Can an ETC Card Be Used in Someone Else's Vehicle?
2 Answers
An ETC card cannot be used in someone else's vehicle because the ETC card is linked to the vehicle's information. If it is removed or transferred to another vehicle without authorization, it may lead to issues such as ETC fraud or evasion of toll fees. Benefits of Installing ETC: Saves Time: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues; Green and Eco-Friendly: Promotes low-carbon travel by allowing vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions, and minimizing pollution; Reduces Wear and Tear: Saves costs by decreasing the frequency of vehicle starts and stops, reducing wear and fuel consumption. Users also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees; Improves Efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC systems faster, more advanced, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. ETC Usage Notes: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. If the vehicle in front stops, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters to prevent automatic toll deduction for the wrong vehicle, especially if the vehicle ahead has a faulty or no ETC device. The speed limit for ETC lane recognition is 20 km/h. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's ETC device and unsuccessful toll deduction. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, or if the ETC electronic tag becomes loose or detached, may render the tag invalid. In such cases, take it to the bank where the ETC card was issued or a highway service center for inspection. If the issue is not due to human interference, reactivation may suffice. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may cause toll deduction failure. Follow the instructions of on-site staff to use the manual MTC lane and pay via cash or card. Thick or modified windshields may interfere with ETC signal reception. This is particularly important for vehicles that have had their windshields replaced after accidents or modified.
I think using an ETC card in someone else's car won't work, and this is related to how the ETC system operates. Simply put, ETC isn't just about the card—it also includes a device installed in your car called the On-Board Unit (OBU), which stores your license plate and vehicle information. The card is just a payment tool, and the system only recognizes it when it's bound together. I've experienced this situation: a friend wanted to borrow my card to try it in their car, but at the highway toll station, the display directly showed "Vehicle Not Bound," the fee wasn't deducted, and it held up the line. The backend system automatically checks if the license plate matches, and if it doesn't, the transaction is rejected. This not only wastes time but could also trigger system alerts, leading to account investigations or freezes. If something goes wrong, mismatched insurance records could cause even more trouble. So, I never dare to misuse it—I stick to my own device to avoid unnecessary risks.
