Can the ETC card be removed when not on the highway?

[MacIsabel]

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 the Non-stop Rapid Transit 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, there will be a prompt sound, indicating 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 disables ETC functionality. 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 Principles: 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, the system uses computer networking technology to perform backend settlement with banks. This allows vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping to pay tolls, 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 avoiding stops at toll stations; Reduced wear and tear: Saves costs by minimizing frequent starts and brakes, 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 higher-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council's "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" explicitly states the goal of "achieving interoperability of transportation cards in key city clusters by 2020 and significantly increasing the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC." It also sets a target of "50% ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles by 2020" in the main indicators of the "13th Five-Year" comprehensive transportation development plan. More future possibilities: In addition to continuously improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage rates for passenger vehicles, future efforts will promote ETC adoption for trucks and explore deeper integration of ETC systems 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.

[DeJaxson]

I often drive, and it's perfectly fine to remove the ETC card when not on the highway. The ETC device only activates automatically when passing through toll stations and does not affect normal vehicle operation. After removing the card, the device enters a dormant state, saving power and ensuring safety; even if you accidentally drive near a toll station someday, there won’t be any mistaken charges. It’s recommended to regularly check if the card and device connection is secure to avoid oxidation or looseness. During daily maintenance, make it a habit to remove and store the card for easy top-ups or transfers. This not only prevents misoperations but also extends the device’s lifespan. In short, if you’re not using the highway, removing the ETC is as simple as taking out a key.

[VonWeston]

As a regular car owner who drives almost daily but rarely on highways, I simply remove my ETC card when not in use—it's no big deal. The device was designed with our need for easy access in mind; removing the card merely stops its function without harming the car or the card itself. Plus, this prevents accidental scans when occasionally passing through toll areas, giving you peace of mind. I usually store the card in the glove compartment after removal for easy management, and it also eases my mind during parking, eliminating concerns about device overheating or excessive power consumption. Remember, daily ETC card maintenance is straightforward—just avoid frequent insertion and removal.

[VonZoe]

As a lazy driver, I'm quite casual about ETC operations. Of course, you can remove the ETC card when not using highways—the device is smart enough that unplugging won't cause any issues. If you leave the card in, it stays on standby, which might consume a little power but isn't a big deal. Removing the card is more carefree, eliminating worries about accidentally entering a toll gate and getting charged. I suggest checking your vehicle manual, as most devices support this approach. When not on highways, just enjoy the freedom of driving without worries.