Can the ETC card be removed after entering the highway?
2 Answers
The ETC card can be removed, but the ETC device will not function when the card is removed. You can reinsert the card when exiting the highway. According to the "Rules for Using the Non-Stop Rapid Passage 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 indicate that the device is activated. Without the card inserted, the device remains in sleep mode and cannot recognize vehicle information at toll stations. ETC is a non-stop electronic toll collection system, also known as an automatic road toll system. It is specifically designed for toll roads, commonly seen on highways, toll bridges or tunnels, and certain urban road sections to alleviate traffic congestion. ETC Billing Principle: Highways have one or more ETC lanes. Communication between the vehicle-mounted electronic tag (installed on the windshield) and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane enables toll payment without stopping at the toll station, based on a post-payment principle where fees are deducted after passage. Benefits of Installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the need to queue and wait. Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions by allowing vehicles to pass toll stations without stopping. Cost-saving: Reduces wear and tear, fuel consumption, and offers a 5% discount on toll fees. Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically process vehicles 2-3 times faster, making the system more advanced and efficient compared to license plate payment. More policy support: The State Council's "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" aims for 50% ETC usage rate for passenger vehicles by 2020. Future possibilities: Beyond increasing ETC adoption, future plans include expanding ETC use for trucks and integrating ETC with vehicle-to-vehicle communication and smart transportation systems for comprehensive travel services.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I'm telling you never remove your ETC card on the highway. The ETC system tracks and deducts fees automatically throughout your journey, so the card must remain inserted in the in-car device at all times. If you pull it out, the reader can't connect to the data and may mistakenly judge it as a lost or malfunctioning card. This causes payment interruption, and you might get stopped at the exit to pay manually - wasting both extra money and time. I once saw a rookie driver foolishly remove his card while driving at high speed, triggering endless alarms at the exit that took him half an hour to resolve. Worse, handling the card distracts you from driving and increases rear-end collision risks. The correct approach is: insert the card before entering the highway, remove it after exiting. This method is convenient, safe, and protects device longevity. Remember this wisdom: don't touch the device on highways for a worry-free journey.
