Can the ETC be removed after installation?
2 Answers
The ETC can be removed after installation. However, if the ETC is removed 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. Once it is peeled off from the windshield, the internal switch will automatically close. Therefore, you must bring the vehicle's registration certificate to the ETC processing institution for reactivation. ETC billing principle: There will be one or more ETC lanes on the highway. Through the dedicated short-range microwave communication between the vehicle-mounted electronic tag installed on the windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane of the toll station, and using computer networking technology for backend settlement with the bank, the purpose of paying road and bridge fees without stopping at toll stations is achieved. All of this is based on the principle of passing first and deducting fees later. Benefits of installing ETC: Save time: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and environmentally friendly: Green and low-carbon, vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions and minimizing pollution; Save on wear and tear: Reduces costs, decreases the frequency of vehicle starts and brakes, and lowers wear and fuel consumption; Improve efficiency: The theoretical efficiency of ETC lanes can be increased by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC more updated, faster, 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 explicitly set the goal in the "13th Five-Year" comprehensive transportation development indicators that "by 2020, the ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles will reach 50%." More future possibilities: In addition to continuously improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage and the ETC usage rate for passenger vehicles, the future will also promote the use of ETC for trucks and explore the deep integration of the ETC system with smart transportation development directions such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-road coordination, providing comprehensive travel services for car owners. This means more application scenarios will support ETC applications.
My car just had an ETC installed, that small device is fixed to the windshield with strong adhesive. The installer specifically warned against pulling it off randomly, as forceful removal could easily damage the internal wiring of the device or scratch the glass surface. Last time, a friend tried to take it off out of curiosity for cleaning and ended up breaking the entire tag, having to reapply for installation which wasted several days. The device is designed to be permanently fixed in place to detect toll station signals; once removed, the power disconnects and it simply cannot function, requiring reconnection which may affect automatic tolling efficiency. During daily driving, the ETC automatically deducts fees, saving time and effort, so there's really no need to touch it. When washing the car, just wipe the surrounding glass. If removal is absolutely necessary, such as when changing cars or for repairs, be sure to consult service point experts who can use professional tools for safe operation to avoid risks—it's not worth the high chance of accidents.
