Can an ETC card be transferred to another vehicle?
3 Answers
ETC cannot be used when changing vehicles: ETC is dedicated to a specific vehicle. If both the vehicle and license plate are changed, the owner should 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 the highway, if the license plate number does not match the information in the card or the tag, passage will not be allowed, and the card will be added to the issuing bank's ETC blacklist. The owner must bring their original ID card and vehicle registration certificate to the issuing bank's ETC service point to remove the blacklist. If the vehicle is changed but the license plate remains the same, simply take the ETC device to the service point to update the license plate number, engine number, and other information, then reinstall it. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection. To apply for ETC, the owner must provide their valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate (original and photocopy). If the application is made by a proxy, the proxy's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. A bank card for deducting highway toll fees is also required. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old and own the vehicle. Here are some precautions 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 ETC without considering this may increase blind spots. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can avoid obstructing the view. Avoid affecting charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not require charging or battery replacement, as it has a built-in solar panel for self-charging. Therefore, avoid installing it on the blackened areas of the windshield or where the solar panel might be blocked. Do not remove it randomly after installation: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-tamper lever connected to a switch. Once installed, the windshield presses the lever in. If removed, the lever will pop out, triggering the switch and locking the electronic tag, rendering it unusable. Unlocking requires visiting an ETC service point. This mechanism prevents 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 ahead 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; exceeding this speed may result in failed transactions. If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause transaction failure.
I previously helped a customer replace their ETC when dealing with car issues. The ETC card and device are bound to a specific vehicle and cannot be directly transferred to a new car; you need to visit a bank or ETC service center to complete the transfer process. Bring the vehicle registration documents for both the old and new cars, your ID card, and the ETC card. The staff will assist you in migrating the device or issuing a new one. The entire process usually takes about half an hour and may be free or involve a small service fee. From a security perspective, binding the ETC to the new car helps prevent tolling errors and unauthorized use. It's best to make an appointment before the transfer to avoid congestion. After installation in the new car, test it to ensure it works properly. If you frequently drive on highways, transferring your ETC can make your trips smoother and hassle-free.
I've been driving trucks for ten years and have had to deal with ETC several times when changing vehicles. Each time, I had to go to an ETC service point to fill out an application form and bring my documents for transfer. Simply put, the card and device are bound to the license plate, so you can't just switch vehicles directly; after the transfer, the new device might be placed on the windshield. It's advisable to check the service point's phone number and ask about details before going to avoid unnecessary trips, and also to update your account information to prevent errors with highway tolls. Using ETC for many years has saved me a lot of time, and I always pay attention to these small details during regular vehicle maintenance. Preparing the documents in advance ensures everything is done on the same day without affecting my livelihood.