Can the ETC card be unplugged when not in use?
4 Answers
The card can be unplugged, but the ETC device will not function. According to 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. When the ETC card is inserted into the OBU device, a prompt sound will indicate that the device is activated. If the card is not inserted, the device remains in a dormant state and cannot recognize vehicle information at toll stations. Therefore, the ETC cannot be used without the card inserted. Simply insert the card when needed. ETC is an 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 microwave short-range communication between the vehicle's windshield-mounted electronic tag and the toll station's ETC lane antenna, the system uses computer networking technology to settle payments with banks, allowing vehicles to pass toll stations without stopping. This operates 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 stops, lowering vehicle wear and fuel consumption; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster and more advanced. 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 "13th Five-Year" comprehensive transportation development indicators. Future possibilities: Beyond 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 vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-road coordination, and other smart transportation developments. This will provide comprehensive travel services for vehicle owners, meaning more application scenarios will support ETC usage.
I think this is a practical question, as many people who frequently drive on highways wonder if they must always keep the card inserted. The answer is no, especially when you don't use the highway for a long time. Removing the card can save some battery life for the device, otherwise, that little black box will keep consuming power when constantly powered on, and replacing the battery after excessive drain can be troublesome. There are also safety considerations—keeping the card inserted exposes it to high temperatures or humid environments, risking water damage or chip failure, which could lead to payment failures, making things worse. However, be careful when inserting or removing the card to avoid excessive force, as frequent handling can loosen the card slot. Personally, whenever my car is parked for more than a week, I make it a habit to take the card out and keep it in my pocket, inserting it only when needed. This also allows me to periodically check the card for wear or insufficient balance, avoiding unpleasant surprises. In short, don’t skip this simple maintenance step—the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
I've researched some automotive electronic devices, and the functionality of ETC is actually quite interesting. When you're not driving on highways, you certainly don't need to insert the card. There are several reasons for this: the device has a built-in battery, and keeping the card inserted maintains it in standby mode, gradually draining the battery if not disconnected. Removing the card makes the battery last longer. Additionally, the card's chip is exposed, and prolonged insertion can lead to dust accumulation or moisture, affecting its sensing sensitivity and potentially causing recognition failures. I often try removing the card after parking, storing it in an anti-magnetic card holder, and reinserting it when needed for instant passage through toll gates. This also prevents car thieves from tampering with the device, reducing potential losses. An extra tip: avoid frequent insertion and removal to prevent damaging the metal contacts and affecting the card's lifespan. Overall, managing the card properly is key.
As someone with limited driving experience, I initially wondered whether the ETC card should always be left inserted. After consulting experienced drivers, I learned that the card can be removed when not using highways. This reduces the chance of accidental device activation, such as unintended operations leading to charges. Removing the card also minimizes battery consumption, extending its lifespan and avoiding frequent charging or replacement hassles. However, excessive insertion and removal should be avoided to prevent card scratches or malfunctions. I make it a habit to periodically remove the card, clean its surface, and check the balance to ensure proper functioning. After parking, storing the card properly prevents loss or dirt accumulation, making it convenient when needed. These small details collectively enhance safety and convenience.
