Can ETC be removed?
3 Answers
ETC can be removed after installation. However, if you remove the ETC device by yourself, it will become invalid because the ETC device has an anti-tamper function. There is a small switch on the back of the ETC electronic tag, which will automatically turn off once it is detached from the windshield. Therefore, you must bring your vehicle's registration certificate to the ETC service provider for reactivation. ETC charging principle: There will be one or more ETC lanes on the highway. Through the dedicated short-range microwave communication between the on-board electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, the computer network technology is used to settle accounts with the bank, achieving the purpose of paying tolls without stopping at the toll station. All of this is based on the principle of "pass first, deduct later." Benefits of installing ETC: Save time: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: Low-carbon, vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions and minimizing pollution; Reduce wear and tear: Saves costs, reduces the frequency of vehicle starts and brakes, and lowers wear and fuel consumption; Improve efficiency: The efficiency of ETC lanes can theoretically increase by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster, more advanced, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council clearly stated in the "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" that "by 2020, the interoperability of transportation cards in key city clusters will be basically achieved, and the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC will be significantly increased." It also set a target in the "13th Five-Year Plan" for comprehensive transportation development: "By 2020, the ETC usage rate of road passenger vehicles should reach 50%." More future possibilities: In addition to continuously improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage and increasing the ETC usage rate of passenger vehicles, efforts will also be made to promote the use of ETC by trucks in the future. There will be exploration of deep integration between the ETC system and smart transportation development directions such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-to-road coordination, providing comprehensive travel services for car owners. This means more application scenarios will support ETC applications. 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 angle of the windshield, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it will increase the driver's blind spots. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can avoid obstructing the view. Do not interfere with charging: The ETC electronic tag requires power, but generally, it does not need to be charged or have its battery replaced because there is a solar panel on the back that can charge itself. Therefore, during installation, avoid the black 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 rod connected to a switch. Once the electronic tag is installed, the windshield will press the anti-tamper rod in. If it is removed arbitrarily, the anti-tamper rod will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. You will then need to go to an ETC service point to unlock it. This is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. Precautions for using ETC: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To prevent the ETC device of the vehicle in front from malfunctioning, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle in front to avoid automatic sensing and paying for the vehicle ahead. The recognition speed for ETC lanes is 20 kilometers per hour. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle's device information cannot be read, resulting in a failed charge. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause the charge to fail.
I tried removing the ETC device myself before because I felt it blocked the windshield view and was quite bothersome. I used a small blade to gently pry open the adhesive and slowly peeled it off. The process wasn't difficult, but I had to be careful not to scratch the glass. After removal, the ETC became unusable and required reactivation at a service center, otherwise it wouldn't be recognized at highway tolls. Actually, ETC devices are designed for fixed installation - frequent removal may weaken the adhesive, making it prone to falling off when reinstalled. I suggest avoiding unnecessary tampering. If position adjustment is needed, visit a professional installer. Regularly check the adhesive's firmness during car use - it would be embarrassing if it falls off at highway toll gates. Moreover, a tightly secured ETC also prevents theft or tampering, enhancing security. In short, removal is possible but requires cautious handling.
I heard some people remove their ETC devices to reposition them for convenience, but safety and legal considerations must be taken into account. The ETC is linked to both the vehicle and the personal account, and removing it without reason may lead toll stations to mistakenly assume fee evasion or fraud, risking penalties. I once accidentally loosened mine while washing the car and promptly secured it back in place. In fact, ETC adhesive is highly durable, and forcibly peeling it off can affect the device's lifespan or even damage the chip. During routine checks, you can gently shake the device to test its stability and reapply adhesive or seek help if it's loose. It's advisable not to remove it frequently unless changing cars or due to device malfunction. An ETC suddenly failing during highway use is troublesome, so it's best to install it properly once and for peace of mind. Remember, it's not just hardware—it's also about account security.
