Can ETC be transferred to another car?

[VanTyler]

ETC cannot be transferred to another car: 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 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 ETC will be added to the issuing bank's blacklist. The owner must bring their original ID card and vehicle registration certificate to the issuing bank's ETC service point to remove the ETC from the blacklist. If the car is changed but the license plate remains the same, simply take the ETC device to the service point, update the license plate number, engine number, and other information at the bank, and then reinstall it. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. 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 must include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. A bank card for deducting highway tolls is also needed. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old, and the car must be registered under their name. Here are some 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 rear windshield angle, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If ETC is installed without considering this, it may increase blind spots. Install it behind the rearview mirror on the right side to avoid blocking 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 for self-charging. Therefore, avoid installing it on the blackened area of the windshield or where the solar panel might be blocked. Do not remove it arbitrarily once installed: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield will press the lever in. If removed arbitrarily, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. You will then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This is designed to prevent multiple cars from sharing one device. When using ETC, note the following: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To avoid paying for the car in front due to its faulty ETC device, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the car ahead. The ETC lane recognizes vehicles at a speed of 20 km/h. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information, leading to failed toll deduction. If a debit card is linked to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause toll deduction to fail.

[RemingtonLynn]

Last year, I got a new car and thought I could simply transfer the ETC device from my old car to the new one. However, when I first passed through a toll station, the screen displayed an error message, which startled me, and I quickly pulled over. After consulting the ETC customer service, I learned that the device was bound to the old car's license plate and model, so it became invalid with the new car's different parameters. I had to bring the new car's registration certificate, ID card, and the original ETC card to a service outlet to reactivate it. The whole process took about half an hour and was free of charge. They said device transfer is simple but must be done in advance; otherwise, it might get stuck or fail to deduct fees at the toll. So, if you change cars, act quickly—don’t cut corners to avoid travel delays or mishaps. It’s also a good habit to check the ETC function during regular car maintenance.

[StPeyton]

The ETC device cannot be directly transferred to a new vehicle for use because it is bound to the registration information of the original vehicle. I tried this myself, thinking it would work once installed on the new car, but it didn't. The reason is that ETC matches the license plate via the OBU device, so changing to a new car causes confusion. The solution is to contact the issuing bank or ETC service center to update the binding with the new vehicle's documents. This can usually be done online or in person at a service center, often at no cost. Delaying this process can lead to bigger issues, such as the device being locked, causing toll payment problems or even fines. It's advisable to schedule the service via an app in advance to save time and effort. While ETC offers great convenience for daily driving, it's important to address this adjustment when changing vehicles to avoid minor hassles.

[VonElle]

ETC devices cannot be arbitrarily transferred between vehicles as they are bound to specific vehicle information. Moving them to another car will render them ineffective. For example, if you install the device on a new car after changing vehicles, toll stations will not recognize it. The solution is straightforward: simply take the new vehicle's documents to an ETC service point for reactivation. The entire process is either free or involves a minimal fee and typically takes about half an hour. Don't delay, as failure to update may lead to payment issues which can be more troublesome. Always ensure timely reactivation whenever you change vehicles.