data
- Environmental benefits through reduced emissions at former toll plazas
Future Developments
- Smart transportation integration with public transit systems
- Dynamic pricing capabilities for traffic management
- Cross-border payment systems for international travelers
- Enhanced data analytics for urban planning and development
Useful Links & Resources
- Far Eastern Electronic Toll Collection Company
- Taiwan Freeway Bureau
- Taiwan Highway Administration
- Customer Service: Available through FETC website and mobile app
