The bustling traffic network of Hong Kong greatly relies on the robust ETC, or Electronic Toll Collection System, created by the region’s sole service provider, Autotoll. Initially launched in 1998, the ETC system was primarily aimed at dealing with the hassles of manual cash payments at various toll booths by replacing the aforementioned age-old method with prepaid accounts and transponders, where tolls will be paid automatically from the drivers’ accounts.
The introduction of automatic toll deduction by Autotoll gave way to fewer queues and seamless traffic movement, while also enhancing user convenience and providing accurate billing. Even today, Autotoll remains operational for the majority of Hong Kong, serving thousands of vehicles on an every-day basis. However, of late, Hong Kong is moving towards a better, more advanced technology known as HKeToll, or ‘Free-Flow Tolling System’. HKeToll uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technologies to eliminate the need for any physical toll booths altogether, and vehicles will only need to pass through designated lanes to complete toll payments.
With that being said, if you are looking to sign up for an Autotoll account and want to know the ideal process through which you can do that, then our extensive guide can come in handy.
What are the Eligibility Requirements
There are no specific requirements that you have to follow when signing up for the Autotoll ETC system. The service is open to all vehicles, including motorcycles, cars, and even commercial automobiles. However, you have to provide your vehicle registration information when signing up, as well as a payment method (your bank account or credit card), which will be used for automatic top-ups and payment for tolls.
Lastly, remember to install your Autotoll tag on your vehicle’s internal side of the front windshield, which will communicate with toll readers at toll booths and enable the toll deduction process.
How to Apply and Activate
Applications for the Autotoll Electronic Toll Collection System can be done either online or via mail. You can start the application process by following the below-mentioned steps judiciously.
Applying Online
- The first step involves visiting the official website here.
- On the landing page, select your preferred type of account – personal or corporate.
- Once you have selected your account type, you need to enter the desired information as necessary. These include your name, address, contact details, vehicle information, and so on.
- For corporate accounts, you need to provide the company name, its correspondence address, contact details, etc. Also, when providing vehicle information, you need to select the vehicle type and then provide the vehicle registration number.
- In the next step, you need to provide your payment information. Keep in mind that your payment credentials will be stored in the system for automatic top-ups and payments.
- Once you make your payment successfully, proceed to print the generated receipt for future reference.
After completing the online application process and printing the generated receipt, fax the same along with your vehicle registration document or certificate to 2764 4338.
Applying via Mail
- Begin by first heading over to the official website to download the requisite forms under the ‘Service Forms Download’ list.
- From the given form list, proceed to first download the ‘Autotoll Tag Application Form’ and the ‘Direct Debit Authorization Form’.
- Once you have downloaded the aforementioned forms, print them out and then fill them out with the required information. Keep in mind that you do not need to fill out the DDA, or ‘Direct Debit Authorization’ form, if you do not choose to autopay to top up your Autotoll account.
- If you are not submitting the DDA form, then you need to provide the requisite payment in cash or cheque, so that you can settle the first payment of the prepaid toll.
- After that, mail the application with the supporting documents to the following address: 11/F, Tower A, Billion Centre, 1 Wang Kwong Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
- Once your application is successfully verified and approved, you will receive the Autotoll tag in your mail.
Additionally, after you receive your Autotoll tag or transponder in the mail, you need to activate it by visiting the official website here. Simply choose your account type, enter your tag number and activation key, and your tag will be activated for use right away. Remember that the activation key should be an 8-digit number.
How to Contact For Help
If you require any assistance regarding your Autotoll account, you can get in touch with the customer support team via phone at 2627 8888. Phone lines are open from 8:45 AM to 5:30 PM between Monday and Friday and from 8:45 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturdays.
Alternatively, you can also visit the head office physically at the following address: 11/F, Tower A, Billion Centre, 1 Wang Kwong Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
