Can ETC be uninstalled after installation?
4 Answers
ETC can be uninstalled after installation. However, removing the ETC device by yourself will render it invalid because the ETC device has an anti-tamper function. There is a small switch on the back of the ETC electronic tag, which automatically turns off once the device is detached from the windshield. Therefore, you must take the vehicle's registration certificate to the ETC service provider for reactivation. ETC Billing Principle: Highways have one or more ETC lanes. The onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane via dedicated short-range microwave communication. Using computer networking technology, the system performs backend settlement with banks, allowing vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping to pay road and bridge fees. All of this operates on the principle of "pass first, deduct later." Benefits of Installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues; Green and eco-friendly: Promotes low-carbon travel by reducing noise and exhaust emissions since vehicles do not need to stop at toll stations; Reduced wear and tear: Saves costs by minimizing frequent starts and brakes, thereby lowering vehicle wear and fuel consumption; Improved efficiency: Theoretically, ETC lanes can increase traffic throughput by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC systems more advanced, faster, and high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More Policy Support: The State Council explicitly stated in the "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" that "by 2020, intercity transportation cards should be widely interoperable in key urban clusters, and the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC should significantly increase." It also set a target in the "13th Five-Year" comprehensive transportation development indicators: "By 2020, the ETC usage rate for passenger vehicles should reach 50%." More Future Possibilities: In addition to continuously improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage rates for passenger vehicles, future efforts will promote ETC adoption for trucks and explore deeper integration of ETC systems with smart transportation developments such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-to-infrastructure coordination. This will provide car owners with comprehensive travel services, meaning more application scenarios will support ETC usage.
I've been running an auto repair shop for ten years, and of course, ETC devices can be uninstalled after installation, but there are some tricks to it. The device is attached to the windshield with strong double-sided tape. When removing it, don’t pull it off forcefully—first use a hairdryer to heat and soften the adhesive, then gently pry it off. Afterward, there might be some adhesive residue left on the glass, which can be cleaned with alcohol or a glue remover. Inside the ETC device, there’s a small sensor that triggers a security lock when moved, so after removal, you’ll need to visit a bank or ETC service point to reactivate it before it can be used again. If you’re changing cars, simply move the device to the new vehicle, reinstall it, and bind it to the new license plate. The removal process itself doesn’t damage the device, but avoid doing it too frequently to prevent wear on the adhesive, which could affect stability. I often help car owners with these tasks and remind them to check the manual before removal to avoid damaging the wiring. ETC saves on toll fees and is quite convenient—removing and reinstalling it might take some time, but it’s worth it.
I'm an experienced driver who's driven countless car models, and removing the ETC is no problem. That thing sticks to the windshield and might leave some adhesive residue when peeled off, so you'll need to clean it patiently. I've changed cars a few times and just moved the ETC to the new vehicle. Don't be foolish and try to use it right after removal—you need to visit the ETC service center to have them reset the device parameters because moving it triggers an anti-theft mechanism. The process is simple: fill out a form, wait a bit, and it's done for free. The annoying part is that without ETC, you'll have to queue up to pay cash at toll booths, which delays your trip. My advice is not to remove it unless you're changing cars or for repairs—keeping it saves a lot of hassle. ETC saves me time, and reinstalling it only takes half an hour. Just make sure to maintain the adhesive tape properly.
I installed an ETC just one year after I started driving. I heard it can be removed. The device is stuck to the windshield, so when removing it, you should pry it off slowly and avoid pulling hard to prevent scratching the glass or leaving adhesive residue. After removal and cleaning, if you want to use it again, you must go to a service point to reactivate it; otherwise, the device will become invalid. Removing it doesn't affect the device itself, but rebinding it is a bit troublesome. As a beginner, I find ETC super convenient—if you remove it, passing through toll stations will slow you down, so you need to allow more time. Usually, it's best not to touch it unless you're changing cars.
