Can an ETC card be used on another car?

[ReeseFitz]

ETC cannot be used when changing cars: 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 car 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; moreover, it will be added to the ETC blacklist of the issuing bank. The owner's original ID card and the original vehicle registration certificate must be taken to the ETC service outlet of the issuing bank to remove the ETC blacklist. If the car is changed but the license plate remains the same, simply take the ETC device to the service outlet, have the bank update the license plate number, engine number, and other information, and then reinstall it. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply for ETC, the owner must provide the original and photocopies of their valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is made by a non-owner, the agent's valid ID card must also be provided. 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 the vehicle must be registered under their name. Below are the precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have a large rearward tilt angle on the windshield, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If ETC is installed without considering this, it may increase the driver's blind spots. Install it behind the rearview mirror on the right side to avoid obstructing the view. Do not interfere with charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not require charging or battery replacement because it has a solar panel on the back that can charge itself. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened areas on the windshield and positions that may block the solar panel. Do not remove it arbitrarily once installed: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-tamper lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield will press the anti-tamper lever in. If the tag is removed arbitrarily, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. In such cases, you will need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This mechanism is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. Things to note when using ETC: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To prevent the ETC device of the car in front from malfunctioning, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from the car in front to avoid automatic toll payment for the wrong vehicle. The ETC lane recognizes vehicles at a speed of 20 km/h. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information may not be read, resulting in failed toll deduction. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause toll deduction to fail.

[MacSteven]

As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I can tell you that ETC cards generally cannot be used in other vehicles. This is because each ETC card is bound to the original vehicle's license plate and equipment, with details like the OBU unit and vehicle information registered in the system. If you force it to work in another car, the toll station might fail to recognize the license plate, leading to payment issues or even triggering an alarm. I once tried using a friend's card in my car and got stopped at the toll booth, having to pay on the spot and re-register the card. So unless you're looking for trouble, don't do it. If you really need to switch cars, it's safer to visit the ETC customer service to complete a transfer procedure—just bring your ID and vehicle documents. In the long run, following the rules saves hassle and keeps things secure.

[VonRachel]

As a regular highway driver, I recently tried using my ETC card in another car. I bought a new device and installed it, and everything seemed fine at startup. However, when passing through the toll station, the scanner couldn't read the tag at all. The customer service informed me that the system is tied to the initial vehicle, and the card and device are interconnected. Switching cars randomly might cause errors or incorrect charges. They recommended either applying for a new card for the new car or visiting a service point to update the registration. It took me two attempts to finally understand—now I use the ETC strictly as intended for each car. From my experience, it's best not to cut corners; safety first also saves time in the long run.

[DelBentley]

From a safety perspective, ETC cards should not be randomly used in other vehicles. The system is designed based on license plate recognition and binding mechanisms. Switching cars may cause signal confusion, increasing the risk of accidents or fines. For example, I once changed cars without completing the necessary procedures, resulting in a failed highway toll deduction and a fine. Therefore, following the rules is the safest approach. If absolutely necessary, seek professional assistance for card migration.