Can the ETC Card Be Removed While Driving on the Highway?
2 Answers
ETC card can be removed while driving on the highway, but it is not recommended to do so. Removing the ETC card may cause connection issues with the device, making it impossible to pass through the highway directly. Benefits of installing ETC: Saves time: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: Promotes low-carbon travel by allowing vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions, and minimizing pollution; Reduces wear and tear: Saves costs by decreasing the frequency of vehicle starts and stops, lowering wear and fuel consumption. Users can also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees; Improves efficiency: Theoretically, ETC lanes can increase vehicle passing 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. How ETC works: Through dedicated short-range communication between the on-board electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, the system uses computer networking technology to process backend settlements with the bank. This enables vehicles to pay highway or bridge tolls without stopping at the toll station.
I once tried removing my ETC card while driving on the highway, and it turned out to be quite risky. With vehicles moving at such high speeds, taking your hands off the wheel to fiddle with the card—even for just a few seconds—can easily distract you. If the car ahead suddenly brakes or an obstacle appears, you might not react in time, potentially leading to a rear-end collision. The ETC card is actually inserted into the onboard OBU device; removing it prevents the toll gantry from recognizing the vehicle, resulting in a failed toll charge. Not only would you have to visit the toll station later to pay the missed fee, but you might also be flagged for suspected toll evasion. The system is designed for vehicles to zip through toll stations without stopping, so tampering with the card is just asking for trouble. Now, I always prioritize safety and leave the card untouched, only checking to ensure it’s securely inserted when parked at service areas. On the highway, it’s wiser to focus entirely on the road and avoid unnecessary distractions.
