Can an ETC Card Be Transferred to Another Vehicle?

[DiAriana]

ETC devices cannot be transferred between vehicles: ETC is vehicle-specific. If both the vehicle and license plate have been changed, the owner must first go to the bank to unbind the original ETC-linked bank card. If the new vehicle needs to use ETC, a new ETC pass card must be applied for. When passing through a highway toll, if the license plate number does not match the information in the card or the tag, passage will not be permitted, and the card will be added to the issuing bank's ETC blacklist. The owner must then visit the bank's ETC service outlet with their original ID card and vehicle registration to remove the ETC from the blacklist. If the vehicle is changed but the license plate remains the same, the owner can simply take the ETC device to the service outlet to update the license plate number, engine number, and other information, then reinstall it. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection. To apply for an ETC, the following documents are required: the owner's valid ID card and vehicle registration (original and photocopies). If the application is made by a proxy, the proxy's valid ID card is also needed. The photocopy of the vehicle registration must include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, a bank card for deducting highway toll fees is required. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old, and the vehicle must be registered under their name. Here are some important notes for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the driver's view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have steeply angled windshields, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. Installing the ETC without considering this may increase blind spots. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can help avoid obstructing the view. Avoid affecting charging: The ETC electronic tag requires power but generally does not need charging or battery replacement, as it has a built-in solar panel for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened areas on the windshield and positions that may block the solar panel. Do not remove the device arbitrarily once installed: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-tamper lever connected to a switch. Once the electronic tag is installed, the windshield will press the lever in. If the device is removed, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. The owner will then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This mechanism is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. When using ETC, note the following: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To avoid paying for the vehicle in front due to its faulty ETC device, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters. The ETC lane recognizes vehicles at speeds of up to 20 km/h; driving too fast may result in failed deductions. If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause deduction failures.

[DeBrantley]

Last year, I changed my car and thought it would be convenient and cost-saving to directly transfer the ETC card and device from my old car to the new one. However, when I was on the highway, I was stopped by a toll collector who said the system was confused because the license plate and VIN number bound to the ETC didn't match, leading to incorrect fee deductions. They explained that the ETC device includes a bank card and an OBU unit, and once bound to a vehicle, it cannot be moved without authorization. The solution was to go to the original ETC service point to complete the transfer or cancellation procedures, then apply for a new device on the new car, which took several hours of filling out forms and providing vehicle proof. This incident wasted my time and incurred service fees, but fortunately, no major issues arose. I suggest car owners plan their vehicle replacement process in advance to avoid being caught in a similar situation like me.