Can the ETC card be removed?
3 Answers
The ETC card can be removed, but the ETC device will not function without it. According to Article 9 of the "Rules for the Use of Non-Stop Rapid Passage Systems," 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 for you. When the ETC card is inserted into the OBU device, a prompt sound will indicate that the device is activated. Without the card, the device remains in a dormant state and cannot recognize vehicle information at toll stations, so removing the card renders the ETC unusable. ETC is a non-stop electronic toll collection system, also known as an automatic road toll system. It is a specialized method for toll roads, commonly 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 dedicated short-range microwave communication between the vehicle's onboard electronic tag (installed on the windshield) and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, the system uses computer networking technology to settle payments with banks in the background. This allows vehicles to pass toll stations without stopping, all 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; Reduced wear and tear: Saves costs by minimizing frequent starts and stops, lowering vehicle wear and fuel consumption; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster, more advanced, and more 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, key city clusters should achieve interoperability of transportation smart cards, and the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC should significantly increase." It also set a target of "achieving a 50% ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles by 2020" in the main indicators for comprehensive transportation development during the 13th Five-Year Plan. More future possibilities: In addition to continuously improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage rates for passenger vehicles, efforts will be made to promote ETC adoption for trucks and explore deeper integration of the ETC system with smart transportation developments such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-road coordination. This will provide comprehensive travel services for vehicle owners, meaning more application scenarios will support ETC usage.
As a veteran driver with over 15 years of experience, I can confidently say from personal experience that it's absolutely fine to remove your ETC card. The ETC card is usually inserted into that small device in your car for automatic toll deduction, but when you don't need to use it—like when driving in the city or parking long-term in a garage—it's completely feasible to take it out. I often remove the card before vehicle maintenance or car washes to prevent accidental charges due to moisture or vibrations. The process is simple: just press the button gently and slide it out—don't use too much force to avoid damaging the card slot. Once removed, the device won't function, but it reactivates after reinsertion and self-check when needed. I also recommend cleaning the card and contacts monthly to keep them dry and prevent oxidation from affecting functionality, which helps extend the device's lifespan. The whole operation is safe and risk-free, so beginners can confidently follow suit as long as they adhere to the proper procedure. In short, it's all about convenience and peace of mind—there shouldn't be any major issues.
As a new driver who just got my license, I was also curious whether the ETC card could be removed. After trying it a few times myself, I found it works perfectly fine. It's designed like a small chip that can be easily pushed out without much effort. After removal, you can't pass through highway toll stations and have to use the manual lane, but that's no big deal. I usually remove it when I arrive at my destination or when the car is idle, storing it in a pouch to save power. Online research shows that removing the card doesn't damage the hardware—just avoid bending or getting it wet. Occasionally, if there's poor contact, removing and reinserting the card helps. Don’t worry about the card getting locked or damaged; the mechanism supports hot-swapping. Overall, it’s a good habit to avoid unnecessary trouble—just give it a try, but make sure to keep the card safe and not lose it.
