Can ETC cards still be stolen?
3 Answers
ETC cards have the risk of being stolen, so it is recommended to remove the ETC card when parking to prevent theft. Precautions for using ETC: The ETC transaction sensing area is 8 meters. When encountering a vehicle in front that has stopped, to prevent the ETC device of the vehicle in front from malfunctioning or not having an ETC device at all, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle in front to avoid automatic sensing and paying for the vehicle in front. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20km/h. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read, which will also lead to a failed deduction. Unauthorized disassembly or movement of the OBU device, detachment or loosening of the ETC electronic tag, etc., will cause the electronic tag to become invalid. It can be sent to the bank where the ETC card was processed or the highway service office for testing. If the loosening or detachment is not due to human factors, it only needs to be reactivated. When using a debit card to bind with ETC, insufficient balance will also lead to a failed deduction. You can follow the guidance of the on-site staff to go to the manual MTC lane and use cash or card to pass. Poor sensing due to overly thick car windshield. Especially for vehicles that have undergone repairs or replacement of the windshield after an accident, or for those who have modified the front windshield, extra attention is needed.
ETC cards theoretically still carry the risk of being skimmed, but in practice, the risk has significantly decreased. As someone who has been into cars for years, I know that ETC cards, based on RFID technology like bank cards, could potentially be scanned by malicious devices at close range, such as using a POS machine or similar tools near the car window to steal information. However, most newer ETC cards now feature strong encryption and dynamic passwords, with codes changing for each transaction, greatly reducing the chance of being cloned. Additionally, the signal range is limited, usually effective only within 10 centimeters. Therefore, I recommend drivers to securely fix the card on the inside of the windshield and avoid removing it casually to display it, or to purchase an inexpensive metal shielding sleeve to block signals. It’s also good practice to regularly check transaction notifications on mobile banking and report any anomalies to customer service immediately. In short, with technological advancements, risks are decreasing, but staying vigilant is always wise.
As an ordinary driver, I've been using an ETC card for seven or eight years without ever encountering theft, but I have indeed heard of cases. The key lies in daily precautions: after parking, don't leave your car in crowded places with the card exposed; it's best to keep the card in a fixed position in the car and avoid moving it frequently. Some experienced drivers recommend using a simple shielding sleeve—even wrapping it in aluminum foil can help. I also make sure to check my bill every month, not waiting until the end of the year to spot any issues. The ETC system itself is also being upgraded, and newly issued cards now come with high encryption, making illegal transactions very difficult to succeed. So while there may be risks, as long as you pay attention and don't get careless, using it is still convenient and safe. Don't always worry about this while driving—focus on enjoying the time-saving benefits.
