On May 3, reports emerged that recent rumors claiming "ETC will no longer be valid on expressways starting May 1, and vehicles will be able to access highways using only license plates without the need for cards" have ignited intense discussions among netizens. Some have even contemplated removing their ETC devices as a result. However, reporters have confirmed from multiple sources that no such "new regulation" has been issued by the relevant authorities. Industry experts have pointed out that these rumors stem from a one-sided and inaccurate interpretation of the "mobile phone+" card-free convenient passage technology, and they are suspected of being exaggerated publicity.

On February 28 of this year, the Ministry of Transport approved the Implementation Plan for Card-Free Convenient Passage on Expressways via "Mobile Phone+" (2026–2028). This plan outlines the intention to implement the "mobile phone+" card-free convenient passage model over the next three years, following the principle of "pilot programs first, steady promotion." This model leverages mobile phones to provide services, utilizing license plate recognition technology to record vehicle information and enable card-free passage on expressways. Contrary to the rumors, this model will not be uniformly launched nationwide on May 1.

Currently, expressway toll collection primarily employs two methods: MTC (Manual Toll Collection) and ETC (Electronic Toll Collection). The "mobile phone+" card-free convenient passage will serve as a valuable addition, coexisting and developing in a collaborative manner with these existing methods over the long term.

The Ministry of Transport is currently conducting pilot programs in select provinces, such as Jiangsu's "Moli Changxing" and Chongqing's "Expressway Code Travel," to offer drivers a card-free passage experience. Simultaneously, to ensure payment security, sensitive data including users' identity information, payment details, and travel records will be encrypted and transmitted/stored using domestic encryption algorithms. Trusted evidence storage technology will also be utilized to guarantee data integrity and immutability.