Japan expressway Toll System Glitch: Few Seek Refunds After ETC Failure
NAGOYA — May 13, 2024 — A recent failure of Japan’s expressway toll collection (ETC) system in early April has prompted concern over low payment deferral applications. Teh incident, impacting 106 toll gates across 17 routes, saw approximately 960,000 vehicles affected during its 38-hour duration. Only a small percentage of drivers have yet applied for deferred payments after the major ETC system outage, highlighting the need for further examination into the reasons for the low response. Experts suggest those affected should apply promptly.
Japan’s Expressway Toll System Glitch: Few seek Refunds After ETC Failure
NAGOYA — A widespread failure of Japan’s electronic toll collection (ETC) system in early April has resulted in a surprisingly low number of applications for deferred toll payments. Despite an estimated 960,000 vehicles passing through affected toll gates during the 38-hour outage, only about 3.8% have applied for the payment deferral.
The Outage and Its Impact
The system failure began around 12:30 a.m. on April 6, 2025, rendering the ETC system unusable at 106 toll gates and smart interchanges across 17 routes. These included major arteries like the Tomei and Chuo expressways, impacting eight prefectures: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Aichi, Gifu, Mie, and Nagano.
Central Nippon Expressway Co. (NEXCO Central) responded by opening toll barriers at affected locations, allowing vehicles to pass with the understanding that tolls would be paid later. Emergency restoration work concluded by 2 p.m. the following day.
Low Submission Rate Raises Concerns
NEXCO Central reported receiving approximately 36,000 applications for deferred payment as of April 18.This figure represents only a fraction of the estimated number of vehicles affected by the outage.
to put this in perspective, during the same period a week prior to the system failure, roughly 960,000 vehicles traversed the same toll gates. NEXCO Central anticipates a similar number of vehicles are subject to deferred payment. The current application rate of 3.8% is significantly lower than expected.
We will continue to call for payments, and if non-paying users can be identified, we may issue claims in the future.
Takuji Sasaki, NEXCO Central’s sales director
The company is now considering measures to address the shortfall in payments, including potential claims against identified non-paying users.
Timeline of Application Numbers
- April 8 (night): Approximately 24,000 applications received.
- April 15 (night): Approximately 36,000 applications received.
FAQ: Expressway Toll Payment After ETC Failure
Contact NEXCO Central to arrange for deferred payment.
Contact NEXCO Central as soon as possible to inquire about the deadline.
NEXCO Central may issue claims against non-paying users.
