Can ETC be used without inserting the card?
3 Answers
ETC cannot be used without inserting the card. According to the "Rules for the Use of Non-Stop Fast Pass System," the ETC card must be inserted into the OBU device for normal operation; otherwise, user information cannot be read. If the card is removed, you can use the manual lane and have the staff swipe the card. When the ETC card is inserted into the OBU device, a prompt sound will be heard, indicating that the device is activated. Without the card inserted, the device remains in a dormant state and cannot recognize vehicle information at toll stations, so ETC cannot be used without the card. ETC is an electronic toll collection system, also known as an automatic road toll system. It is a specialized road toll method typically used on highways, toll bridges or tunnels, and certain urban road sections to alleviate traffic congestion. ETC deduction principle: Highways have one or more ETC lanes. Through microwave short-range communication between the vehicle's onboard electronic tag (installed on the windshield) and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, computer networking technology is used to settle payments with banks. This allows vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping, based 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: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions by allowing vehicles to pass toll stations without stopping; Cost-saving: Reduces wear and fuel consumption by minimizing frequent starts and stops; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster and more advanced. 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 will be widely used in key urban clusters, and the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC will significantly increase." The plan also set a target of "achieving a 50% ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles by 2020." More future possibilities: In addition to improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage rates for passenger vehicles, efforts will be made to promote ETC use for trucks and explore deeper integration of ETC systems with smart transportation developments like vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-to-infrastructure coordination. This will provide comprehensive travel services for vehicle owners, meaning more application scenarios will support ETC.
Having driven for over a decade, I know ETC inside out—no card means no go. That little card is like the heart of the ETC system, storing payment info when slotted into the device; without it, the system can’t function. At toll gates, the sensor relies on the card to deduct fees and lift the barrier. If the card’s missing, your car gets stuck, forcing you to reverse or switch to a manual lane—wasting time and risking fines from the toll operator. I always remind myself to check the card slot before driving, avoiding a repeat of that chaotic time I took the card to a gas station and forgot to reinsert it. Also, watch the device placement—don’t let sunshades block it, and replace weak batteries early. Bottom line: the card is essential, and making a habit of checking it is key to avoiding highway mishaps.
For office workers commuting on highways every day, ETC is a lifesaver, but it's useless without the card. The card is the core of payment; without inserting it, the device is rendered useless. Last month, I learned this the hard way: I took the card out to buy coffee and forgot to reinsert it, resulting in the toll gate not opening. I had to queue for manual payment, wasting half an hour and almost being late. I recommend buying a magnetic card holder fixed in the car to avoid forgetting. When inserting the ETC card, press it gently and make sure it's properly aligned. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a cloth. The signal is associated with the windshield, but the card slot is more critical. Develop a habit of checking before getting out of the car, and if any abnormalities are found, contact the bank promptly to resolve card issues.
